IPL therapy -- the procedure, post-treatment care, and possible side effects of post-treatment

Precautions During the IPL treatment

1. During the procedure, the patient should close their eyes. First, perform a test spot below the ear and observe the results after 20 minutes. If there is no noticeable reaction, the procedure may continue. If redness or swelling is noticeable, reduce the intensity before proceeding.

2. During the procedure, the thickness of the cold gel should be 1-2mm. Keep the treatment tip close to the cold gel and avoid squeezing the skin to prevent the gel from being squeezed out and causing burns.

3. Perform the full face treatment first. For areas with more severe problems (if there is no noticeable redness, swelling, or stinging), perform two treatments.

4. Adjust the cooling temperature as needed (for darker skin and hot weather, increase the cooling temperature. Avoid over-setting the temperature, as this can cause cold anesthesia).

5. Reduce the intensity when performing the procedure on areas with less fat, such as the eye area, forehead, and front of the calf.

6. Communicate with the patient frequently during the procedure to understand their experience and adjust the intensity accordingly to avoid ineffectiveness due to too low an intensity or thermal burns due to too high an intensity.

Post-treatment care precautions for IPL therapy

1. Clean the cold gel thoroughly.

2. Apply a cold compress or cold spray. If redness or swelling is noticeable, extend the application time until the patient no longer experiences discomfort.

3. Use rhEGF (epidermal growth factor) for 7-10 days to repair the skin.

4. If the skin is dry and dehydrated after treatment, it is important to hydrate it and use hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture. Also, use an EGF moisturizing cream.

5. Apply aloe vera gel to the hair removal area 3-4 times daily to alleviate post-operative reactions and prevent folliculitis.

6. For patients undergoing freckle removal, allow the scabs to fall off naturally and do not rub them. Avoid using a face mask before the scabs fall off. Ensure that you hydrate the skin abundantly. Only use a face mask after the scabs have fallen off.

7. For patients with red blood streaks, use rhEGF (epidermal growth factor) for a long-term, extensive application to repair and thicken the epidermis. Ensure that you hydrate the skin and use hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture. Use a moisturizing cream and a face mask 2-3 times a week.

8. Avoid spicy foods, seafood, or other irritating foods, as well as photosensitive vegetables such as celery and radish, for one week.

9. Avoid using any functional cosmetics during and after treatment to avoid redness, swelling, and breakouts caused by hormone secretion.

10. Utilize sun protection measures and use sunscreen with an SPF greater than 25.

11. For one week after each treatment, do not use hot water for cleansing; use lukewarm or cool water instead.

12. Avoid all heat sources, strenuous exercise, and vigorous friction for one week after treatment.

Possible side effects after IPL procedures

Photorash marks, blisters, folliculitis, redness, swelling, photosensitivity, hyperpigmentation, depigmentation, and scarring. Causes:

Preoperative: Exposure to intense heat.

Improper during procedures:

1. Lack of cooling gel at the treatment site.

2. Excessive repetitions of the treatment on the same area.

3. Excessive energy applied, exceeding the skin's tolerance.

Improper post-treatment care:

1. Exposure to heat after surgery (e.g., foot baths, saunas, hot springs).

2. Failure to apply a cooling compress or application of cooling compresses for a short time after treatment.

3. Vigorous exercise or sun exposure after treatment.

Solution:

1. Light Spots: If accompanied by redness and swelling, apply a cold compress. For the first two days, spray rhEGF epidermal growth factor and apply burn ointment. After two days, use only rhEGF. Continue using this for 5-7 days to allow the area to heal. If the scab falls off, apply tranexamic acid to prevent discoloration. Maintain sun protection.

2. Small Blisters: Allow the area to absorb naturally. Apply rhEGF for 7-10 days. Avoid contact with water and sunlight.

Large Blisters: Use a disposable syringe to aspirate the fluid within the blister, avoiding the epidermis. Apply rhEGF for 10-15 days. Avoid contact with water to prevent infection and scarring. Maintain sun protection to prevent hyperpigmentation.

3. Redness and Swelling: Apply a cold compress until the redness and swelling subside. If the patient's skin is sensitive, the redness and swelling will subside once the excess heat dissipates. If the patient is experiencing photosensitivity or previous use of hormone products, apply a sedative and anti-inflammatory treatment for 5-7 days.

4. Hyperpigmentation: This is usually temporary and rarely permanent. Most people recover after a few months. Causes:

1) Excessive energy, resulting in severe localized heat damage.

2) Certain specific areas are prone to hyperpigmentation.

3) Failure to apply cold compresses promptly after treatment or applying them for a short time.

4) Post-operative sun exposure.

5. Folliculitis: This is particularly common in oily areas, where heat damage is greater when hair is removed over a large area, and in those with a folliculitis-prone constitution. Eating spicy foods, swimming, or taking hot baths within a week of hair removal can also cause folliculitis. Topical application of tetracycline, clindamycin, or Bactroban can be helpful.

6. Depigmentation: This is extremely rare and can be caused by excessive energy during the procedure, post-operative infection, or scarring. It does not require treatment in the short term and can resolve on its own. Alternatively, medications such as psoralen can be used to accelerate melanin restoration. For complete depigmentation, an autologous epidermal transplant can be performed.

7. Scars: Scars may be caused by a scar-prone constitution, blisters formed after surgery and infection, or excessive damage. If there are infected lesions in the treatment area, the infection should be cured before optical equipment can be used for treatment.