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Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Conveniently located to serve Wellesley, Boston, Weston and Greater Boston Area

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Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatments in Wellesley, MA

Intense pulsed light, also known as IPL, is a cosmetic skin treatment that can be utilized to reduce the visible signs of aging. The IPL provides different wavelengths intended to treat a variety of skin concerns including Laser Rejuvenation, Facial Redness, Telangiectasia, Angioma, Rosacea, Inflammatory Acne, Brown Discoloration such as Sun Spots (Solar Lentigo) on the face, décolletage, arms and hands, Melasma, Poikiloderma (a red-brown discoloration typical in areas of chronic sun damage), Overall improvement of skin texture and appearance, Treatment of Red Birthmarks, Some Spider Veins.

How Does Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Work?

Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL, works by using light energy to target red and brown discoloration in your skin using a process called “selective photothermolysis.” This results in lightening or resolution of unwanted red and brown spots on your skin.

An IPL device utilizes more than one wavelength of pulsed light, as compared to lasers, which commonly use only a single wavelength. The wide range of wavelengths from IPL allows for treatment of skin conditions such as discoloration, scars, and broken blood vessels and can even contribute to improved skin texture overall.

Am I a Good Candidate for IPL?

An IPL treatment is best for people who want a non-invasive solution for correcting red and brown discoloration on the skin. It works well for several types of skin discolorations, such as age spots, freckling, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, active inflammatory acne, rosacea, scars, and broken blood vessels. People looking for a treatment that offers quick healing with little to no downtime are good candidates for IPL treatment.

People who are sensitive to light, are tanned, or have darker skin tones are not the best candidates for an IPL treatment. Those who are pregnant or taking certain medications should consult with an expert before considering IPL.

Your Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Session

An IPL session will begin with application of a cool ultrasound gel to the skin in the area to be treated. The patient will also wear eye protection. Then our skin experts at Premier Dermatology will use the IPL device to direct light pulses into the treatment area.

The light pulses will feel like a hot pulse of light that lasts for a fraction of a second per pulse. The duration of the treatment will depend on the areas being treated but typically ranges from 10-45 minutes. After the treatment, cool compresses are applied to the treated area, followed by sunscreen.

IPL Aftercare

The recovery following IPL treatment depends upon what is being treated but may include some temporary increase in redness in the treated area, temporary darkening of brown spots and possible small and temporary bruising. We typically recommend 2-3 treatments to achieve optimal results; however, it is important to discuss expectations based upon what is being treated with your provider at the time of your consultation.

Clinical Expertise Meets Cosmetic Artistry

Now accepting new patients!

Welcome to Premier Dermatology

At Premier Dermatology, we deliver evidence-based dermatologic care with a highly personalized approach. Every treatment plan is thoughtfully tailored to your individual needs, whether you’re managing a medical skin condition or pursuing cosmetic enhancement.

With over 65 years of combined experience, our team of board-certified dermatologists has provided exceptional medical, pediatric, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology services in the Wellesley, MA location. Using the latest technologies and treatments, we are dedicated to achieving healthy and natural-looking results.

Your skin is our expertise—and your confidence is our priority.

Related Services

At Premier Dermatology, we offer a comprehensive range of cosmetic, medical, pediatric, and surgical dermatology services tailored to your unique skin goals. Our board-certified team combines the latest evidence-based treatments with personalized care to help you look and feel your best. We proudly serve patients from Wellesley, Boston, Weston, Newton, and Needham with both wellness-focused and aesthetic-enhancing solutions.