For IPL you may NOT have any NEW SUN EXPOSURE (i.e., tanned skin) in the treatment areas. We recommend either covering with clothing, and/or wearing SPF > 60 broad spectrum sunscreens and reapplying every 1 hour to treatment areas if outdoors for 6 weeks prior to treatment. If you are tan, there is a greater risk of adverse effects including scarring or white patches.
You CANNOT have IPL/RF treatment if you are:
- Pregnant at time of treatment
- Have any medical conditions or devices that could worsen/flare with light treatment/radiofrequency such as:
- Epilepsy (history of seizures or sensitivity to flashing light)
- Pacemaker or defibrillator
- Lupus, Dermatomyositis, Porphyria
- Taking/using any of the following medications for at least 2-4 weeks prior to treatment:
- Oral antibiotics=doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline; erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin
- Currently using any of the following:
- Acne treatments such as = isotretinoin, Accutane
- Methotrexate, Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine)
- Hydrochlorothiazide (blood pressure medication)
- Anticoagulants such as aspirin, NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, Advil, Excedrin)
- Antiaging or acne topical serums/creams like tretinoin, Retin-A, Altreno, retinol or vitamin C
- High dose vitamin such as vitamin E, vitamin C, omega 3’s or fish oil (multivitamin is ok)