General Information about IPL Photorejuventation

 

1. Pain – some patients feel discomfort during treatment. Exposure is limited to an extremely short pulse. Patients report the treatment feels like a rubberband snap. This discomfort may range from mild to moderate and does not last long. A mild burning sensation may last for up to one hour. Cold compress may be used if desired.

2. Healing – there is always the slight possibility of developing a crust or a blister. This is superficial and rarely results in any scarring and is treated like sunburn or any other blister. Immediately after treatment, ice compresses can be applied for 15-20 minutes. Emollients such as B. Kamins Revitalizing Booster Concentrate, Aloe Vera gel or petrolatum ointments can be soothing when applied 2-3 times daily until healing is complete. A topical corticosteroid may be applied for the first few days to hasten the disappearance of redness.

3. Pigment changes - the treated areas will probably heal without any pigment changes however there is always the slight chance that hyperpigmentation (darker) or hypopigmentation (lighter) areas may occur. These are generally temporary, restricted to darker skin and will fade in 1-6 months. Sun exposure must be avoided three to four weeks prior to therapy and after, as exposure to the sun may intensify hyperpigmentation. It is rare that a change is ever permanent.

4. Scarring – rare with dark skin patients. It is important to follow all the post treatment instructions carefully in order to prevent infection.

5. Swelling – may sometimes occur immediately after treatment. This is temporary and not harmful. Cold packs may reduce the swelling.

6. Fragile skin - the skin that has been treated should be treated gently for a few days. It should not be rubbed and when applying makeup, pat gently. Makeup can be applied immediately after treatment as long as the skin is not broken. If this occurs, you may use antibiotic cream and avoid the application of makeup.

7. Bruising is unlikely to occur. If bruising occurs, it will normally clear up in 1-7 days.

For optimal results, treatments should be performed at 4-6 week intervals and should include 4-6 sessions.