IPL Photofacial Post-Treatment Chicago

Pre-treatment info:

Patients who are NOT candidates for this treatment:

• If you are pregnant or nursing
• If you have an active cold sore or skin infection*
• If you are currently on Accutane. Treatment can be done 6 months post stopping Accutane

2 Weeks before treatment:

Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds. Self tanners can be stopped one week prior. If you have sun burned skin, you can not have treatment. An SPF of 30 or higher with zinc oxide must be worn through the duration of treatment and continued daily post treatment to prolong results.

1 Week before treatment:

Avoid aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs (Advil, Motrin, Aleve) to minimize bruising.

If you are taking Tetracycline, Doxycycline, Minocycline, or HCTZ, these must be stopped one week prior to treatment since they increase sensitivity to light. Make sure to consult with your doctor prior to stopping your medication.

At least 3 days prior to treatment, all skin irritants must be stopped (glycolic/ salicylic acids, benzoyl peroxide) and retinol products (retin A, Tazorac, Triluma, Differin).

Please let the staff know if you have a history of cold sores/fever blisters PRIOR to treatment, so an anti-viral medication can be prescribed. Treatment can not be done if you have an active cold sore or skin infection and will be rescheduled.

Day of Treatment

If this is your FIRST treatment, we ask that you arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled treatment for photos and to make sure consents are signed.

We ask that you do not wear any make-up or lotion on the area being treated.
Patients may take Tylenol (acetaminophen) prior to their treatment to reduce discomfort- it feels like a rubber-band snapping on the skin. Do NOT take aspirin or high dosages of Ibuprofen due to their blood thinning effect resulting in increased redness, swelling and bruising.

If you are tan, we will NOT provide treatment due to increased risk of side effects and decrease in efficacy.

Post-treatment info:

It is normal for the skin to look flushed or have mild burning post treatment. You can use an ice pack on the area if needed and take Tylenol.

• A non-exfoliant cleaner and a light moisturizer can be used the day of treatment. Normal skin care can be resumed the next day.
• Make-up can be applied and daily activities can be resumed but please avoid saunas, hot tubs, and steam rooms. Mild intensity exercise is fine.
• Freckles or solar lentigos can darken post treatment, sometimes called “peppering” over the week following the treatment and slowly fade in 5-7 days. They will usually slough off the week after treatment. Do not pick at these.
• Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds to the treated area for one week post treatment. These must also be avoided AT LEAST 2 WEEKS PRIOR to your next treatment.
• Avoid products with retinol, glycolic, salicylic, benzoyl peroxide, hydroquinone, and Vitamin C serums for 3 days post treatment
• Chemical Peels can be done one week post treatment
• An SPF 30 or higher with zinc oxide MUST be worn daily during the course of treatment because the skin will be sensitive to sunlight. We encourage you to wear sunscreen daily to prolong results as well.