What does the skin look like after IPL treatment?

Immediately after treatment, you may notice mild redness similar to a light sunburn that fades within a few hours. Brown spots will darken and appear more pronounced for 7-14 days before they naturally flake off, revealing clearer skin underneath. Most patients return to normal activities the same day.

IPL Photofacial in Longmont, CO | Pigment & Redness Treatment

Q: How many IPL sessions do I need?

Most patients achieve optimal results with 3-5 IPL sessions spaced 3-4 weeks apart. The number of sessions depends on the severity of pigmentation or redness and your skin goals. Maintenance treatments once or twice a year help preserve your results.

Q: Can I combine IPL with other treatments?

Yes, IPL pairs beautifully with many treatments at IRIS Aesthetics. It can be combined with Botox, dermal fillers, or performed as part of a comprehensive skin rejuvenation plan. Dr. Jensen often recommends IPL alongside CO2 laser resurfacing or medical-grade skincare for optimal results.

Q: How long do IPL results last?

IPL results can last a year or longer with proper sun protection. However, because the Colorado sun continues to cause new damage, most patients benefit from 1-2 maintenance sessions per year. Consistent SPF use is the single most important factor in maintaining your results.

Q: What about sun exposure after IPL treatment?

Sun avoidance is critical for 2-4 weeks after IPL treatment. You must wear SPF 30 or higher daily and avoid direct sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanners. Sun exposure after treatment can cause hyperpigmentation and compromise your results. Living in Colorado, we emphasize year-round sun protection as part of your skincare routine.

About This Treatment

How IPL Photofacial Works

Intense Pulsed Light delivers broad-spectrum light energy that selectively targets melanin (brown pigment) and hemoglobin (red pigment) in the skin. Unlike lasers that emit a single wavelength, IPL uses a range of wavelengths that can be filtered and customized to address your specific concerns — whether that's sun spots, rosacea, or both.

When the light energy is absorbed by damaged cells, it converts to heat, causing the pigmented or vascular lesions to break down. Over 1–2 weeks, your body's natural processes eliminate the treated cells, revealing clearer, more even-toned skin underneath. Brown spots darken and flake off; redness and broken capillaries gradually fade.

At IRIS Aesthetics, Dr. Jensen personally oversees every IPL treatment using a medical-grade device with customized wavelength and energy settings. This physician-supervised approach ensures each session is precisely calibrated to your skin type, concerns, and tolerance — delivering maximum results with maximum safety.

Quick Facts

Treatment Time

20–60 minutes

Downtime

Minimal — return to activities same day

Sessions

3–5 for optimal results

Results

Visible in 1–2 weeks per session

Areas Treated

Face, neck, chest, hands

Supervised By

Dr. Jensen (always)

Clear, Even-Toned Skin

Choose Your Treatment

From targeted spot correction to full sun-damage reversal — IPL adapts to your skin concerns and coverage needs.

Spot Treatment

Targeted Correction

Precise treatment of individual sun spots, age spots, or broken vessels. Ideal when you have a few specific areas of concern.

20–30 minutes

Individual lesions

No downtime

Investment

$200–$300 per session

Book Spot Treatment

Full Face IPL

Comprehensive Clarity

Complete treatment for overall tone, clarity, and pigment correction across the entire face. The most effective option for widespread sun damage and redness.

30–45 minutes

Full-face coverage

Tone & redness correction

Investment

$350–$450 per session

Book Full Face IPL

Best Value

Face + Neck/Chest

Extended Coverage

Comprehensive treatment across all sun-exposed areas. Addresses the full extent of Colorado sun damage for a uniformly clear, even complexion.

45–60 minutes

Face, neck & décolletage

Maximum sun-damage reversal

Investment

$500–$650 per session

Book Face + Neck/Chest

Who It's For

What IPL Photofacial Can Address

Sun Damage

Age spots, sun spots, photoaging

Rosacea

Facial redness, flushing

Broken Capillaries

Spider veins, visible vessels

Age Spots

Liver spots, brown patches

Freckles

Unwanted sun-induced freckling

Uneven Skin Tone

Blotchiness, discoloration

Ruddy Complexion

Chronic redness, irritation

Hyperpigmentation

Post-inflammatory dark marks

Real Results

What You Can Expect

70-80%

Pigment Reduction

Visible reduction in sun spots, age spots, and brown discoloration after a full treatment series

3–5

Sessions for Optimal Results

Spaced 3–4 weeks apart for cumulative improvement with each treatment

0

Days of Downtime

Return to normal activities immediately — just mild redness that fades within hours

Your Journey

What to Expect

1

Consultation

Dr. Jensen evaluates your skin, identifies pigmentation and vascular concerns, and creates a customized IPL treatment plan tailored to your goals.

2

Preparation

Avoid sun exposure for 2–4 weeks before treatment. Discontinue retinoids and any photosensitizing products. Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin.

3

Treatment Day

A cooling gel is applied for comfort. The IPL handpiece delivers precise pulses of light, feeling like a warm snap. Sessions take 20–60 minutes depending on area.

4

Recovery & Results

Mild redness fades within hours. Brown spots darken over 7–14 days before flaking off. Redness gradually clears. Full results build with each session.

Physician-Supervised Care

Dr. Adrianna Jensen

Board-Certified Oculoplastic Surgeon · 30+ Years

IPL photofacials may seem straightforward, but the difference between good and exceptional results comes down to who is calibrating the device. Dr. Jensen's deep understanding of skin anatomy, light-tissue interaction, and facial vasculature means your IPL settings are precisely customized — not a one-size-fits-all protocol.

Every IPL treatment at IRIS Aesthetics is physician-supervised, performed with a medical-grade device that far exceeds what's available at day spas. This clinical approach delivers consistently superior results while maintaining the highest safety standards.

Fellowship Trained

Board Certified

Medical-Grade Device

Meet Dr. Jensen

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About IPL photofacial treatment in Longmont, CO

How many IPL sessions do I need?

Most patients achieve optimal results with 3–5 sessions spaced 3–4 weeks apart. The number depends on the severity of your pigmentation or redness and your goals. Maintenance treatments once or twice a year help preserve results long-term.

Does IPL photofacial hurt?

Most patients describe the sensation as a warm snap, similar to a rubber band lightly flicking the skin. The treatment is well-tolerated without numbing, though a cooling gel is applied for comfort. Each pulse lasts only a fraction of a second.

What does the skin look like after IPL?

Immediately after, you may have mild redness similar to a light sunburn that fades within a few hours. Brown spots will darken and look more pronounced for 7–14 days before naturally flaking off to reveal clearer skin. Most patients return to normal activities the same day with makeup if desired.

Can I combine IPL with other treatments?

Yes, IPL pairs beautifully with many treatments. It can be combined with Botox, dermal fillers, or incorporated into a comprehensive skin rejuvenation plan. Dr. Jensen often recommends IPL alongside CO2 laser resurfacing or medical-grade skincare for patients who want to address both texture and tone.

Is IPL safe for all skin tones?

IPL works best on lighter to medium skin tones (Fitzpatrick I–III). Patients with darker skin tones may have a higher risk of pigmentation changes because the light can be absorbed by melanin in surrounding skin. During your consultation, Dr. Jensen will assess your skin type and recommend the safest, most effective treatment option for you.

How long do IPL results last?

Results can last a year or longer with proper sun protection. Because the Colorado sun continues to cause new damage, most patients benefit from 1–2 maintenance sessions per year. Consistent daily SPF is the single most important factor in maintaining your results.

Can IPL treat melasma?

IPL is generally not the first-line treatment for melasma, as the condition is hormonally driven and can sometimes worsen with light-based therapies. Dr. Jensen will evaluate your pigmentation during consultation and may recommend alternative approaches such as medical-grade skincare or gentle chemical peels for melasma specifically.

What about sun exposure after IPL treatment?

Sun avoidance is critical for 2–4 weeks after treatment. Wear SPF 30 or higher daily and avoid direct sun, tanning beds, and self-tanners. Sun exposure after IPL can cause hyperpigmentation and compromise your results. Living in Colorado, we emphasize year-round sun protection as part of every skincare routine.

Ready for Clear, Even-Toned Skin?

Schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Jensen to discuss how IPL photofacial can restore your skin's natural clarity and even tone.

Schedule Consultation (720) 738-0302

Explore More

IPL Photofacial in Longmont, CO

How IPL Photofacial Works

Quick Facts

Choose Your Treatment

Spot Treatment

Full Face IPL

Face + Neck/Chest

What IPL Photofacial Can Address

What You Can Expect

What to Expect

Consultation

Preparation

Treatment Day

Recovery & Results

Dr. Adrianna Jensen

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready for Clear, Even-Toned Skin?

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