IPL Photofacial

SATISFIED PATIENTS

LASERS & DEVICES

YEARS OF COMBINED EXPERIENCE

IPL Photofacial Overview

IPL facial results in San Diego, CA

If you have an active lifestyle that includes a lot of time outdoors in the San Diego sun, an IPL photofacial, also known as a lunchtime laser procedure, might be the ideal skin rejuvenating treatment for you.

A minimally invasive procedure that entails little to no downtime, IPL, or intense pulsed light, uses high-intensity pulses of light to penetrate the skin and trigger your natural healing process, resulting in smoother, healthier skin.

Cosmetic Laser Dermatology now offers easy online booking to make scheduling quick and easy for our patients!

Length:

Each IPL Facial session lasts about 10-15 minutes each, and patients usually undergo 2-3 sessions every 1-2 months for maximum effectiveness.

Anesthesia:

No anesthesia is used, but a cooling gel and cold air is used to help minimize pain. Patients experience minimal pain and compare it to a mild rubber band snap.

In/Outpatient:

IPL Facials are performed only on an outpatient basis.

Side Effects:

Minimal side effects are associated with IPL Facial in San Diego, but a couple of common ones include mild swelling, soreness, tenderness, redness, or irritation. Despite these side effects, they are only temporary.

Risks:

There are possible complications that are associated with undergoing any type of laser skin procedure. IPL is not recommended for patients who have recently undergone a tan from the sun, because the laser will not be able to differentiate between the tanned skin color and the underlying darker pigmentation of deeper layers of the skin. Complications that may arise from this include blistering and burning.

Recovery From an IPL Photofacial Treatment:

There is little to no recovery time associated with IPL Facial. Patients can expect to go back to whatever they were doing that day, but it is recommended that they stay out of the sun. due to how sensitive the skin may be right after treatment.

The Cosmetic Laser Dermatology Difference

At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, located in San Diego, CA, our board-certified dermatologists and physician assistant are proud to offer a comprehensive variety of 50+ laser treatments, including our most popular IPL photofacial devices Lumenis Stellar M22 and Lumenis One, to suit our patients’ unique skincare needs.

Not only did Dr. Mitchel Goldman help develop the first intense pulsed light device for treating common skin issues, each of our six dermatologists have been involved in numerous research studies involving IPL, giving our team the most experience performing IPL treatments than any other practice in the country. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov has more information on IPL photofacial treatments.

Common Conditions and Treatment Areas

before and after results from an IPL laser treatment in San Diego, CA

IPL photofacials using Lumenis Stellar M22 or Lumenis One, are not solely for full-face photo rejuvenation; they’re excellent for improving the appearance of other parts of the body, as well, including the hands, arms, neck, and chest.

IPL is effective for a wide range of skin conditions, including:

Benefits of IPL:

Removes or reduces broken facial capillaries
Fades fine lines and wrinkles
Minimizes redness
Smooths rough skin
Erases skin irregularities
Improves skin discoloration
Shrinks pores

How much does IPL photofacial treatment cost in San Diego?

Because each patient has a unique treatment plan, cost varies from patient to patient. Visit our Promotions page to learn about the latest deals on our services.

Schedule An IPL Photofacial at Our Medical Spa Today

Our board-certified dermatologists are currently accepting new patients and will be happy to meet with you to discuss if IPL photofacial is the right skin rejuvenating treatment for you. Contact our medical spa to schedule your consultation or to book your IPL treatment session.

What to Expect

A minimally invasive IPL photofacial uses a handheld device to shoot pulses of intense, broad-spectrum light to the treatment area.

During a single 15-minute session at our San Diego office, our skilled dermatologists will target areas of noticeable sun damage or other skin concerns. The treatment is fully customizable for different applications, skin types, and conditions.

An IPL photofacial is remarkable in its efficiency. Your skin and subdermal tissue absorb the gentle yet penetrating light. If you’re having treatment for a vascular lesion, the light is absorbed by the blood. If you’re being treated for a pigmented lesion, the melanin in the skin absorbs the light and is then naturally eliminated by the body.

Side Effects

Most patients require zero downtime. Some patients may experience minimal and temporary side effects, such as swelling, redness, tenderness, and discomfort for 24-48 hours. Dark spots may crust up with a coffee grounds appearance before exfoliating from the skin’s surface.

Recovery

The effects of IPL are typically noticeable within a few days and they can remain for years with professional skincare and regular maintenance. For optimal results, we suggest 2-3 treatments spaced 4-8 weeks apart at our San Diego office, followed by 1-2 yearly sessions for maintenance and upkeep.

Now you can schedule your IPL sessions quickly and easily using our online booking form.

Read our pre/post-treatment guidelines for intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy.

Photos

Before and after Sculptra, IPL, Volbella, Clear + Brilliant and Dysport for facial rejuvenation by Dr. Fabi

Before and after Dysport, Voluma, and IPL for facial rejuvenation by Dr. Fabi

Actual un-retouched patient before and after IPL and VBeam laser treatment for rosacea by Dr. Fabi. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed.

Before and After IPL and VBeam for Rosacea Treatment by Dr. Fabi

ThermiTight with MicroLipo, Filler, Botox, and Lasers for total rejuvenation by Dr. Fabi

Lasers, Filler, and Botox for a rejuvenated appearance by Dr. Fabi

IPL and Clear & Brilliant for skin rejuvenation by Dr. Loyal

Take 10 treatment for a rejuvenated appearance by Dr. Fabi

Laser resurfacing, Silhouette Instalift, Botox, and fillers for anti-aging by Dr. Fabi

Clear + Brilliant, IPL, and Silhouette Instalift to refresh face by Dr. Fabi

Customized laser combination, botox, and fillers to refresh appearance by Dr. Fabi

IPL treatment and PicoWay laser to treat brown spots and redness by Dr. Wu

IPL treatment to reduce symptoms of rosacea by Dr. Wu

IPL and tear trough filler to rejuvenate the face of a male patient by Dr. Fabi

Combination of injectables and lasers for full skin rejuvenation by Dr. Fabi

IPL and injectables to rejuvenate the face by Dr. Fabi. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed.

IPL and injectables for skin rejuvenation by Dr. Fabi

PicoWay and IPL to rejuvenate the skin by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed.

PicoWay and IPL for skin rejuvenation by Dr. Wu

Intense pulsed light therapy (IPL) for chest rejuvenation of a female patient by Dr. Fabi. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed.

IPL for Chest Rejuvenation by Dr. Fabi

PicoSure laser and IPL to address sun damage and rejuvenate the skin by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed.

PicoSure and IPL to Treat Sun Damage and Rejuvenate the Skin by Dr. Wu

PicoSure laser and IPL to treat sun damage and rejuvenate the skin by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed.

PicoSure and IPL for Skin Rejuvenation by Dr. Wu

PicoSure and IPL for Facial Rejuvenation by Dr. Wu

Sculptra and IPL for Chest Rejuvenation by Dr. Fabi

PicoWay Laser and IPL to Rejuvenate the Skin by Dr. Wu

PicoWay Laser and IPL for Skin Rejuvenation by Dr. Wu

Before and after IPL photofacial and Alexandrite laser to rejuvenate the chest by Dr. Boen

Before and after IPL photofacial to treat sun damage on the chest by Dr. Wu

“Actual un-retouched patient before and after IPL for skin rejuvenation on the chest by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed.”

Before and after IPL to remove brown spots by Dr. Wu

Before and after Fraxel Re:store and IPL photofacial for skin rejuvenation by Dr. Fabi

Unretouched photos of patient before and after IPL and Picoway laser treatment to address sun damage to the face by Dr. Butterwick. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed.

Before and after IPL and Picoway laser treatments for skin rejuvenation by Dr. Butterwick

Unretouched photos of patient before and after IPL and Picoway laser treatments for skin rejuvenation by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed.

Before and after Picoway laser and IPL to treat sun damage by Dr. Wu

Unretouched photos of patient before and after IPL and Picoway laser treatments to treat sun damage by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed.

Before and after Picoway and IPL to treat sun damage by Dr. Wu

Actual un-retouched patient before and after of Picoway and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) laser treatments for sun damage by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed.

Before and after Picoway and IPL laser to treat sun damage by Dr. Wu

Before and after IPL photofacial to treat sun damage by Dr. Groff

Actual un-retouched patient before and after of IPL for sun damage on the chest by Dr. Groff. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed.

Before and after IPL photofacial to treat sun damage on the chest by Dr. Groff

Actual un-retouched patient before and after IPL, Voluma and Dysport to treat redness and aging symptoms by Dr. Fabi. Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed.

Before and after IPL, Voluma and Dysport treatment by Dr. Fabi

Actual un-retouched patient before and after IPL photofacial treatment for facial redness by Dr. Fabi. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed.

Before and after IPL photofacial for facial redness by Dr. Fabi

Actual un-retouched patient before and after IPL photofacial treatment for facial rejuvenation by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed.

Before and after IPL photofacial for skin rejuvenation by Dr. Wu

Actual un-retouched patient before and after IPL and Picoway laser treatment for brown spots by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed.

Before and after IPL and Picoway laser to treat brown spots by Dr. Wu

Actual un-retouched patient before and after Fraxel Dual and IPL photofacial for facial rejuvenation by Dr. Fabi. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed.

Before and after Fraxel Dual and IPL photofacial for photo rejuvenation by Dr. Fabi

Before and after IPL photofacial to treat rosacea symptoms by Dr. Goldman

Actual un-retouched patient before and after IPL photofacial for facial redness by Dr. Fabi. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed.

Before and after IPL photofacial to reduce facial redness by Dr. Fabi

Before and after IPL, Vbeam and Alexandrite laser treatment for chest rejuvenation by Dr. Groff

Before and after IPL photofacial to treat hyperpigmentation and sun damage by Dr. Goldman

Videos

The Best Cosmetic Treatments For Skin Rejuvenation Before The Holidays | Kunal Angra, MD

Renowned Dermatologist Discusses The Impact of Skin Health on Perceived Age & Attractiveness

How to Rejuvenate Your Skin With ZERO Downtime

How to Eliminate Brown Spots and Red Spots With Lasers | Cosmetic Laser Dermatology Webinar

Simple Cosmetic Treatments to Rejuvenate Your Body

Facial Beauty Above the Mask: Eye & Forehead Rejuvenation | Cosmetic Laser Dermatology Webinar

IPL Photofacial Treatment on a Skin Cancer (3:51)

IPL Photofacial Treatment in San Diego (2:31)

IPL Photofacial Skin Treatment (1:30)

IPL Photofacial Treatment (2:41)

IPL & Clear + Brilliant Treatment (4:41)

Clear + Brilliant/IPL Combination Treatment by Leysin (0:50)

IPL Photofacial Laser Skin Treatment (1:22)

FAQs

Q: What is IPL?

A: Intense pulsed light, or IPL, is a light treatment designed to improve the skin by penetrating deep to repair melanin-related issues or to minimize those involving blood vessels. An IPL photofacial delivers noticeably smoother, fresher, and healthier skin.

Q: Does the treatment hurt?

A: Generally, since a cooling gel and cold air is used during treatment, most of our patients report minimal pain; the most common description is that the laser feels like a rubber band snapping on the skin.

Q: How long does each session take?

A: IPL treatments are usually performed within 5-15 minutes, although this can vary depending on the extent of the treatment you are undergoing (e.g., how broad an area or the number of areas being treated, etc.).

Q: How many sessions will I need?

A: The number of IPL sessions you require depends on your aesthetic goals and the condition of your skin. Typically, you can expect a series of 2-3 treatments every 1-2 months. Touch-up sessions may be necessary every 6 months to maintain your desired results.

Q: What can I expect post-treatment?

A: After an IPL photofacial, little to no recovery time is needed. After a treatment session, you can go right back to work or whatever your plans are for that day. Any postoperative redness is to be expected and will fade naturally.

Q: How long will my results last?

A: Before undergoing an IPL treatment, the skincare specialists at CLDerm will discuss with you the proper aftercare techniques that help prolong results. A simple rule of thumb is the following: the better you care for your skin, the longer the results will last. Many of our patients have seen their results last for several years, coming in every year to touch up age spots or to simply rejuvenate their skin.

Q: Is an IPL photofacial effective for all skin types?

A: An IPL photofacial treatment is effective for all skin types.

Q: Is IPL effective even when you have a tan?

A: An IPL treatment is not recommended for patients who have a genuine tan from the sun (exposure to UV rays) or even a fake tan (sprays or lotions) because the light cannot differentiate between the tanned surface skin color and the darker pigmentation at deeper layers of the skin. Even a minor tan can cause unwanted side effects, such as blisters. Patients should allow the tan to fully fade over a period of 2 to 4 weeks prior to an IPL treatment.

Q: What side effects are there?

A: IPL photofacials have a strong track record of safety. Typical side effects are temporary and include mild swelling, soreness, tenderness, and redness or irritation.

Q: How much does IPL photofacial treatment cost?

A: Because an IPL treatment is customizable, the cost varies from patient to patient. For example, if you have treated over a small area and/or for just a few age spots, your cost for treatment may be lower than for another patient undergoing more extensive treatment or having many areas being treated. Contact our dermatology experts today to learn more about pricing and financing for our skin care treatments.

Q: Will an IPL treatment increase photosensitivity?

A: No. If you are more sensitive to light than you were before treatment, it’s possible that certain medications or topical skincare products are contributing to this change. In any case, we always advise that you cover up as much as possible when in the sun, particularly following an IPL photofacial. Hats, long pants, long-sleeved tops, and broad-spectrum sunscreen are your best defenses against recurring damage.

Q: Is IPL the best treatment for uneven skin tone?

A: The best way to know this for sure is to see your trusted neighborhood dermatologist.

Q: Does IPL always work for freckles?

A: IPL’s efficacy against freckles depends on a number of factors, including your skin type, the kind of freckle you want to be treated, how your skin reacts to laser energy, and the skill/technique of the practitioner performing the procedure. For the best advice, schedule a consultation with San Diego’s Cosmetic Laser Dermatology.

Q: What is the difference between IPL and laser resurfacing?

A: IPL uses a broad spectrum of light to target a variety of skin concerns in one session, while laser resurfacing uses a single wavelength of light to deliver precise energy to specific skin tissues. IPL is typically a gentler process compared to laser resurfacing.

Other Options

Clear + Brilliant is a great alternative to IPL for pigmented lesions. It is considered a gentler version of a traditional fractional resurfacing treatment. Clear + Brilliant noticeably improves hyperpigmentation, brown spots, sun damage, and large pores without damaging the skin.

A Pulse Dye Laser (V-Beam, Cynergy) is an alternative to treating blood vessels or excessive redness of the skin.

Although an IPL photofacial treatment is an excellent standalone treatment for a variety of skin conditions, it can be combined with other procedures for even more enhanced results. Along with simple proper skin care, these can include chemical peels, various types of non-invasive lasers treatments, and injectables. To learn which expert cosmetic treatments will work best for you, contact Cosmetic Laser Dermatology today.

Promotions

For more information about the monthly specials offered at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego, visit our Promotions page.

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“I had such an awesome experience for my first visit and I am referring everyone I know to this office. From the super friendly staff to the state of the art procedures, they are the cream of the crop.”

- Dinah M.