IPL PHotofacial In Cedar Rapids

Almost anyone can be a candidate for IPL in Cedar Rapids. We see patients for a variety of concerns like pigmentation, redness, and more. The treatment is customizable, so light therapy is safe for skin types 1-4.

Yes! Our patients often use IPL as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to meet their skin goals. We recommend regular facials and medical grade skin care to help maintain the results of your IPL treatment.

We recommend developing a daily skincare routine that utilizes medical-grade sunscreen. Our providers can make recommendations based on your skin type and your goals.

Instructions Prior to IPL

ABSOLUTELY avoid any type of sunburn or suntan for 4 weeks prior to laser treatments. Treatment of tanned skin can increases the risk of blistering and/or permanent skin discoloration. PROLONGED SUN EXPOSURE IS TO BE AVOIDED FOR 4 WEEKS.

BEFORE AND AFTER TREATMENTS.

• Do not use any self-tanning lotions in the month prior to treatment.
• Stop using Retin-A, Retinol, Renova, Differin, for one week prior to treatment.
• Please inform us if you have any history of “herpes”, “cold sores”, or “fever blisters”. In such instances, we recommend taking Valtrex 500mg, 1 tablet twice a day for 5 days starting on the day before the laser treatment. Like sunlight, laser light may cause a cold sore or fever blister leading to more serious complications.

These medications including but not limited to should be stopped for at least 1 week prior to laser or light therapy.

• Antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, tetracycline, trimethoprim)
• Antifungals (flucytosine, griseofulvin, voricanozole)
• Antihistamines (cetirizine, diphenhydramine, loratadine, promethazine, cyproheptadine)
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs (simvastatin, atorvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin)
• Diuretics (thiazide diuretics: hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, chlorothiazide.; other diuretics: furosemide and triamterene)
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, piroxicam, ketoprofen)
• Oral contraceptives and estrogens
• Phenothiazines (tranquilizers, anti-emetics: examples, chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, promethazine, thioridazine, prochloroperazine)
• Psoralens (methoxsalen, trioxsalen)
• Retinoids (acitretin, isotretinoin)
• Sulfonamides (acetazolamide, sulfadiazine, sulfamethizole, sulfamethoxazole, sulfapyridine, sulfasalazine, sulfasoxazole)
• Sulfonylureas for type 2 diabetes (glipizide, glyburide)
• Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) in cosmetics

Instructions Following IPL

1. Intense burning, redness, warmth, and a sunburned sensation are normal responses following IPL treatments. The discomfort and redness generally last 2-4 hours after the procedure. Ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, Motrin, or Tylenol can be taken as directed for pain.

2. Brown patches or spots will look darker and more pronounced immediately following IPL treatments. In 2-3 days, these brown areas become even darker and frequently feel scaly like coffee grounds on your skin. Within 1-2 weeks, these dark, scaly areas fall off and leave new, healthy skin behind. NO MATTER HOW TEMPTING, DO NOT PICK OR SCRUB THESE BROWN SPOTS—LET THEM COME OFF ON THEIR OWN! Picking can create scars.

3. Twice daily use of a gentile cleanser and moisturizer.

4. Avoid use of topical skin care products containing retin-A, retinol, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid for 1 week.

5. Makeup can be used if there is no blistering. Caution should be used when applying and removing makeup. The treated area may be delicate and should be treated with care.

6. If the skin is broken or blisters appear, apply an antibiotic ointment and notify our office. The area should be kept lubricated with Vaseline petroleum jelly or Aquaphor to prevent crusting or scabbing of tissue.

7. Some patients will wake up with facial swelling, particularly around the eyes for several days following the treatment. This is normal and usually resolves within 3-5 days.

8. PROLONGED SUN EXPOSURE IS TO BE AVOIDED FOR 4 WEEKS BEFORE AND AFTER TREATMENT. A total sunblock containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide should be applied daily if you are in the sun. If further treatments are needed, a commitment to stay out of the sun is necessary. Sun exposure may cause certain complications such as severe blistering and permanent skin discoloration.