I had IPL 2 days ago and my face is still extremely swollen, I'm terrified. Is there a way to reduce swelling?

Question

how can I get swelling down?

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Swelling after IPL can happen and shouldn't be a cause for concern. Use the RICE method (Rest, ice, elevation, and compression) to reduce swelling. Speak with the technician who preformed the procedure keep them informed.

Rebecca Gelber, MD · Answer

Swelling absolutely can happen after IPL and can be quite significant without it being a problem or a result of anything bad. This more frequently happens in fair skinned people, patients having their first IPL and patients where reds are the main issue being treated.
That being said, it is not normal or common for there to be pain after IPL and with any issues after a treatment, you should always contact your treating office. Swelling after IPL usually responds best to elevation, cool compresses, antihistamines (combination of benadtyl and pepcid or tagamet is the most potent), snd antiinflammatories (occasionally prednisone, but other measures usually work fine), but all of this needs to happen in through close contact with your treating office who know your settings and can personally evaluate you.

Corey L. Hartman, MD, FAAD · Answer

Swelling is not an uncommon side effect after any laser or light treatment. I would suggest ice packs several times per day for a few days and non-sedating antihistamines, like Claritin, Zyrtec or Allegra at double the dose for three days. The swelling won’t take long to subside.

I had IPL 2 days ago and my face is still extremely swollen, I'm terrified. Is there a way to reduce swelling?

Answers (3)

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I had IPL 2 days ago and my face is still extremely swollen, I'm terrified. Is there a way to reduce swelling?

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about IPL

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.