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What is IPL?
Icon IPL is a photo rejuvenation therapy that uses a filter of light to target brown and red discoloration of the face. It can dramatically improve the appearance of facial redness (rosacea), broken capillaries, brown discoloration from sun spots, and overall tone. The treatment requires minimal downtime and patients begin seeing results immediately. Each treatment plan is individualized, and multiple treatments may be recommended.
We often recommend other treatments and products that will help maximize and maintain optimal results (i.e. Botox, Dysport, fillers, tretinoin, Clear + Brilliant, Exilis, facials, etc). Please consult your provider to create an individualized care plan to achieve your unique goals.
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What does the treatment feel like?
Topical anesthesia is applied to the skin thirty minutes prior to treatment. Pain is minimal, and patients often say that the lasers feel like hot rubber bands snapping against the skin. To help alleviate discomfort, a device is available to blow cold air on the treatment area throughout the procedure. Each pulse from the Icon IPL is accompanied by a bright flash of light; therefore, your eyes will be covered with safety goggles.
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What is my preparation for the treatment?
An in-office consultation with one of our physicians prior to scheduling the procedure is required. Unless otherwise directed, you may continue to use topical retinoids (e.g. tretinoin, Retin-A, Triluma, Melasma Quadruple Cream), antioxidants, and/or hydroquinone up to the day of your treatment. Patients must avoid sun exposure, tanning booths, and the use of any tanning products including spray tans for at least 4 weeks prior to treatment. Patients with a history of cold sores may be given a prescription for an oral antiviral to prevent an outbreak. If you have a history of herpes/cold sores, we will want to start you on a treatment of 500mg twice daily of Valtrex starting the day before your procedure. Please call the office so we can prescribe the appropriate prescription if you need it.
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What should I expect after my treatment?
Immediately following the procedure, the skin will feel warm and tight, as if sunburned. Some swelling and redness may occur but should resolve within 12-48 hours. Brown spots tend to darken immediately and then lighten over 1-2 weeks. Wait 2 days before strenuous exercise and avoid sun exposure for 2 weeks. Make sure to protect the skin with a zinc-based sunscreen (available at Modern Dermatology for purchase). Pain should be minimal. We will provide you with a post-procedure kit with instructions and products, which should last one week.
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Are there any risks or possible side effects?
Post- treatment redness and swelling are normal and typically resolve within a few hours. Less commonly occurring side effects are burning, blistering, and bruising. While extremely rare, scarring and discoloration can occur.
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Cancellation Policy
Modern Dermatology requires a 48-hour notice of any changes or cancellation of any aesthetic appointments. If you make changes to your treatment plan, reschedule, no show or cancel your appointment within 48 hours, you will be required to pay $250.00. If a third late cancellation, change to your treatment plan, reschedule or no show should occur, within the same calendar year, you will be required to pay 50% of the service you are requesting to reserve any future appointments. This amount is non-refundable should you fail to show up or cancel within 48 hours of your appointment.
*This policy is subject to change without prior notice.
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New Patients
Modern Dermatology requires a 48-hour notice of any changes or cancellation of any medical appointments. If a new patient reschedules, no shows or cancels their appointment within 48 hours more than twice, no future appointments will be scheduled.
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Are there any contraindications?
IPL is contraindicated for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, for people who have taken Accutane in the past 1 month, and those with active cold sores. IPL is contraindicated for individuals with active vitiligo.
