Avoid tanning and sunlight following laser and IPL for facial veins

Article by Hratch Karamanoukian, MD

Buffalo General Surgeon

The question often arises before laser and IPL treatment for facial veins and rosacea: "Should I avoid tanning before laser or IPL for facial vein and rosacea treatment?"

The short answer is YES.

The darker your skin color, the more dangerous laser energy and intense pulse light (IPL) is to your skin. This is because the melanin pigment in the absorbs the laser energy heats the skin. In most cases, some sunlight is tolerated and has little harm to the treated facial skin. For some patients, however, tanning may cause burning or pigment changes. Therefore, I recommend that my patients avoid sunlight prior to and after laser and IPL treatments.