IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) reviews by RealSelf.com users

59% said worth it (24 reviews)       41% said not worth it (17 reviews)
Cost of IPL: $895 (average of 41 reviews)

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) description: IPL, sometimes called photorejuvenation or photo facial, is a skin treatment is commonly used to improve a wide range of skin problems including: sun damage, wrinkles, stretch marks, and age spots. IPL is often performed by a dermatologist who uses the IPL device to emit powerful bursts of light energy to your surface skin, targeting red and brown pigment and eliminating it.

Most helpful favorable review

23 people found this IPL review helpful:

Love it

I have been doing IPL for the last 3 years. I usually have 3 to 4 sessions done each year after summer. My complexion looks great after these sessions. A competent tech will have you apply a local numbing cream 45 minutes prior to your session and this really helps tolerate the procedure. I love IPL , it gets... Full IPL review

Published Aug 23, 2007

Most helpful critical review

37 people found this IPL review helpful:

For spots use bleaching cream instead

IPL doesn't last -- every reputable derm will tell you this. It works just great at first and seems to even out the skin tone and lighten up the brown spots. But as soon as you hit the sun again the spots return. It's much more effective to use bleaching cream for spots. As for broken capillaries -- use a v-beam... Full IPL review

Published Aug 23, 2007
Spots slowly fading ~ IPL was worth it
Shastadaisy   Los Angeles  Aug 15, 2008  Cost: $400  Pain: Uncomfortable
I've just completed my sixth IPL treatment. Each month my skin looks better. To be honest, I didn't really understand when I started down this... more

Beware! ipl can cause serious burns! ~ IPL was NOT worth it
Burned   Hawaii  Aug 1, 2008  Cost: $370  Pain: Severe
BEWARE!  IPL can cause serious burns!
Had first (and last) treatment 2 weeks ago. Face covered in welts and black zebra-like stripes immediately afer treatment, second degree burns on... more

Absolutely fantastic!! ~ IPL was worth it
Alrobert   Denver, Colorado  Jul 28, 2008  Cost: $600  Pain: Uncomfortable
I have had 2 IPL treatments for brown spots. They have worked wonderfully. The laser is pretty snappy but the procedure goes very quickly. You can... more

Great results! ~ IPL was worth it
Lisha234   Wisconsin  Jul 23, 2008  Cost: $700  Pain: Uncomfortable
I used a laser that is like an IPL but stronger. It was $350 per treatment and I've had two done so far. It takes about three weeks after... more

The best treatment out there - so underrated ~ IPL was worth it
Chibult   Guilderland, NY  Jul 6, 2008  Cost: $250  Pain: Mild
I've had IPL treatments for the last four years. It is unbelievable how my skin has reacted. It definitely helps to "keep it up",... more

Can't see a difference yet ~ IPL was NOT worth it
Jazzing jersey   Bloomfield, NJ  Jun 30, 2008  Cost: $370  Pain: Mild
I had IPL done at the same time as the Titan Laser.  The cost for the IPL was about $350 The doctor put a cold numbing cream on me and I... more

Love the results ~ IPL was worth it
Fourmunkeys   Roseville, CA  Jun 23, 2008  Cost: $2,500  Pain: Mild
Great results! I love my freckles but I didn't realize how many of them had changed from "cute" to "damaged-looking". I was... more

Jury is still out - day 19 ~ IPL was NOT worth it
Bayareagirly   California  Jun 5, 2008  Cost: $745  Pain: Severe
Jury is still out - day 19
Well, day 19 and and I can say without a doubt that for me, it was not worth it. there are two areas that look like scarring from the process....... more

Ipl caused laser burn on my nose ~ IPL was NOT worth it
BurnByALC   Southern California  May 1, 2008  Cost: $2,500  Pain: Uncomfortable
Was burned on the nose by their laser. The wound took three weeks to heal and I may have a scar for LIFE. The total cost was supposed to have... more

Great for taking redness out of skin ~ IPL was worth it
Margie   Houston, TX  Apr 30, 2008  Cost: $2,200  Pain: Severe
I had a series of IPL teatments on my face and upper chest. My skin, especially around my lower neck/upper chest had permanent redness to it. The... more

IPL: was it worth it?

   

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IPL blog posts

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Microdermabrasion and IPL: Lights, Camera, Pain
This is the second in the series of three posts I'm doing about my routine maintenance: microdermabrasion, IPL photofacial, and Juvederm. I do this about...
A Face Full of Miracles
I've had a faceful of non-surgical interventions today, and I think I will separate them for you so I can discuss them in detail. The first of them is...
Young People Using Anti-Aging Treatments
What does it say about our society that many anti-aging treatments are used by women 19-34?  Between 2003 and 2007, the number of women in that age...

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