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Pre and Post-Treatment Instructions for IPL/Photofacial
Treats:
Age or sun spots, facial and alar vessels, rosacea, telangiectasias, and cutaneous vascular malformations
Pre-Treatment Instructions
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Avoid sun exposure (apply sunscreen daily and do not tan at all—including self-tanner) for 4 to 6 weeks before and after treatments.
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Do not use any retinol products (or products containing tretinoin) or exfoliants on the area to be treated for one week. Avoid Accutane (or isotretinoin products) for 6 months prior. Let your doctor know if you have a history of Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin in response to injury or infection).
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If you have a history of fever blisters, notify Dr. Bullock. We may write you a prescription for prophylactic antiviral therapy to start on the day of the treatment to prevent a flare-up of cold sores. If you have a current prescription, Valtrex 500 mg should be taken by mouth twice daily on the day before, the day of, and the day after your treatment.
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You must notify the technician if you have had any cosmetic tattooing on or near the area to be treated.
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Photosensitizing medications including Doxycycline and Minocycline should be discontinued 3 days before the treatment.
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You may experience swelling under the eyes, especially if you have some rosacea in that area. Your sunspots will take 7 to 10 days to slough and will appear darker starting immediately after the treatment.
On the day of your appointment
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Come to your appointment with a clean face—remove all makeup from the area being treated. If applicable, dress so that you may modestly expose the treatment area.
Post-Treatment Instructions
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You may have a mild sunburn-like sensation following the treatment that is usually gone within a few hours. Skin redness is normal and may last a few days. There may be a slight amount of swelling. Cold compresses may be useful for the first 24 hours. Crusting or blistering is uncommon and not serious. Pigmented areas may begin to flake after a few days.
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Your skin will be fragile for 2 to 3 days. Use gentle cleansers (we recommend Skin Ceuticals Gentle Cleanser). Do not rub the skin and avoid hot water during this time. Do not use your Clarisonic or a loofah for one week or until the skin has recovered.
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Do not use any retinoids, tretinoins, alpha or beta hydroxyl products, scrubs, or exfoliants, or have chemical peels performed on the areas treated for one week.
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Makeup can be applied immediately if the skin is not broken. We recommend mineral-based makeup.
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Avoid the sun and use sunblock. We recommend Skin Ceuticals UV Defense SPF 50. Avoid excessive heat or friction to the treated area (heavy exercise, saunas, etc.) for one week.
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Sun spots and age spots will DARKEN with the IPL treatments BEFORE they begin to respond and resolve. This is expected and a normal part of the IPL process. Do not pick these spots once they become dry. They will lift and fall off on their own.