Lumecca IPL

Pre-Treatment Instructions

Avoid sun exposure for a minimum of two weeks. This includes natural sun and tanning beds. 

  • We cannot treat you if you have a tan, we will need to reschedule you.

  • Daily sunscreen Is mandatory, even inside and even on cloudy days. This drastically reduces the chance of a burn during treatment.

  • No tanning lotions or spray tans for two weeks before your treatment to reduce the risk of a burn.

  • Some medications can increase your sensitivity to light, consult with your doctor about avoiding these for a few days before your treatment.

  • Avoid the use of retinol, tretinoin or other similar products for 72 hours before your treatment. 

  • Some medications or supplements may increase the risk of bruising. Ask your RN or aesthetician if you have questions about this. Arnica Montana can decrease the likelihood of bruising and is available over the counter in pill or cream forms.

  • If you have a history of herpes or cold sores, we highly recommend a course of anti-viral medication pre- and post-treatment. This can help prevent an outbreak if you are prone to them. If you would like us to call in a prescription, please contact our office.

  • Your provider will recommend appropriate skincare products to help enhance results and minimize potential side effects.

Aftercare Instructions

Be gentle to the treated area. Don’t scratch or pick at your skin.

  • Mineral makeup can be applied immediately following treatment.

  • Skin may appear red, swollen, and have a mild sunburn sensation, this is normal. It should subside within a few hours. You can apply a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the area.

  • Hydrocortisone cream may be used if the treated area is itchy.

  • Freckles and sunspots may turn darker (brown to black coffee ground appearance) after the treatment, this is normal and expected. They will flake off within 7-10 days on the face and 14-21 days on the body. Don’t pick at treated areas, this can cause scarring.

  • Until these darker spots have completely subsided, avoid all of the following:

    • Harsh or exfoliating skincare products like Retin-A, retinol, glycolic/salicylic acids and AHAs, tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide, astringents, etc.

    • Do not use a facial brush (Clarisonic, silicone, etc) of any kind.

  • Redness, bruising, and swelling may occur in areas where blood vessels were treated. This is normal and will subside over 7-10 days.

  • Keep the treated area hydrated with a moisturizer recommended by your RN or aesthetician.

  • Avoid sun exposure and apply a mineral based sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium oxide. We can recommend one if you’d like. Reapply every one to two hours when outside.

    • Sunscreen should be worn even when you're inside. Remember - If there's enough UV light for plants to grow inside, there's enough UV light to be damaging your skin!

  • Avoid heat, saunas, hot tubs, and sweaty activity for 48-72 hours. This includes exercise.

  • You may resume your normal skincare routine 7 days after treatment, adding back in exfoliating products when all dark spots have sloughed off. 

  • Call us with any questions or concerns, 303-261-8070.