When getting an IPL is cooling gel necessary?

Question

All of the IPL's I have gotton since 2016 use cooling gel. One time, the MD did not and I was left with burning for about 2 hours and red dots all over my face.

Georges Kaado, MD · Answer

I would always recommend a cooling gel with IPL, there are different types of cooling gel depending on the laser.  Some lasers are used as a spot treatment and they have a different type of cooling mechanism, called Cryo.  and some have a type of lotion.  They are used to protect the skin from over heating.  It is always best if its your first time to request a "spot test", to play it safe.  These treatments are always recommended in the fall/winter months and used with a good sun protection.

Ramandeep Sidhu, MD · Answer

Great question. We don't use cooling gel during the IPL procedure since our machine has cooling tip. We do use ice packs after the procedure for comfort. The burning feeling and red dots after IPL is common.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Each Doctor will have their preferred protocols, but cooling gel is typically used after IPL treatment. If you have any concerns about your treatment, I recommend following up with your Doctor. Laser results can take several weeks to settle and sometimes take a series of treatments to get improvement. I suggest adding microneedling/prp to improve skin quality and tone. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for sharing your
photographs Kvad. I understand your concern. An IPL photofacial is an
outstanding treatment for facial rejuvenation. It works by using bright light
to target and destroy pigment and redness in the skin.Before the treatment, we apply numbing cream for
about 15 minutes to maximize our patients’ comfort. After that we clean the
skin with water and cleansing solution. Eye protection is placed on the eyes with
safety shields or glasses. Even with the eye protection the light will be
visible but safe on the eyes. We apply cold gel and cold air on the skin to
transmit the light and to keep the skin comfortable. The treatment itself takes
only a few minutes and most people tolerate it very well. Some describe the
sensation as that of a hot rubber bands snapping on the skin.After an IPL photofacial treatment please avoid
heat exposure, alcohol consumption, and strenuous exercise for 24 hours. Heat
refers to going out in the hot sun, if it were to be hot outdoors; but also any
hot environments indoors such as a hot bath, sauna, or steam room. Also avoid
hot or spicy foods or drinks for 24 hours after the treatment because all of
these things can bring blood to the skin, which can lead to side effects such
as redness, blisters, or discolorations. Please avoid makeup for a few hours
after the treatment because the skin may be sensitive. The skin may be red or
swollen for a few days after the treatment. This is normal. Please feel free to
apply cold compresses such as ice packs to keep the skin comfortable, if
necessary. Sometimes dark spots may get darker before they get lighter.
Sometimes they flake off the surface and sometimes they are absorbed by the
skin depending on the depth of the pigment in the skin. This could take up
to two weeks. Patience is important. Prolonged discoloration beyond that may be
treated with creams. Please apply a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher with broad
spectrum protection every day if the treated area is not covered by clothing
and reapply every one to two hours if outdoors for prolonged periods. Remember
that driving in a car exposes the skin to the sun through the windows. Most
patients start with an initial series of six monthly treatments followed by one
maintenance treatment every three months thereafter.Please consult with a doctor for specific
recommendations. Good luck!

Michael J. Brown, MD · Answer

Good afternoon and thank you for your question! The use of cooling gel during an IPL treatment is simply to make the treatment more tolerable. It can help decrease immediate redness or burning. Applying cool compresses can help to alleviate redness and discomfort after the treatment as well.  Best of luck! For more information please feel free to visit our website!

Kimberly P. Cockerham, MD, FACS · Answer

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is an effective treatment for brown spots, redness and dry eye symptoms. Ultrasound gel is typically used to improve your comfort during the treatment. If you have any burning or blistering after the treatment cool compresses should be used until the burning sensation resolves.
keep in touch,
Kimberly Cockerham, MD

David Jensen, DO · Answer

Simple quick answer, it would burn you especially if the IPL also had radio frequency in the hand piece.

Fereydoon S. Mahjouri, MD · Answer

A gel in typically used for all IPL treatments. It helps keep the skin from overheating and also allows the practitioner to see where they have already pulsed to avoid overly heating and treating the skin. Often the tip of the IPL will be cold to assist in keeping the skin from overheating. In addition most medical offices will use a Zimmer or other cooling device to cool the skin. Keeping the skin cool helps the skin from building up too much heat this reduces swelling and side effects.

When getting an IPL is cooling gel necessary?

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