Post Care Guide

Pigmentation Laser Aftercare

Aftercare for IPL photo facial and melasma laser treatments. Pigment flaking, strict sun protection.

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RECOVERY TIME

PROCEDURE TYPE

Cosmetic

BODY AREA

Face and Body

INDICATION

Sun spots, age spots, hyperpigmentation, melasma

What to expect

You've just had your pigmentation laser treatment. Over the next 7 to 10 days, the treated spots will darken before they fade and flake off — that's the expected process, not a complication. The single most important thing you'll do during this period is protect the area from the sun.

Why this matters

The laser targets melanin in pigmented spots and breaks it into particles your body clears over weeks. The dark "coffee-grounds" appearance you'll see is treated pigment surfacing on its way out. UV exposure during this window can re-stimulate melanocytes — the cells that produce pigment — and re-create the spots we just treated. SPF and shade for the next four weeks aren't optional; they're what makes the treatment hold.

Post care

Wait at least 30 minutes before applying makeup; 24 hours is recommended.
Resume your normal skincare routine after 1 week.
Protect the skin from direct sun exposure for 4 weeks following treatment.
Apply SkinBetter Science Tone Smart SPF 75 when outdoors.
For discomfort, apply a cool compress for up to 15 minutes at a time.
Apply Hydrinity Restorative HA as needed for comfort.

Downtime

Mild redness, warmth, and a sunburn-like sensation may be present immediately and typically resolve within a few hours to 24 hours.
Treated pigmented spots will darken and may develop a coffee-grounds appearance over the first few days, then flake off naturally within 7–10 days.
Allow flaking to occur on its own — picking may result in scarring and skin discoloration.

Restrictions

Avoid sweating, strenuous exercise, saunas, and swimming for 24 hours.
Avoid all active skincare ingredients including AHAs, BHAs, retinols, and exfoliants for 1 week.
Do not pick, scratch, or exfoliate the treated area as this increases the risk of scarring and uneven pigmentation.

When to call the spa

Contact The Spa if you notice:

Signs of infection, including increasing redness, warmth, or pus
No change in pigmentation after 2 weeks
Severe or worsening swelling
Blistering or pain that is worsening rather than improving

Follow up

A series of 2 to 4 sessions, scheduled 4 weeks apart, is typically recommended for optimal clearance. Continued daily SPF use is essential to maintain results and prevent recurrence. Annual follow-up treatments may be required.

IPL (intense pulsed light) uses broad-spectrum light to target pigmented spots and visible blood vessels in the skin. The light is absorbed by pigment in sun spots, age spots, freckles, and redness from broken capillaries or rosacea. The treated lesions darken, then flake away over 7–14 days. Result: more even tone.

What is IPL and what does it treat?

Laser uses a single focused wavelength for targeted treatment. IPL uses a range of wavelengths simultaneously—better for treating multiple pigment and vascular issues at once. IPL is excellent for sun damage, redness, and overall tone. Specific lasers are better for tattoos, hair, and certain pigmentation issues.

What's the difference between IPL and laser?

A series of 2 to 4 sessions, scheduled 4 weeks apart, is typically recommended for optimal clearance. Annual follow-up treatments may be required to maintain results, especially with continued sun exposure.

How many IPL sessions will I need?

Like a rubber band snap on the skin. Each pulse takes a fraction of a second. The full-face treatment takes 15–30 minutes. Most patients describe it as more tolerable than expected. We can apply topical numbing for sensitive patients, but most don't need it.

Does IPL hurt?

Recovery is about 10 days. Mild redness for a few hours after treatment. The distinctive part: brown spots will darken significantly within 24 hours (looks like coffee grounds on your skin)—this is normal and expected. Those darkened spots will flake off over 7–10 days as your skin sheds. Use SPF religiously during healing.

What's the recovery from IPL?

Visible broken capillaries, mild rosacea redness, sun damage, freckles, age spots, port wine stains (partial improvement), uneven tone overall. Combined with other treatments, IPL can improve general skin quality. Limited effect on active acne or deep wrinkles.

What can IPL treat besides brown spots?

IPL works best on lighter skin tones (Fitzpatrick I–III). Darker skin tones (IV+) have higher risk of pigmentation issues with IPL. We screen at consultation. For darker skin we typically use other modalities (PiQo4 picosecond laser for pigmentation, gentler lasers for general rejuvenation).

Is IPL safe for all skin tones?

IPL Photo Facial ranges $250–$650 per session depending on area and treatment plan. Series of 3–4 sessions priced with package discount. Members receive reduced per-session pricing.

How much does IPL cost in Lubbock?

If you're pregnant, recently tanned, taking Accutane (within 6 months), on photosensitive medication, have active sun damage from recent burn, have active herpes outbreak in treatment area, or are darker skin tone (we'd use a different device). Best treatment season: fall/winter when sun exposure is minimal.

When should I avoid IPL?

No—IPL treats existing damage. New sun damage will accumulate from continued UV exposure. Daily SPF, hats, and sun avoidance are the only true prevention. Annual maintenance IPL after your initial series helps stay ahead of new damage.

Will IPL prevent future sun spots?

Yes—often combined with microneedling, peels, or laser facials for layered correction. We typically space combined treatments so skin can recover between. Your provider will design a multi-treatment plan if your goals warrant it.

Can IPL be combined with other treatments?

Book a complimentary skin consultation. We'll examine your tone, evaluate your skin type, recommend IPL or an alternative, and design a series with pricing. Call (806) 701-5840 or book online.