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Photofacial & Photobody (IPL)

Intense Pulsed Light: Sun Damage, Redness and Pigmentation

Full face starting at $295/session · Exact pricing at consultation

A photofacial uses intense pulsed light (IPL), a versatile light-based treatment for pigmentation, redness, broken capillaries and sun damage. At Thrive! MedAesthetics, we use IPL on the face and body, with cooling gel for comfort.

IPL is a common choice for sunspots, rosacea and general redness, with minimal downtime for most people.

Medically reviewed by Amber Bocknek, MD, CCFP, ABAARM, FAAMM, MSCP, Medical Director, November 4, 2026

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Woman reclining with eye shields while a gloved hand holds an IPL photofacial handpiece near her cheek

About This Treatment

What Is a Photofacial

(IPL)?

IPL (intense pulsed light) uses broad-spectrum light that is absorbed by two targets in the skin: melanin, the brown pigment in sun spots, and hemoglobin, the red pigment in blood. The absorbed light breaks up pigment and shrinks visible blood vessels, so skin tone can look more even over a series of treatments. IPL can also stimulate collagen, which may improve texture over time. Results vary.

Also known as: IPL treatment, intense pulsed light, photofacial, photo rejuvenation, IPL for rosacea, IPL for brown spots, sun damage treatment, age spot removal, broken capillary treatment, red vein treatment, photobody, IPL skin rejuvenation

The Process

How Does It Work?

1

Consultation

Evaluation of your skin concerns and discussion of realistic expectations. Sun-tanned skin must be avoided before treatment.

2

Preparation

The treatment area is cleansed and a cooling gel is applied for comfort and light transmission.

3

Treatment

The IPL handpiece delivers pulses of light to the skin. You'll feel a snapping sensation similar to a rubber band.

4

Post-Treatment

Pigmented spots will darken initially, then flake off over 7-14 days. Redness may temporarily intensify before fading.

5

Results

Many people notice a change after each session. A series of 3 to 5 treatments is common, and results vary. is typical, and results vary.

The Process

How Does It Work?

1

Preparation

A cooling gel is applied; numbing is not usually needed.

1

I

Consultation

Evaluation of your skin concerns and discussion of realistic expectations. Sun-tanned skin must be avoided before treatment.

2

I

Preparation

The treatment area is cleansed and a cooling gel is applied for comfort and light transmission.

3

I

Treatment

The IPL handpiece delivers pulses of light to the skin. You'll feel a snapping sensation similar to a rubber band.

4

I

Post-Treatment

Pigmented spots will darken initially, then flake off over 7-14 days. Redness may temporarily intensify before fading.

5

I

Results

Many people notice a change after each session. A series of 3 to 5 treatments is common, and results vary. is typical, and results vary.

Why Choose This Treatment

Benefits & Treatment Areas

Targets sun spots and age spots

Targets broken capillaries

Stimulates collagen production

Minimal downtime

Treats rosacea and facial redness

Targets uneven skin tone

Treats face, neck, chest, and body

Progressive improvement with each session

Treatment Areas

Full Face

Neck

Décolletage

Hands

Arms

Legs

Back

Full Face

Neck

Décolletage

Hands

Arms

Legs

Back

Is This Right for You?

Finding Your Fit

Adults with sun damage, redness, rosacea, or brown spots

Those with visible broken capillaries or vascular irregularities

Patients wanting a more even skin tone across face, neck, or body

People seeking non-invasive treatment with minimal downtime

IPL Photofacial vs. Vascular Laser

Feature

Photofacial & Photobody (IPL)

Nd:YAG Vascular Laser

Technology

Broad-spectrum intense pulsed light filtering specific wavelengths

Single-wavelength Nd:YAG

Targets

Sun spots, rosacea, broken capillaries, uneven tone simultaneously

Deeper vessels only

Sessions Needed

3 to 5 sessions, 4 weeks apart

1 to 3

Skin Types

Fitzpatrick I to IV

I to VI

This comparison is for education only. The right treatment for you depends on your anatomy, goals and medical history, and a consultation with our physician-led team helps you choose. you.

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

What does IPL photofacial treat?

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treats sun damage, age spots, brown spots, rosacea, redness, broken capillaries, and uneven skin tone. It uses broad-spectrum light to target pigment and vascular irregularities while stimulating collagen for overall skin rejuvenation.

How many IPL sessions do I need?

A series of 3 to 5 sessions, spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart, is common, with maintenance sessions once or twice a year. Results vary.

Is IPL the same as laser?

No. IPL uses broad-spectrum light (multiple wavelengths), while lasers use a single, focused wavelength. IPL can treat several concerns at once, and our team recommends the technology that suits your needs.