An IPL photofacial uses intense pulsed light to treat age spots, sun damage, redness, rosacea and visible blood vessels. Paz Dermatology offers IPL at its Visalia, California office, with consultations in Fresno or Visalia. It usually takes a short series of treatments, with yearly upkeep.
Clearer, more even skin, one session at a time
IPL uses a broad band of light to treat everything from rosacea to sun damage.[1] The light is drawn to brown pigment and to the tiny red blood vessels near the surface, and it breaks them down so your body can clear them away.
The result is fewer sun spots, less redness and a smoother, brighter look. It can also reduce the flushing of rosacea and improve your skin’s texture.[2]
What it can improve
- Brown spots and freckling from the sun
- Blotchy or ruddy color[3]
- Redness and flushing
- Small visible blood vessels on the face
- Uneven texture
- 2 to 3The number of IPL sessions many people need, followed by a yearly touch-up.[1]
Your IPL appointment
- Your consultation We look at your spots, your redness and your skin tone, check the medicines you take, and set your plan. Consultations are offered in Fresno and Visalia.
- Preparing your skin A cool gel goes on the treatment area, and you’ll wear protective eyewear.
- Treatment The handpiece rests on your skin and delivers quick flashes of light. Most people feel a warm snap, like a rubber band.
- Afterward Skin may look a little pink for a day or two. Brown spots often darken slightly, then flake away over the following days.
- Once a yearHow often a maintenance session helps keep results after your series.[1]
Light or laser for your redness?
Both treat redness and visible blood vessels. They just go about it differently.
| IPL photofacial | VBeam laser | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A broad band of light[1] | A pulsed dye laser tuned to blood vessels[1] |
| Best for | Brown spots and redness together | Redness, broken blood vessels, red birthmarks[1] |
| Sessions | More sessions, gentler on the skin[2] | Fewer sessions[2] |
If your main concern is sun spots with some redness, IPL treats both at once. If it’s redness alone, VBeam may get you there in fewer visits. We’ll help you choose at your free consultation.
Where IPL makes the biggest difference
| Area | What changes |
|---|---|
| Face | Fewer sun spots, calmer redness, a more even tone[3] |
| Neck | Less of the blotchy color sun leaves behind |
| Chest | Fewer freckles and spots from years of sun |
| Hands | Brown spots fade for a younger look |
- SPF dailySun protection every day protects your results and your skin.[3]
The Paz difference
Light treatments, planned with care
Light treatments give the best results when they’re planned around your skin. Your plan starts with a look at your skin tone, your spots and any medicines that make you sensitive to light, so every session is set for you.
And with both IPL and VBeam here, you get the tool that fits your skin rather than the only one on hand.
Is an IPL photofacial right for you?
You’re likely a good fit if you:
- Have sun spots, freckling or uneven color
- Have redness, flushing or small visible blood vessels
- Want improvement with little downtime
- Can protect your skin from the sun during and after your series
Tell us before your appointment if you:
- Take any medicine, cream or supplement that makes you sensitive to light
- Have a tan or have recently used a self-tanner
- Have darker skin, so your settings can be chosen with extra care
- Are pregnant
After your appointment
Most people go right back to their day. Some pinkness, mild swelling or darkening of spots is normal and settles on its own.
For the next few days
- Use sunscreen every day, even when it’s cloudy[3]
- Let darkened spots flake off on their own
- Skip scrubs and harsh products until your skin settles
- Use a cool compress if your skin feels warm
Light treatments can cause burns, lasting changes in skin color or scars, which is why careful settings matter.[2] Call us if you notice blistering or anything that worries you.
Concerns treated
These are some of the most common concerns IPL helps with here. Pick one to see how we can help.
What treatment costs
Cost depends on the area and how many sessions you need. Your consultation is free, and you’ll know your plan and its cost before anything happens. You’ll find our current offers on their own page.
IPL questions, answered
No. It uses a broad band of light rather than a single laser wavelength,[1] which lets it treat brown spots and redness in the same session.
Many people need about two to three, then a yearly touch-up to keep results.[1]
Most people feel a quick, warm snap with each flash. It’s very manageable.
Often, yes. Treated spots can darken for a few days, then flake away.
Yes. It can reduce flushing and improve your skin’s texture.[2]
Treatments are done at our Visalia office. You can have your consultation at either office.
