No recent sun exposure without sunscreen x 2-3 weeks
No fresh intentional tanning or recently tanned patients
History of any herpetic related infections (ie. cold sores, herpes zoster / shingles)
A prophylactic dose of an antiviral will be needed prior to your treatment
History of or current epilepsy
If you are currently on any medications that could cause photosensitivity
AVOID THERAPIES that can cause redness or irritation (Retina-A or products containing isotretinoin, glycolic acid or salicylic acid) for 5-7 days prior to treatment
Do not take any painkillers, or anesthetics at least 12 hours before your treatment
Please arrive with NO makeup on eyes or face
Ensure no lotions or sunblock are on your face
Do not wear jewellery to your appointment or be prepared to remove it
Do not wear contact lenses to your appointment if possible (we will ask you to remove them)
Neurotoxins (Botox) or fillers should be given either post-treatment or a minimum of two weeks prior to any IPL treatment
Ensure you have NO open lesions or wounds or infections on the treatment area
Bring a headband to avoid ultrasound gel getting in your hair
What to expect during the treatment
Prepare to be slightly reclined
An eye shield will be placed overtop your eyelids and lashes
A cool ultrasound gel will be applied to your face during the treatment
You will hear the machine beeping and may see pulses of light as they are being administered
You may feel warmth (this is normal!). The treatment should take about 5 minutes
After the treatment, an eyelid warming mask will be applied for a few minutes
An eyedrop may be administered (numbing drop) and your glands expressed under a microscope
What to expect post treatment
Use a sunblock with an SPF of 30 or greater if going out into the sun for the next 3 weeks
This treatment may cause photosensitivity!
Some redness around the face can be present 2 – 24 hours after the procedure
In the process of expressing the meibomian glands, it is possible that some of the capillaries (fine blood vessels) around the eyelid can be irritated causing small petechial hemorrhages. These micro-bleeds usually resolve within 24 hours so don’t worry!
Post treatment, the meibomian glands are expressed and some patients may feel their symptoms of dryness WORSEN for the first 24 hours. This is normal as the glands are being replenished with new healthy oils. We encourage the liberal use of artificial tears if this occurs.
Do not rub your eyes post treatment for approximately 30 minutes as the mild anesthetic instilled may still be active.
Makeup, preferably mineral-based, may be applied immediately post treatment.
Soothing creams or moisturizers may be used.
*** Caution! *** Please let us know if you have any of the below
Pregnant or nursing
Excessively tanned skin from sun, tanning beds or tanning creams and sprays within the last two weeks
Inform the clinician of hearing aids, ear implants
Allergic reactions to corn starch, derivatives – present in UV gel
Poorly controlled endocrine disorders, such as diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, systemic lupus erythematous and hormonal virilization such as polycystic ovary syndrome
Diseases may be stimulated by light at the wavelengths used
Impaired immune system due to immunosuppressive diseases such as AIDS and HIV or use of immunosuppressive medications
Severe concurrent conditions, such as cardiac disorders, sensory disturbances, uncontrolled hypertension, and liver or kidney diseases
Current skin condition of any other type
Skin cancer or pre malignant moles
Been on Accutane (isotretinoin) x 6-12 months
Have had Botox in the last 2 weeks
Fillers / other augmentation methods with bio material in the last 6 months
Facial laser resurfacing, facial dermabrasion, and deep chemical peeling within the last 3 months
Any surgical procedure in the treatment area within the last 3 months or before complete healing
Have any tattoo or permanent makeup near the treatment area (eyes)
Are taking aspirin or anticoagulant derivatives (May increase chance of bruising during procedure)
