Swelling After IPL Treatments?

Question

I had my IPL treatment done 36 hours ago. Swelling begun after 12 hours and so far has not subside. The swelling is on eyes and all over my face. I took a shower as soon as I got home and put night moisturizer. I am currently taking 50 mg of benadryl tablet and using cold compression. My face is hot to the touch. What should zi do? How long will this last?

Vivek Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. This usually resolves within a week, and that is the bad news.  The good news is that future treatments usually do not have near the swelling as this treatment.  You should lose a lot of the vascular problems, and this reduces your swelling risk.  The Benadryl 50mg every 6 hours is a good idea, if you can stay awake, and avoiding exercise while you recover is important.  Avoid Aspirin or Advil as well. I hope this helps.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The swelling will subside in a week, continue applying cold compresses throughout the day and inform your medical provider of this issue

Daniel Levy, MD · Answer

Melasmawoes,I recommend continuing with ice and also suggest oral arnica supplements to help with your swelling.  If your melasma is not responding to IPL, then I suggest you try a Fraxel Dual treatment, and also consider optimizing your skincare regimen.Good luck!

Jennifer Deaver, MD · Answer

Occasionally patients will experience swelling after IPL, which may be do the procedure itself, numbing cream (if used before treatment), and/or any topical products applied after the procedure. This swelling often resolves within a week. Taking Benadryl, using cool compresses, topical over the counter hydrocortisone, and sleeping with two pillows can be helpful. However, I would still recommend you call the physician office whom administered the treatment and inform them of your response, so they may evaluate and treat you accordingly.

Michael Contreras, MD · Answer

I have seen significant swelling occur in patients after IPL, particularly those patients that have reactive skin (e.g. get hives easily with bug bites or scratches). Some patients will have swelling that lasts up to 1 week. For more severe cases, I've prescribed a 3 day course of prednisone which shortens the duration of swelling. It would be important to report to you doctor whether there are any blisters, which can indicate injury to the skin. Otherwise, I have never seen swelling that did not subside within days on it's own, so I wouldn't be too worried. I agree with the previous post that swelling may sometimes be due to allergies to things like numbing creams. Either way, it is best that you contact the office where you had this done so they can promptly evaluate you.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Some edema occurs after IPL but it usually subsides within a day or two at most. Stick to taking the Benadryl - that will help. Cold compresses will also help. You could also get some hydrocortisone, available over the counter from any pharmacy, and apply it after cool water a few times a day. If the swelling gets worse or doesn't go down, contact your treating office. If they used a topical numbing cream on that there is a slight chance you could have been allergic to a component in that.

	"This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

Swelling After IPL Treatments?

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