This page provides post treatment guidance for patients who have recently undergone an IPL or laser procedure at our Berwick or Lower Templestowe clinics in Melbourne. It is designed to support your recovery with general advice and is not intended to promote laser treatment or substitute personalised medical care. If you have any questions about your recovery or are unsure about what to do, please contact us directly on 1300 863 824.

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Thank you for choosing Victorian Cosmetic Institute for your IPL or laser treatment. Our team is dedicated to supporting your post treatment care and ensuring you feel informed during the healing process. Below, we’ve outlined some general care guidelines. If you have any questions or experience unexpected symptoms, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.

What to expect after IPL or laser treatment

IPL and laser procedures can cause a range of temporary skin responses depending on the type of laser used and your skin’s sensitivity. These are typically mild.

You may experience:

  • Redness, similar to mild sunburn, which may last a few hours to a few days. This may last longer for more intensive laser treatments.
  • Swelling, especially around delicate areas like the eyes. This typically subsides within 24 to 72 hours.
  • Warmth or tingling in the treated area, which may last for several hours post treatment.
  • Flaking or peeling, which is a normal part of skin renewal following some laser procedures.
  • Darkening of pigmentation, such as freckles or sunspots, before they fade or slough off.
  • Mild itching or tightness, which is part of the skin’s healing response.

Some laser treatments may also create small scabs or crusting, which should be left to fall off naturally to avoid interfering with the healing process.

Immediate aftercare guidelines

To support recovery and reduce the risk of complications, please follow these recommendations:

  • Avoid sun exposure
  • Avoid active skin care that includes ingredients such as retinols, AHA, BHA, and vitamin C for at least one week post-laser.
  • Do not pick, scrub, or exfoliate the treated area, even if it peels or flakes.
  • Keep the skin moisturised using products recommended by your practitioner.
  • Avoid heat exposure, such as hot showers, steam rooms, saunas, and vigorous exercise for 24 to 48 hours.
  • Do not apply makeup for at least 24 hours, or until the skin has settled, unless advised otherwise by your practitioner.
  • Sleep with your head elevated for the first night if there is significant swelling.
  • Avoid facial treatments, including massage, needling, or peels, in the treated area for at least 2 weeks.

Depending on the specific type of IPL or laser treatment you received, your practitioner may have provided additional or modified instructions. Please follow their guidance closely.

Follow up and review

Some IPL and laser treatments require a review appointment to monitor your skin’s healing and treatment response. Your practitioner may recommend a follow up 1 to 4 weeks after your procedure. If you’ve been advised to return for review and haven’t yet booked, please use our book online page or call 1300 863 824.

Safety and support following your procedure

While complications are uncommon, it’s important to be aware of symptoms that may require medical attention. Please contact your treating practitioner or our Customer Care team if you experience:

  • Excessive redness or swelling that worsens after 48 hours.
  • Blistering or severe discomfort, particularly if it spreads or weeps.
  • Signs of infection, including warmth, pus, increasing pain, or fever.
  • Prolonged or worsening skin discolouration, such as dark patches that persist beyond a normal timeframe.
  • Persistent burning or stinging that doesn’t resolve after the first day.

If you are concerned or unsure whether your symptoms are normal, it is always best to contact our clinic directly on 1300 863 824. Our team will liaise with your treating practitioner to support you.

When to contact us

Please reach out immediately if you experience:

  • Pain that increases over time.
  • Unusual skin responses, such as new blisters or delayed healing.
  • If there is pus or odour from the treated areas
  • Unexpected or concerning side effects.
  • Any symptoms that were not discussed with you during your consultation.

Call us on 1300 863 824, and we will ensure you are connected with your treating practitioner.

Repeat appointments

IPL and laser procedures may be performed as a one-off treatment or as part of a series of sessions depending on your goals, laser used, and the condition being treated. Your practitioner will discuss an appropriate plan for maintenance or future treatments based on your individual skin response.

Thank you for choosing Victorian Cosmetic Institute

We appreciate your trust in us and are here to support you throughout your care. If you have any questions about your post treatment recovery, please don’t hesitate to contact our team on 1300 863 824.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is intended as general guidance for patients who have recently undergone IPL or laser treatment at Victorian Cosmetic Institute. Every patient has unique medical and skin care needs, and your treating practitioner may give you specific instructions tailored to your treatment plan.

If the advice provided here differs from what you were told during your consultation or treatment, always follow your practitioner’s instructions. If you’re unsure or require clarification, please contact us on 1300 863 824.