Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Pre/Post Op Treatment Instructions
San Francisco’s premier plastic surgeons

One month prior

• Avoid sunbathing, tanning beds and self-tanners.
• Wear sun protection - SPF 30+.
• If prescribed, use Hydroquinone for 2 weeks prior to the procedure.

One week before

• Avoid the use of photosensitizing medications, and medications such as Retin-A or Glycolic Acid.

One day before

• If you have a history of Herpes Simplex virus infection, you may consider taking an antiviral medication as prescribed by your doctor.
• Shave the areas to be treated.
• If there is very little hair in the area, please shave and tape a small amount of hair to a piece of paper for your provider to review.

• Inform your doctor if you have changed medications or have had recent sun exposure.
• Avoid smoking cigarettes as this may constrict the vessels and make treatment less successful.
• Do not exercise or go to the gym, spa or sauna immediately before treatment.
• Do not wear sunblock or makeup.

Immediately post treatment

• After Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment apply sunscreen (SPF 30+) to all areas treated and avoid sun exposure.

Same day of treatment

• Avoid saunas, strenuous exercise, and any activity that may cause excessive heat to the treatment area for 24 hours.
• A feeling of itchiness may be noticed; this is perfectly natural. Do not scrub or scratch the treated areas.
• Apply a moisturizer to the treated area.
• Do not apply products that may cause your skin to react negatively. Do not use peels or aggressive cleansers for 1-2 weeks.
• If possible, avoid using makeup (other than sunscreen and moisturizer) for 4-8 hours after treatment.
• Note: Treated pigment may become darker following the treatment, this is a desired effect and may be covered by make-up.
• Inform your doctor immediately if there is continued or severe discomfort or any sign of blistering. This is extremely uncommon, but requires immediate attention.

Pigment treatments

• The treated pigment may slough as the skin renews (7-21+ days). Do not scratch or pick at the areas.

Vascular treatments

• Slight redness and itchiness are common for a few minutes to a few hours after the treatments.
• Dry skin or peeling may be noted after the treatments (apply moisturizer).
• Nd:YAG treatments of small vessels may have erythema (redness) lasting a few days.
• Most vessels require multiple treatments, and new visible vessels may form over time.

Week 1 and 2 post treatment

• Avoid direct sun if possible but if you cannot avoid direct sun exposure, always use sunscreen (30 SPF+) and reapply every 2 hours.