What is IPL and how does it work?

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is a non-invasive light-based treatment that targets pigment and blood vessels beneath the skin's surface. Broad-spectrum light pulses break down melanin in sun spots and constrict tiny blood vessels that cause redness. Your body naturally clears the treated pigment over the following 1-2 weeks, revealing clearer, more even skin.

How much does IPL cost at RELUXE?

IPL pricing at RELUXE is per area treated. We offer 6-session packages for the best results and value since IPL works cumulatively. VIP Members get discounted pricing on every session. Your provider will give you exact pricing during your free consultation based on the areas you want to treat.

Most patients describe IPL as a quick snapping sensation, like a rubber band lightly flicking the skin. It's very tolerable — most rate it 2-3 out of 10. We adjust the energy settings for your comfort and skin type. No numbing is needed for most patients.

IPL is excellent for sun damage (brown spots, age spots, freckles), redness and rosacea, broken capillaries, vascular lesions, and overall uneven skin tone. It's most commonly used on the face, neck, chest (decolletage), and hands — areas that get the most sun exposure over time.

How many IPL sessions do I need?

Most patients see best results with a series of 3-6 sessions, spaced 3-4 weeks apart. You'll notice improvement after even one session, but cumulative treatments deliver the most dramatic clearing. Maintenance sessions every 6-12 months help keep new sun damage in check.

What is the downtime after IPL?

IPL has minimal downtime. Treated sun spots will darken and look like coffee grounds for 5-10 days before naturally flaking off — this is completely normal and means the treatment is working. You may have mild redness for a few hours. Most patients return to normal activities immediately. Avoid direct sun and wear SPF daily.

When will I see IPL results?

You'll see darkened spots within 24-48 hours (they rise to the surface), which then flake off over 7-14 days. Redness improvement is often visible within 1-2 weeks. Full results from a series are typically visible 2-4 weeks after your last session. Each treatment builds on the previous one.

Is IPL safe for all skin tones?

IPL works best on lighter to medium skin tones (Fitzpatrick I-IV) because the light targets contrast between pigment and surrounding skin. Darker skin tones have a higher risk of hyperpigmentation with IPL. During your consult, we'll assess your skin type and recommend IPL or an alternative like ClearLift if better suited.

What is the difference between IPL and laser?

IPL uses broad-spectrum light (multiple wavelengths) to treat a range of concerns simultaneously — pigment, redness, and texture. Lasers use a single, focused wavelength for more targeted treatment. IPL is ideal for overall sun damage and tone correction. We may recommend a specific laser (ClearLift, ClearSkin) for more targeted concerns.

Can I combine IPL with other treatments?

Yes — IPL pairs well with many treatments. It's commonly combined with tox (Botox/Dysport) for wrinkles, microneedling for texture, and medical-grade skincare for maintenance. We typically space IPL 2 weeks from other treatments. Your provider will design a comprehensive plan during your consult.

How do I prepare for IPL treatment?

Avoid sun exposure and self-tanner for 2-4 weeks before IPL. Discontinue retinoids 5-7 days prior. Arrive with clean skin, free of makeup and sunscreen. If you have a tan, we'll need to wait for it to fade before treating. Your provider will give you specific prep instructions at your consult.

Who is a good candidate for IPL?

IPL is ideal for patients with sun damage, brown spots, redness, rosacea, or broken capillaries on fair to medium skin tones. It's great for the face, neck, chest, and hands. You should avoid IPL if you're pregnant, have active skin infections, are on photosensitizing medications, or have a recent tan.

All Services

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

Target sun damage and redness with precision light therapy

Free consult for first-time patients · No commitment · Text us a question

Treatment Time30-45 min

Downtime24-48 hours

Results Seen7-10 days

Sessions Needed3-5 treatments

About This Treatment

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) delivers precise broadband light wavelengths (515-1200nm) to target melanin and hemoglobin in the skin, effectively treating sun damage, age spots, rosacea, and broken capillaries. The treatment works by heating pigmented lesions and vascular imperfections, causing them to fragment and be naturally absorbed by the body over the following weeks. Each 30-45 minute session delivers controlled light pulses that feel like a rubber band snap, progressively revealing clearer, more even-toned skin with minimal downtime.

At RELUXE Med Spa in Westfield and Carmel, our nurse practitioners and trained technicians customize IPL settings based on your specific skin concerns and Fitzpatrick skin type during your complimentary consultation. We provide cooling gel and post-treatment care instructions to maximize comfort and results, plus complimentary 2-week follow-ups to track your progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.

Why Choose

RELUXE

Skin Type Expertise

Our NP-led team performs thorough skin assessments to determine optimal IPL wavelengths and energy levels for your specific pigmentation and vascular concerns, ensuring both safety and efficacy.

Advanced IPL Technology

Our IPL systems use multiple wavelength filters (515-1200nm), allowing precise targeting of different chromophores for customized treatment of sun damage, redness, and pigmentation irregularities.

Comprehensive Treatment Plans

IPL pairs beautifully with our medical-grade peels, HydraFacials, and SkinBetter Science products to accelerate results and maintain your clearer, more radiant complexion between sessions.

The Process

How It Works

Skin Assessment

Your provider analyzes your skin type, pigmentation patterns, and vascular concerns to select appropriate IPL wavelength filters and energy settings for optimal results and safety.

Light Delivery

Intense pulsed light is applied in controlled flashes across treatment areas, with cooling gel to protect the skin surface while light energy targets melanin and hemoglobin in deeper layers.

Healing Process

Treated pigmented lesions darken initially before flaking off over 7-14 days, while damaged capillaries coagulate and are gradually reabsorbed, revealing clearer, more even skin tone.

Is It Right for You?

Good Candidates

Great For

Sun damage and age spotsFacial redness and rosaceaBroken capillaries and spider veinsUneven skin tone and textureFitzpatrick skin types I-IV

Not Ideal If

Recently tanned or sun-exposed skinActive skin infections or open woundsDarker skin tones (Fitzpatrick V-VI)

Transparent Pricing

Simple, Honest Pricing

IPL pricing reflects treatment area size and the number of sessions needed for optimal results.

Save with a series See the full IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) pricing guide →

IPL Photofacial Pricing

Most patients achieve best results with 3-5 sessions spaced 3-4 weeks apart

Members save 10% on all IPL packages

Treatment	Price	Member
Single IPL SessionFull face treatment	$350	VIP pricing available
Bright & Tight (IPL + ClearLift)Combo treatment in one session	$475	VIP pricing available
IPL 3-Session PackageRecommended series for optimal results	$875	VIP pricing available

Cherry financing available for treatment packages

Members save 10% on services and 15% on retail products. Learn about membership →

Flexible Financing

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) starting at $23/mo

0% APR options available through Cherry. Apply in minutes — no hard credit pull.

Check Your Rate →

Expert Team

Your IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Providers

Laci

Medical Aesthetician

FacialsGlo2FacialsHydrafacialsSkinIQLaser Hair RemovalIPLVascupenSkinpen MicroneedlingPeels

Anna

Lead Aesthetician

FacialsPeelsSkinpen MicroneedlingIPLClearLiftClearSkinLaser Hair RemovalBody ContouringPeels

Book by Provider

Available IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Providers

FAQ

Common Questions About IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

Your Guide

Prep & Aftercare

Before your visit

Avoid sun exposure and tanning for 4 weeks prior to treatment
Discontinue retinoids, AHA/BHA products 1 week before
Remove all makeup and skincare products on treatment day
Inform your provider of any medications or recent procedures

After your visit

Apply cold compresses for 10-15 minutes if experiencing redness or swelling
Use gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer and avoid harsh skincare products for 48 hours
Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily and avoid direct sun exposure
Expect treated spots to darken before naturally exfoliating over 7-14 days
Schedule follow-up sessions 3-4 weeks apart for optimal results

Home Care

Extend Your Results at Home

Our providers recommend these medical-grade products to maintain and amplify your IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) results between visits.

SkinBetter Science

Tone Smart Vitamin C Serum

Maintain even tone and brighten between IPL sessions

Colorescience

Total Eye 3-in-1

Protect delicate eye area with tinted SPF coverage

Available through our online shop. Browse all skincare →

Helpful Guides

IPL Package Options IPL photofacial pricing guide IPL photofacial guide IPL vs. Laser

Common concerns this treats

Sun damage & pigmentation Rosacea & redness

Where to Book

Available at Both Locations

Westfield, IN

514 E State Road 32

View Westfield details →

Carmel, IN

10485 N Pennsylvania St

View Carmel details →

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This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Individual results vary. A consultation with your provider is required before any treatment to determine the best plan for your specific needs and medical history.

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