Pre IPL/ Laser Care Information
Do not wax, pluck, use depilatory creams or undertake electrolysis for 4 weeks prior to treatment, and in between treatments
Do not use prescription strength exfoliant creams (Retin-A and Alpha Hydroxy) for 2 weeks prior to treatment
Do not shave for up to 2 weeks prior to first treatment. Please shave the night before all subsequent treatments
Avoid tanning, including self-tanning lotions, tanning bed/booths or sun exposure, for 4 weeks prior to and in between treatments. A sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater should be used on any area of sun-exposed skin, which you plan to treat
Post IPL / Laser Treatment Recommendations (Hair Removal)
A mild sunburn-like sensation is anticipated. This usually resolves within 2-3 hours of treatment but may persist for up to 2 days. Application of chilled aloe vera gel or an ice pack every hour for 5 to10 minutes may be soothing to the skin. Continue until symptoms subside
Avoid sun exposure to treated areas. Apply a sun block with SPF 30 or greater daily to sun-exposed treated areas between treatments and for 4-6 weeks after last treatment
Bathe or shower as usual. Treated areas may be temperature sensitive. Avoid use of strongly scented lotions or soaps, prescription strength exfoliant creams, loofah sponges, and aggressive scrubbing to treated areas during healing phase
Allow any blistered or open areas to heal spontaneously. If healing is delayed, a thin coating of antibiotic ointment may be advised. Do not pick at these areas. Picking may result in infection or scarring. Allow any crusting to heal spontaneously, crusting will resolve in 3 to 14 days. Application of antibiotic ointment is not recommended for crusting
Appearance of “stubble” may appear in 1 to 4 weeks. This is not hair re-growth. It is the remnant of treated hairs being expelled from the IPL-damaged follicle. Allow this hair to fall out of the skin on its own or by gently washing with a warm wet washcloth. Do not pluck or tweeze. You may shave during this period
Best results are obtained on clients who have follow up treatment immediately after hair starts to grow. Your clinician will advise you when you should schedule your next appointment. It is important to adhere to this regime
Redness Reduction Post Treatment
A mild sunburn-like sensation is expected. This usually last 2 to 24 hours but can persist up to 72 hours. Mild swelling and/or redness may accompany this, which usually resolves in 2 to 3 days. In some cases, prolonged redness or blistering may occur
The treated area may initially look raised and/or darker with a reddened perimeter. Apply cool/ice compresses to treatment areas for 10 to 15 minutes every hour for the next 4 hours, as needed, to reduce discomfort and heat sensation
The treated area will gradually turn darker over the next 24 to 48 hours. It may turn dark brown or even black
The treated area will progress to scabs/crusting and will start flaking off in 2 to 3 days
The treated area is usually healed in 7-10 days. It will continue to fade over the next 2 to 4 weeks
Direct sunlight to the treated area should be avoided. Daily application of a SPF30 is recommended to prevent development of new lesions
There is a possibility of hair loss in the treated area, when being treated for pigmented lesions
Redness Reduction Post Treatment Recommendations
Mild sunburn-like sensation is expected. It usually lasts 2 to 24 hours but can persist up to 72 hours. Mild swelling and/or redness may accompany this, which usually resolves in 2 to 3 days. This can be treated with cold packs
Apply cool/ice compress to treatment areas for 10 to15 minutes every hour for the next 4 hours, as needed, to reduce discomfort and heat sensation
The treated area can be gently cleansed and topical bactericidal ointment can be applied if needed
The vessels undergo immediate greying or blanching. In some cases, only a slight purplish change is noted. Vessels either fully or partially resolve in about 10 to 14 days and areas of diffuse flushing gradually fade leaving skin with normal appearance.
IMPORTANT - With all IPL treatments described above, the following recommendations apply:Until redness has completely resolved, avoid all of the following:
Applying cosmetics on treated areas
Swimming, especially in pools with chemical/chlorine
Hot tubs and jacuzzis
Activities that cause excessive perspiration
Avoid sun exposure to treated areas
Do not pick, scratch or remove scabs as this will cause unwanted side effects
Apply a sunscreen with SPF 30+ daily to sun exposed skin, AND REAPPLY AS DIRECTED BY PRODUCT INSTRUCTIONS
Increased photosensitivity to UV, Laser and IPL can occur when taking certain medications. During your treatment programme, if you have commenced or changed dosage with the following medications, you must advise your clinician:
Antibiotics – doxycycline (acne), minocycline, Tetracyclines, Sulphonamides
Antihistamines – Diphenhydramone, Cyproheptadine
Antidepressants
Herbal preparations – st Johns wort, Ginko Biloba, citrus oils, Herbal HRT therapies
Taking these medications does not exclude you from IPL treatments; however, extra precautions are applicable in these cases
For any questions, concerns or bookings please contact our salon on: 83222008
In the event of an emergency contact your local doctor.