Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Conveniently located to serve Wellesley, Boston, Weston and Greater Boston Area
Advanced IPL Photofacials in Wellesley, MA
Physician-Led Skin Rejuvenation for Clearer, Brighter Skin Across Greater Boston and Surrounding Areas
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.
Meet Our Wellesley Skin Experts
At Premier Dermatology, your care is overseen by a Wellesley board-certified dermatologist. Dr. Melissa Burnett and the Premier Dermatology team maintain high standards of clinical oversight for every light-based treatment. Consistently named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor and featured in Boston Magazine, Dr. Burnett is recognized by her peers as a leader in the field.
Our expert laser technicians follow the latest safety and efficacy protocols. As a physician-led practice, we provide the medical expertise necessary to distinguish benign sunspots from complex skin conditions. This clinical oversight confirms that every treatment is both effective and medically appropriate for your specific skin type.
Cost of IPL Treatments
The IPL cost in Wellesley depends on the size of the treatment area and the specific concerns being addressed. While some patients see results after one visit, most achieve their goals through a series of sessions. We offer competitive photofacial prices in Wellesley and provide package options to make your skin rejuvenation investment more accessible.
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.
FAQ
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
How many treatments will I need?
Most patients achieve the best results with a protocol of 2 to 3 sessions. These are usually spaced about four weeks apart to allow the skin to naturally process the treated pigment.
What does “coffee ground” peeling mean?
A few days after your session, pigmented spots may darken and rise to the surface, looking like coffee grounds. This is a normal part of the process, and these spots will naturally flake off within a week.
IPL vs. Laser: What is the difference?
IPL is a type of laser that uses a broad spectrum of light across multiple wavelengths, making it versatile for treating both redness and brown spots simultaneously. Typical Lasers use a single, focused wavelength and are often reserved for deeper resurfacing or specific vascular issues.
Is IPL painful?
Most describe the sensation as a light rubber band snap. We use advanced cooling technologies and optional numbing cream to maintain your comfort.
Who is NOT a candidate?
To keep your skin safe and healthy, we don’t offer IPL for those with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick types IV–VI) because of the risk of burns or scarring. We also ask that you avoid natural or chemical tans for at least 4 weeks before your visit. If you’re on photosensitizing meds like Accutane or certain antibiotics, or if you’re managing melasma or active skin issues like cold sores, IPL might not be the right fit just yet.
What other procedures can be combined with IPL?
For total skin rejuvenation, IPL pairs effectively with microneedling or chemical peels. While IPL addresses color, these treatments focus on smoothing texture and refining pores to enhance your overall results.
Reveal Your Best Complexion Today
If you are ready to address sun damage and redness, our team is here to help. Schedule a Wellesley skin consultation at Premier Dermatology to see how a photofacial can improve your skin tone. Book an IPL photofacial in Boston or Wellesley to begin your skin rejuvenation and achieve a refreshed, radiant look.
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.