IPL Photofacial Laser Treatment

Light and energy-based treatments continue to soar in popularity. These treatments are far gentler than any surgery, yet still can address an increasing range of cosmetic concerns. At Ohara Dermatology in Beverly Hills, we offer intense pulsed light therapy (IPL) to address many of the issues caused by excess sun exposure, aging, and genetics. All treatments are performed by our board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Ohara Aivaz for optimal safety, results, and lasting benefits.

A woman with her hand on her face, reflecting on the benefits of Intense Pulsed Light Treatment for skin rejuvenation.

What Is Intense Pulsed Light Treatment?

Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments are a type of light-based therapy designed to address photodamage and minor skin issues. In contrast to a laser (which uses focused light), IPL therapy delivers a scattered, wider spectrum of light to the skin. This light is then absorbed by the second layer of the skin, leaving the top layer undamaged. This gentler method of treatment results in less redness and swelling.

Some of the main concerns patients address with IPL Photofacial treatments include:

  • Sun-damaged skin (e.g., sun spots, premature aging)
  • Large pores
  • Minor acne scars and some acne
  • Wrinkles and lines
  • Freckles
  • Visible veins and capillaries
  • Uneven skin tone
  • Skin hyperpigmentation concerns

Intense Pulsed Light: At a Glance

  • Treatment Type: Non-surgical cosmetic, energy-based
  • How Long It Takes: Average of 30 minutes (includes treatment time and numbing cream application)
  • Recovery Time: A couple of days to 1 week (mild experience)
  • Speed of Results: Final results within 3 to 5 months (depends on target goals)
  • Duration of Results: About 1 year
  • Pain Level: Very mild

Is a Photofacial Right for Me?

An IPL photofacial offers an energy-based treatment that is more gentle than intensive ablative lasers. However, selecting the right option is foundational for seeing results that take your skin where you want it to be. During your consultation with Dr. Aivaz, you can discuss your goals, learn about your options, and work with her to build your treatment plan. Tailor each aspect of the treatment, combine elements, and develop a plan that brings out the best in your skin.
Some signs that a photofacial is right for you include:
  • Wanting to have a milder treatment with less skin irritation.
  • Having more sensitive skin.
  • Wanting to address mild to moderate cosmetic skin concerns.
Some signs another solution may be ideal include:
  • Having tanner or darker skin (due to risk of unwanted skin lightening from light treatment).
  • Currently having active skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis.

What Is a Treatment Session Like?

Part of what makes intense pulsed light treatment so appealing is the milder experience. Treatment sessions are quick and comfortable while still providing exceptional results.
Treatment Session Overview
Step 1: Come prepared. Avoid putting on makeup or lotions before coming in for treatment. Additionally, it is best not to recently have sunburned, used a tanning bed, or waxed the treatment areas.
A woman showcasing long eyelashes and expertly applied makeup, highlighting the effects of neurotoxin treatment.
Step 2: Preparing the skin. We will apply a special numbing cream (if needed) or gel to the treatment area to better facilitate a comfortable experience.
Step 3: The light. We use a special device that emits pulses of light, which are then absorbed by the deeper skin cells of the treatment area. Each area is treated individually.

Does IPL Treatment Have a Recovery Period?

IPL only has mild aftereffects compared to focused-light treatments. Patients may feel like they have a mild sunburn for a few hours after treatment as the cells respond to the light. Some mild redness is normal for a few days as well. Darker patches of skin that received more intensive treatment will peel eventually, which is a natural way for the renewed skin below to come to the surface. We recommend using protective sunscreen while healing from treatment, as sunlight can interfere with results.

Your Results: Duration and Quality

IPL treatment results are gradual, but they are consistent. The treatment works by encouraging the body’s natural response to light, creating effective cell turnover that reveals improved skin. But this process can take some time, and most patients will see optimal results with a regimen of about 2 to 5 treatments.
What to Know About Results
  • It can take a few months to see the final results.
  • The progress of the results depends on the concerns that are addressed (some concerns are resolved more quickly than others).
  • Results can last a year or more, but duration is dependent on healthy skin care at home and when outside.
Dr Ohara Aivaz holding certificate of Los Angeles Top Doctors 2021

Book Your Consultation

As a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Ohara Aivaz is proud to deliver modern treatments that emphasize patient well-being. Intense pulsed light therapy allows her to bring out the best in her patients through a gentle and effective treatment. To learn more about this light-based photofacial, reach out to our office for your consultation. Start on a path toward seeing skin that looks and feels at its best today.
schedule a consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Eliminating or reducing brown spots or other discolorations and hyperpigmentation
  • Eliminating age spot or liver spots
  • Reducing redness in acne scars, stretch marks or surgical scars
  • Treating uneven skin tone of face/neck/chest for more youthful skin
  • Reducing sun-damaged or aging skin
  • Treating rosacea
  • Treating broken blood vessels (also knows as telangiectasias)
  • Treating cherry angiomas
Areas that can be treated include, but are not limited to:
  • Face
  • Neck
  • Chest
  • Hands
  • Arms

Before treatment, you will have a consultation with Dr. Aivaz to discuss your concerns and desired outcomes. During this consultation, Dr. Aivaz will examine you and ask questions about your medical history to ensure you are a candidate for treatment.

During treatment, the area will be cleaned and prepped for the procedure. The IPL treatment takes about 20 minutes. Pain is minimal (similar to a rubber band snapping on the skin), but medical-grade topical anesthetic can be used to numb the skin should you desire. Cool air and ice make the procedure very tolerable.

The laser is passed over the treatment area, and most patients describe a feeling of heat and/or a rubber band snapping on the skin.

Patients are red and may be swollen for 2-3 days after the procedure. Expect light scabbing (I liken the scabs to coffee grounds) for about one week. These “coffee ground crusts” are actually the undesired pigment that is being removed. The pigment comes right to the surface of the skin, then peels off within 5-7 days.

The appointment can take anywhere from 5-60 minutes, depending on the area that is being treated.

Depending on your skin type and what is being targeted, anywhere between 2-5 sessions are recommended. Treatments are performed every 4 weeks.

You may need yearly touch ups, and the best way to prolong results is by protecting the skin from the sun with sunscreen and hats.

Laser procedures have an excellent safety record in Dr. Aivaz’s hands. Dr. Aivaz chooses laser settings very carefully to minimize risk of serious side effects such as skin pigmentation or scarring.