Pre & Post Treatment Care

To ensure safe treatment and best results, please follow these guidelines before your IPL appointment:

6 Weeks Before Treatment

• Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanners
• Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily on the treatment area
• Discontinue retinoids, retinols, tretinoin, and exfoliating acids (glycolic, salicylic, lactic)

• Avoid waxing, threading, or depilatory creams in the treatment area
  (Shaving is okay)

2 Weeks Before Treatment

• Avoid chemical peels, microneedling, or laser treatments in the area
• Stop using photosensitizing medications or supplements if advised by your provider
• Avoid irritating skincare products (scrubs, benzoyl peroxide)

24–48 Hours Before Treatment

• Do not consume alcohol
• Avoid strenuous exercise that may irritate the skin
• Arrive with clean skin — no makeup, lotions, oils, or deodorant on the treatment area

Day of Treatment

• Skin must be untanned and free of sunburn
• Inform your provider of:
• Any recent sun exposure
• New medications
• Pregnancy
• Active skin infections, cold sores, or open wounds

Important Notes

• IPL works best on lighter skin tones and untanned skin
• Treatment may be postponed if skin is irritated or recently sun-exposed
• Results and safety depend heavily on proper pre-treatment care
• Pigmentation will darken and flake off in 5-7 days. Vessels may appear smaller immediately or take time. They may also become more of a bruise, this will resolve. Your provider will advise you on what to expect during your visit.
• Incorporate 1-2 pumps in the morning and evening of Alastin A-Luminate into your skin care routine to improve uneven skin tone. Product is safe to use throughout IPL/BBL treatments. Active ingredients are listed below: 

• PATH-3 Technology: helps to minimize the recurrence of surface pigmentation and protect against future damage with continued use.

• Tranexamic Acid: Encapsulated in a liposome, it helps correct the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
• Niacinamide: Helps to reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone & supports skin’s barrier function

(Intense Pulsed Light / Broadband Light)

Thank you for choosing MD Esthetics for your IPL or BBL treatment. The following post-care instructions are designed to support optimal results and promote proper healing.

All IPL and BBL treatments at MD Esthetics are medical procedures performed in accordance with state regulations and under the oversight of our Medical Director.

After Your Appointment

• Mild redness, warmth, or swelling is common and typically resolves within a few hours.
• Apply a cool compress gently as needed to reduce heat or discomfort.
  Do not apply ice directly to the skin.
• Keep the treated area clean, moisturized, and protected using gentle, non-irritating products.
• You may resume normal daily activities the same day unless otherwise directed by your provider.

Please Avoid

For the first 24 hours:

• Heat exposure including saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, and hot showers
• Strenuous exercise or activities that cause heavy sweating
• Alcohol consumption
• Applying makeup if the skin feels irritated or compromised

For 5–7 days:

• Direct sun exposure and tanning (natural or artificial)
• Exfoliants, retinoids, acids, benzoyl peroxide, or abrasive skincare products
• Facials, waxing, chemical peels, or other aesthetic treatments in the treated area

Sun Protection Is Essential

• Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily

• Reapply sunscreen as directed when outdoors
• Wear protective clothing and avoid peak sun hours when possible

Sun exposure following IPL or BBL treatment may increase the risk of pigmentation changes or delayed healing.

What to Expect

• Pigmented lesions may darken before naturally flaking off within 7–14 days

• Mild redness, swelling, or a sunburn-like sensation is normal and temporary
• Treated vascular areas may appear darker or bruised temporarily
• Skin tone and texture improve gradually over several weeks
• Multiple treatments may be recommended for optimal results

Individual results vary based on skin type, treatment settings, and adherence to post-care instructions.

When to Contact the Office

Please contact the office promptly if you experience:

• Blistering, crusting, or prolonged swelling
• Signs of infection such as increasing redness, warmth, discharge, or fever
• Persistent discomfort lasting longer than 48 hours
• Any symptoms that feel unusual or concerning

Follow-Up & Maintenance

• Treatment series are typically scheduled 4–6 weeks apart, as recommended by your provider
• Maintenance treatments may be suggested based on your skin goals and response