Pre Treatment Instructions:
The following are some pre-treatment guidelines that will help with the success of your BBL/IPL treatments.
1. NO sun exposure and/or tanning bed exposure for 4-6 weeks prior to and following your BBL/IPL treatment. If you have had exposure to the sun, please notify your practitioner as we may reschedule your appointment.
2. Please inform your practitioner of any changes in any prescriptions and/or medications. Certain medications can increase photosensitivity which may affect the outcome of your treatment.
3. Discontinue the use of any products that are causing redness or irritation 5-7 days prior to your treatment.
4. If you have a history of cold sores, please inform your practitioner. We will prescribe an antiviral to begin 2 days prior to your BBL/IPL treatment and three days following to decrease the risk of an outbreak.
5. Discomfort is usually mild to moderate.
6. Pigment changes - the treated areas will probably heal without any pigment changes. However, there is always a chance the hyperpigmentation (darker) or hypopigmentation (lighter) areas may occur. These are temporary and will fade within 1-6 months. Sun exposure must be avoided as it may intensify hyperpigmentation. It is rare that a change is permanent.
7. Scarring is very rare, and it is important to follow all post-treatment instructions carefully.
Post Treatment Instructions:
You have just received a Broadband or Intense Pulsed Light treatment. Most patients experience minimal to no side effects after this treatment. However, a small percentage of patients may experience minor side effects such as swelling, slight scabbing, blisters, bruising, skin discoloration.
1. Continue to avoid direct/indirect sun exposure. Wear a physical sunblock every day regardless of time of year or time of day. A physical sunblock contains either zinc or titanium dioxide.
2. After your treatment your skin might feel slightly sunburned. However, any heat that you feel should be dissipating. If it is not dissipating or increasing in heat, please call us as soon as possible.
3. You may notice swelling especially under the eyes. Cool compresses can be helpful. Restrict salt intake while swelling is resolving.
4. If you notice a blister, please call us immediately. In order for your skin to heal optimally, we need to implement a prescribed regimen as soon as possible. Please do not try to manage this on your own.
5. You may return to your usual skin care routine as long as your skin does feel irritated or as directed by your provider.
6. You may notice your brown spots begin to appear like coffee grounds on your skin as they resolve. This is normal and expected and can take 7-10 days to resolve. You may wear make up if you wish to cover it up.
7. Please schedule your next treatment in 4 weeks or as directed by your provider.
Please do not hesitate to call our office at 855.383.7546 if you have any questions or concerns about your treatments. After hours, if you have an urgent situation that you feel cannot wait until the next business day please call 800.313.6757 and follow the prompts to page the on-call provider.