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IPL Before and Aftercare 
Treatment contraindications 

  • Immune system disorder 

  • Hypertrophic scarring or keloid formation 

  • Patients that are pregnant, may be pregnant or breast feeding

  • persons with unhealthy psychology

  • Currently on aspirin or anticoagulant. 

  • Abnormal blood coagulation

  • Light sensitive skin

  • Diabetes mellitus, skin cancer, psoriasis, eczema or dermatitis

  • Active infection or history of herpes simplex Coagulation disorders

  • Allergic to topical anesthetics, antibiotics or similar medications. 

Possible Side Effects Associated with and IPL Treatment

  • Discomfort: most patients will feel the pulses of light when it is applied to the treated area. It is described as a warm to hot feeling and a snap of a rubber band. The discomfort is transient and should subside in less than 1 hour. Most patients are able to tolerate this discomfort, those that are not able to tolerate can opt to have topical anesthetics. 

  • Scab: Occasionally a scab will form on the treated area. If this occurs, do not pick at the scab. An antibiotic ointment should be applied and the treatment area should be kept clean until it has completely healed (normally 5-10 days).

  • Change of pigmentation: While hypo and hyper-pigmentation is rare it can occur. Avoid direct sunlight for at least 6-weeks post treatment.

  • Skin redness: After an IPL treatment, the treated skin may become red. If this occurs please contact Balanced Soul Wellness to discuss starting topical hydrocortisone cream. 

  • Cyanosis: While rare, Cyanosis (treatment area turns blue) may occur. This is dried hemosiderin that will be evacuated by the body's immune system. However, it may take 1-3 months to resolve this issue. 

  • Excessive swelling (edema).

  • Scaring.

Pre-procedure IPL Treatment
  • Topical retinoids must be discontinue two weeks prior to treatment and for one week after treatment

  • Notify your technician if you were taking Accutane

  • If you have herpes Simplex you will need to start your antiviral prophylaxis five days prior to receiving treatment and continue for five days post treatment. However, some patients even after using prophylaxis will experience an activation of herpes simplex after the procedure.

  • You will be prescribed numbing cream prior to The procedure. It will be available for pick up the day before. Make sure you apply the numbing cream to clean skin 30 minutes prior to your arrival to the treated area.

  • If you purchased the Alastin duo kit (highly recommended for collagen building) Apply nectar to skin Am/Pm 7-14 days prior to treatment. The duo kit promotes the clearing and elimination of old broken down collagen and elastin. It prepares the skin and stimulates new collagen and elastin growth.  It is the only product on the market that produces elastin.  To purchase the Duo Kit Click Alastin.com/BalancedSoulWellness

Post-procedure IPL Treatment
  • A mild sunburn-like sensation is expected. This usually last 1-2 hours but can persist up to 24 hours, individuals may vary. Mild swelling, tenderness and/or redness may accompany this.
  • Apply ice packs or gel packs (do not apply direct ice) to the treated area for 10-15 minute intervals every hour for the next four hours as needed. A topical anti-inflammatory can be used for redness and tenderness. An oral, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be taken to reduce discomfort, use according to the manufacture's instructions. 
  • In rare cases, prolonged redness or blistering may occur, if this happens please call Balanced Soul Wellness. An antibiotic ointment may be applied to the affected areas 2 x day until healed. 
  • Shower as usual. Treated areas may be temperature-sensitive. Avoid soaking in a hot tub of water. Avoid hot showers for 4-6 hours after procedure. Avoid scrubbing, use of exfoliants, scrub brushes and loofah sponges until the treatment area has returned to it's pre-treatment condition. 
  • The pigmented lesions may initially look raised and/or darker with a reddened perimeter, this is normal. It will gradually turn darker over the next 24-48 hours. It may turn dark brown or even black and will begin to flake off in 7-10 days. Rarely would it progress to a scab or crusting phase, if this happens, do not pick the scab, please call us. 
  • Veins or vascular lesions may undergo immediate graying or blanching (turning white) or they may exhibit a slight purple or red coloring. If the treated area develops crusting or a scab, it will start to flake off in 7-14 days. The vessels will fully or partially fade in about the same amount of time. Repeat treatment to veins may be every 7-14 days, or when the skin has fully recovered 30 days. 
  • DO no pick, scratch or remove any scabs. Allow them to flake off on their own. Lesions are usually healed in 7-14 days. They will continue to fade over the next 6-8 weeks after treatment. Pease keep all follow up appointments and do not hesitate to call our office if you have questions or concerns. 

  • It is important to keep your skin moisturized after the treatment. We will apply nectar cream immediately post procedure. Do not wash your face until the next morning. If you purchased the Alsatian duo kit (highly recommended) Continue nectar cream AM/PM for 3 days post procedure. Day 4 switch to restorative skin complex AM/PM. If you do not have the duo kit apply a gentle moisturizer.

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Until the redness has completely resolved, avoid all of the following:

  • Applying cosmetics to the treated area

  • Swimming, especially in pools with chemicals, such as chlorine

  • Ocean swimming and Hot Tubs/Jacuzzis

  • Excessive perspiration or irritation to the treated area

  • Sun exposure to the treated areas- to prevent skin color changes. Wear sunblock!

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