Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments are a cutting-edge, noninvasive treatment that uses controlled light wavelengths to address skin imperfections deep within your dermis.
First developed in 1992 to treat spider veins on legs, IPL has since expanded to address more issues than just spider veins. It targets blood vessels and pigmentation, which results in naturally even-toned, rejuvenated skin — all the while leaving the surrounding tissue unharmed.
Lumecca IPL is an exceptionally effective IPL treatment that reduces hyperpigmentation and vascular lesions, such as redness, spider veins, post-acne marks, and even sun damage. This popular anti-aging solution provides noticeable improvements in skin tone and clarity — and it’s available as part of our suite of aesthetic services here at Plateroti Dermatology in Templeton, California.
Take a moment as Dr. Carmelo Plateroti and our expert team share the pre- and post-procedure guidelines to help you make the most of your treatment.
During your consultation, your Plateroti Dermatology provider will explain the IPL procedures and give you specific preparation instructions.
In general, you can expect to do the following to prepare for your treatment:
At least two weeks before your Lumecca IPL treatment, avoid direct sun exposure or tanning. Sunburned or tanned skin can increase your risk of complications and interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment.
Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when outdoors — no matter the season!
Don’t schedule any injectables or chemical peels in the two weeks before your IPL treatment. If you’re looking to schedule multiple treatments for a more comprehensive treatment, our team can help you schedule your treatments in the right order and the right timeline.
Pause the use of harsh skincare products — for example, products that contain retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, and any harsh exfoliants — for at least one week before your Lumecca session.
These products can make your skin more sensitive and may lead to irritation post-treatment.
If you are on medications that cause photosensitivity (such as certain antibiotics), let us know. You may need to discontinue them temporarily before your Lumecca treatment to prevent skin sensitivity or adverse effects.
Never adjust your medications unless specifically instructed to do so.
On the day of your treatment, avoid wearing perfumes or applying lotions and makeup on the treatment area. Avoid anything with harsh irritants before and after your treatment.
After your IPL procedure, you should:
After your Lumecca IPL session, your skin will be more susceptible to ultraviolet (UV) damage. Avoid direct sunlight for at least one week, and diligently apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
This will protect your skin and enhance the longevity of your results. Using sunscreen can help protect against photodamage as well as skin cancer.
Your skin may feel tight or slightly warm after the procedure. Apply a gentle, hydrating moisturizer twice a day to keep your skin soft and promote the healing process. Though this is important in the days after your treatment, it isn’t a bad idea to adopt this habit now if you haven’t already.
Avoid using any active ingredients, such as retinol, for at least a few days or until cleared to do so.
Although you might be tempted to put on makeup to cover the redness, resist the temptation. Wait at least 24 hours (or until the redness dissipates) before wearing makeup.
Refrain from hot showers, saunas, and vigorous exercise for 48 hours following your treatment. Excessive heat and sweating can irritate your skin and slow the healing process.
Pigmented spots or freckles may initially darken before flaking off, which is part of the normal healing process. Be patient and let your skin naturally shed these dark spots over the next one to two weeks.
Avoid picking at your skin to prevent scarring.
Lumecca IPL treatments reveal gradual improvements. Your skin’s appearance will continue to improve over the following days and weeks, with full results typically visible after about one month.
Be consistent with your post-treatment skincare.
Thinking about the results of IPL treatments can be exciting! But if you have questions leading up to your treatment, don’t hold back. Our team is happy to answer all your IPL questions.
To learn more or to schedule an IPL consultation, give us a call at 805-434-2526. You can also use our online booking tool to request an appointment at either of our Templeton, California, locations.
