IPL Treatments: How many, how often and how long | Key Laser (2024)

IPL Treatments: How many, how often and how long | Key Laser (1)

Intense Pulsed Light is a non-invasive, non-ablative form of laser skin rejuvenation. As one of the first types of laser skin therapy, IPL has become a go-to treatment for countless patients looking to correct a wide array of skin blemishes. These range from rosacea redness to age-related issues such as brown spots and broken blood vessels. By targeting these areas of discoloration with intense light energy, IPL helps patients improve overall skin clarity and tone while also reducing the appearance of aging.

While IPL is certainly one of the most popular skin rejuvenation treatments available, no two treatment strategies are the same. With that in mind, here’s what you need to know about intense pulsed light treatments before scheduling your consultation.

How Many IPL Treatments Will I Need?

Like many other cosmetic treatments, the number of sessions necessary depends on several important factors – starting with each individual’s cosmetic needs and goals. When IPL is being used to target dramatic pigmentation differences such as brown age spots or melasma, it can take up to six sessions to eliminate excess pigment in deeper layers of skin. In contrast, redness typically appears in the more superficial layers of skin, requiring fewer sessions to improve the skin’s overall appearance.

How Often Should I Receive IPL Treatment?

The number of treatment sessions and skin concerns can also dictate the frequency and timing of treatment. Most patients are recommended to undergo at least three sessions of IPL therapy scheduled at four-week intervals. While the four-week intervals may seem arbitrary, they are in fact specifically timed match the skin’s natural regeneration process. On average, most patients’ skin cells grow and die within a 30-day window. Scheduling treatments any farther than four weeks apart gives these skin blemishes an opportunity to return, somewhat undermining treatment work that has been completed.

How Long Do IPL Results Last?

When patients undergo the correct number of treatment sessions at the right time, IPL can create an important foundation for a lifetime of clear skin. However, the actual treatments are only part of the formula to beautiful skin. Like many other rejuvenation procedures, the longevity of your treatment results depends on your ability to take proper care of your skin.

When it comes to IPL, we strongly encourage patients to continue practicing good skin care and healthful habits that can limit the risk of imperfections returning. Full sun protection is particularly critical for IPL patients who want to prevent age spots or redness from returning. Scheduling annual touch-up treatments can also be an important step in ensuring you enjoy the full benefits of this laser treatment.

Get Started at Portland’s Leading Laser Center

When it comes to laser skin rejuvenation, it pays to entrust your care with an expert. For over 20 years, the Key Laser Institute has provided Portland’s patients with innovative options for addressing age-old cosmetic concerns. Board Certified dermatologist Dr. Key has developed a reputation as one of the leading experts in aesthetic and laser medicine and is proud to share his knowledge with his patients. To learn if IPL is the right laser therapy for you, call 503-291-1953 or schedule your consultation with our Portland specialist today.

IPL Treatments: How many, how often and how long | Key Laser (2024)

FAQs

IPL Treatments: How many, how often and how long | Key Laser? ›

Most patients are recommended to undergo at least three sessions of IPL therapy scheduled at four-week intervals. While the four-week intervals may seem arbitrary, they are in fact specifically timed match the skin's natural regeneration process.

How many IPL laser treatments do I need? ›

IPL treatments work very well to reduce and remove brown and red spots on the skin and create an overall better complexion. However, as this treatment has “minimal or no downtime”, it is necessary to do 3-5 treatments to achieve the very best results.

How often should I use my IPL laser? ›

In the beginning of your treatments, we recommend getting an IPL treatment every 4-6 weeks. This interval allows the treatment to work its magic and ensures that new hair growth is effectively treated. However, some people may need to adjust their treatment schedule based on their hair growth rate.

How often should you have an IPL session? ›

Typically, sessions are repeated once a month or once every 6 weeks. You can have a series of between 4 to 6 sessions.

How long do IPL laser results last? ›

The main downsides of IPL treatment are the cost and number of sessions needed to get results. Mild pain and redness also may occur during or after treatments. How long does IPL treatment last? Skin improvements often last 6 months to 1 year.

How do I get the best results of IPL laser? ›

Best Tips to Prepare

The treatment area mustn't be tanned or exposed to direct sunlight two weeks before your procedure. Sun exposure encourages the production of melanin, which can interfere with your IPL's results. Be sure to use an SPF of 30 or higher even when stepped outside for a brief period of time.

Do brown spots come back after IPL? ›

It is impossible to avoid all sun exposure and so even with the best of skin care and protection, new brown spots may emerge gradually over time. Proper skin care and protection is the only thing standing between you and appearance of future brown spots.

How long does it take for capillaries to disappear after IPL? ›

As a general rule, the smaller the capillaries, the quicker they are to clear up. Typically, you won't start seeing results until two to four weeks after the first treatment, as it can take the body's lymphatic system that long to remove the dead material.

What's better, IPL or microneedling? ›

IPL might be more appropriate if you aim to treat conditions including hyperpigmentation, redness, and vascular lesions. On the other hand, Microneedling could be more suitable if your priority is to boost skin texture, reduce scars, and eliminate fine wrinkles.

Does IPL tighten skin? ›

While IPL is especially useful for reduction of pigmentation in the skin, the heat it generates can stimulate cell turnover and collagen production in the skin This can have the effect of tightening areas of loose, crepey or lax skin and smoothing fine wrinkles.

Is IPL worth the money? ›

For clients looking to combat fine wrinkles and uneven skin texture, IPL can be a game-changer. By stimulating collagen production, IPL treatments help to smooth out fine lines and improve skin texture. After three IPL treatments, many of our clients see a significant improvement in the appearance of their skin.

How to tell if an IPL is working? ›

You will notice that the hair growth after four weeks of IPL treatment will be lesser and thinner. After completing a session of 12 weeks, the hair growth will reduce completely, providing you with silky, smooth skin for a longer time. However, you may have to continue touch-ups as needed.

Can IPL results be permanent? ›

While IPL can significantly reduce hair growth, it does not guarantee permanent hair removal. Many users notice a significant reduction in hair density and thickness, making regrowth finer and lighter.

How many rounds of IPL do I need? ›

On average, we typically recommend a series of 3 – 6 IPL photofacial treatments to help achieve an optimal outcome. After this initial round of treatment, routine maintenance — or “touch-up” — treatments can be used to keep your skin looking its best over the long term.

Will one session of IPL treatment make a difference? ›

The number of sessions needed will depend on the severity of the condition being treated, the size of the treatment area, and the patient's skin type. In general, patients can expect to see some improvement in their skin after the first session of IPL treatment.

How many home IPL sessions do you need? ›

How often should I use IPL at home? For best results, IPL treatments should be repeated every fortnight, up to six times. You will start to see results after the third treatment. A treatment schedule can help you maintain this rhythm.

Do I have to shave every time I use IPL? ›

You won't have to worry about this with IPL, as you're actually advised to shave before treatment. Shaving before your IPL hair removal treatment helps the light beam to focus in on the hair root. When using IPL, you'll need to shave less and less as your treatments go on.

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