Is IPL treatment worth the money?

Author: Dixie Wuckert  |  Last update: Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Despite the cost, many find IPL treatments a worthwhile investment. IPL can significantly improve skin texture, reduce signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines, and tackle pigmentation issues. It's a versatile treatment that offers a non-surgical solution to a wide range of skin concerns.

What is the downside of IPL treatment?

Although side effects of IPL are typically rare and minimal in severity, the most common adverse events include pain and erythema. Other reported side effects include edema, bullae, hematoma, crusting, hyper- or hypopigmentation, leukotrichia, scarring, keloid formation, and infection.

Is it worth it to get IPL?

Is IPL Treatment Worth the Money? This is a question that many prospective patients ask, and the answer is a resounding yes! Studies have shown that IPL can effectively reduce redness associated with rosacea and significantly improve facial skin with fine wrinkles, uneven texture, and dark spots.

What are the negatives about IPL?

One of the most significant concerns associated with IPL treatment is the risk of burns or skin discoloration, particularly in people with darker skin tones. This risk stems from the procedure's reliance on light absorption, which can lead to excessive heat in areas with higher melanin concentrations.

What do dermatologists say about IPL?

How effective is IPL? The results of IPL treatments vary from person to person, but studies have shown that they can effectively treat sun damage, age spots, and other skin conditions. We usually recommend a course of three sessions spaced one month apart with a maintenance session every six months to one year.

What is IPL? Is it better than a laser? Dr Davin Lim, Dermatologist explains

Who is not a good candidate for IPL?

Who's not a good candidate for IPL photofacials? People with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick Skin Type 4-6) or tanned skin and people with deep wrinkles, scars or severe acne or active rosacea.

How much does IPL cost?

IPL session prices can vary widely, from about $200 to $1200 per session. This broad range is due to factors such as the size of the treatment area and the specific skin concerns being addressed. For example, a full-face treatment might cost more than targeting a smaller area like the hands or neck.

What is the biggest controversy in IPL?

The most infamous controversy in IPL history occurred in 2013 when three players - Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan - were arrested for spot-fixing during the tournament. The players were allegedly involved in deliberately underperforming in specific parts of the match in exchange for money from bookmakers.

Who should avoid IPL?

1. **Photosensitivity:** As discussed, individuals who are taking medications that cause photosensitivity or have conditions that make them sensitive to light should avoid IPL. 2. **Skin cancer:** Patients with skin cancer or with a history of skin cancer in the treatment area are usually advised against IPL therapy.

Does at home IPL really work?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, these IPL and other devices do work to remove unwanted hair, but it often takes many sessions, and the results are rarely permanent.

Which is better, IPL or microneedling?

IPL Photofacial is More Effective at Treating Melasma

Microneedling, on the other hand, promotes collagen production, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles—but it's not as effective at treating melasma.

What will my face look like after IPL?

Once the initial shedding phase is over, your skin feels softer and looks more radiant. Pore size may appear smaller, and redness or discoloration should start to fade. If you've been dealing with acne scars or sun damage, these areas usually look lighter and more refined after a couple of weeks.

What age should you get IPL?

IPL treatments can be performed on a person of any age. While younger people can undergo treatment with the consent of a parent, it is important that the patient be emotionally mature enough to tolerate the slight discomfort the photo facial may cause.

What is the success rate of IPL treatment?

What Does Research Say About IPL's Success Rate? Several clinical studies support the effectiveness of IPL for dry eye disease: Significant symptom relief – Research has shown that 80–90% of patients experience improvement in dry eye symptoms after a series of IPL treatments.

Will I regret laser hair removal?

While laser hair removal significantly reduces hair growth, it doesn't always eliminate it completely, and some may still require occasional touch-ups. Skin reactions can also play a role in feelings of regret, although this is rare when the procedure is done correctly.

When should you not do IPL?

We cannot treat IPL if there's any type of tan on your skin (self-tanner, spray tan, tan from sun exposure). If you have a tan, we must wait two weeks before treating with IPL. IPL treatments are more effective when you're at your baseline skin tone (your lightest complexion).

Who is not a candidate for IPL laser?

Who Is Not a Candidate? People with tanned or naturally dark skin are not necessarily good candidates for IPL because there's a risk that the skin pigment could change after treatment. Anyone taking Accutane should not consider an IPL treatment until at least six months after they stop using the drug.

How long does it take for capillaries to disappear after IPL?

As a general rule, the smaller the capillaries, the quicker they are to clear up. Typically, you won't start seeing results until two to four weeks after the first treatment, as it can take the body's lymphatic system that long to remove the dead material.

Does IPL tighten skin?

While IPL is especially useful for reducing pigmentation in the skin, the heat it generates can stimulate cell turnover and collagen production in the skin. This can have the effect of tightening areas of loose, crepey or lax skin and smoothing fine wrinkles.

Why IPL is losing popularity?

Why the decline? Much of it can be attributed to the availability of alternative sports and entertainment. Globalization has brought the electrifying appeal of football, basketball, and esports into homes around the world.

Are there any risks to IPL?

It is important to be aware of the health risks associated with laser and IPL services. Incorrectly performed services using laser and intense light devices can result in serious injury and adverse outcomes, including: permanent scarring. burns.

What is so special about IPL?

The IPL is the most popular and richest cricket league in the world and is held between March and May. It has an exclusive window in the ICC Future Tours Programme, resulting in fewer international cricket tours occurring during the IPL seasons.

Is it worth getting IPL?

Despite the cost, many find IPL treatments a worthwhile investment. IPL can significantly improve skin texture, reduce signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines, and tackle pigmentation issues. It's a versatile treatment that offers a non-surgical solution to a wide range of skin concerns.

Is IPL covered by insurance?

Since IPL is not considered a medical necessity, it is unlikely that it will be covered by insurance. Review your insurance policy, contact your insurance provider, or reach out to your optometrist to find out if IPL can be covered under your plan.

How much is an IPL per session?

The cost of IPL therapy varies. On average, each session can range from $150 to $400. The total investment depends on the number of sessions needed. Sun damage and skin concerns often require multiple treatments.

Previous article
Why does my back hurt when I curve it?
Next article
How long can you take off lifting?