Before the procedure, don't:
Tan in the sun, in a tanning bed, or with tanning creams for 4 weeks before you go in
Wax, or get a chemical peel or collagen shot for two weeks before
Take aspirin or another drug than can make you bleed more
Take any medication that will make you sun-sensitive: for example, the antibiotic doxycycline.
Once you're there, a technician or dermatologist will rub gel on your skin. You'll wear dark glasses to protect your eyes. The handheld IPL device will go right on your body. The session will probably last 20 or 30 minutes. Large areas could take an hour or more.
While most people are fine with the light pulses, the treatment could sting a little. It might feel like someone is snapping a rubber band on you. Your dermatologist can give you numbing cream to put on 30-60 minutes before treatment starts.