Even out skin tone. Clear away damage. No surgery, no downtime.
What Is an IPL Photofacial?
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light, a strong broad-spectrum light that targets areas of redness, pigmentation, and visible vessels just beneath the surface of the skin. An IPL Photofacial is a non-invasive light-based skin treatment used to improve skin tone and repair sun-damaged areas.
When the light penetrates the skin, it creates a controlled heat response that helps the body naturally break down damaged cells and replace them with fresh, healthier skin.
What Does an IPL Treatment Help With?
This treatment is most often used for:
- Brown spots and pigmentation from sun exposure
- Redness and rosacea
- Small visible blood vessels (vascular lesions)
- Uneven skin tone or dullness
- Mild textural changes and fine lines
- Sun damage removal for skin that’s been overexposed
In some cases, it may also improve inflammatory acne.
What Areas Can Be Treated with an IPL Photofacial?
We treat the areas most frequently exposed to the sun, including:
- Face
- Chest (décolleté)
- Shoulders
- Upper back
These are the areas where sun damage, pigmentation, and redness tend to show first, and where IPL treatment patients see the most visible improvement.
How Is the Procedure Performed?
The procedure is quick and straightforward. A handheld IPL device is placed directly on the skin to deliver a pulse of light. You may feel a mild snapping sensation, similar to a rubber band.
Each pulse delivers light energy that penetrates the skin and stimulates a renewal response. This promotes skin turnover and fades areas of excess pigmentation and redness over time.
Is There Downtime After an IPL Photofacial?
Most patients experience mild redness and sensitivity for 24–48 hours. You can return to your normal routine immediately, though we recommend avoiding direct sun exposure and wearing sunscreen daily.
How Many Sessions Do I Need?
Most patients need a series of 3 to 5 treatments, spaced about 4 weeks apart, to get optimal results.
How Long Do Results Last?
Results can last for months, sometimes longer, if you protect your skin from future sun exposure. Many patients schedule an annual maintenance session to keep their results fresh.
How Much Does an IPL Photofacial Cost?
Pricing is based on treatment area.
- Small area: $199 per session
- Package of 4 sessions: $599
We’ll recommend a plan based on the area you want to treat and the extent of visible damage.
How Do I Know If I’m a Candidate for IPL?
If you’re dealing with redness, pigmentation, or sun damage, we’ll assess your skin and recommend a personalized approach using IPL sun damage removal or IPL for redness.
NYC and surrounding locations
Call 212.888.3003 or schedule online now.This information was medically reviewed by board-certified physician Stephen P. Bracci, M.D. on August 20, 2025.
