Is IPL worth the cost?

Author: Mrs. Lillian Towne  |  Last update: Monday, July 7, 2025

Why Consider IPL Treatments? 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.

Is IPL treatment worth the money?

So... if you have appropriate skin/hair contrast, are willing to be patient and put in the effort, and are looking for results that are largely comparable to salon-based laser/IPL treatment at a fraction of the cost, then yes, it is worth it.

What is the downside of 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.

How long will IPL results last?

How Long Will Results Last? Typically, the effects last about a year. However, with maintenance sessions, you can significantly extend the longevity of your results.

How much should an IPL cost?

How Much Does IPL Normally Cost? On average, IPL treatments at a clinic range from $300 to $600 per session. The total number of sessions required for optimal results typically falls between 3-6.

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

Why is IPL so expensive?

Linked to the location is the general cost of living in the area. Providers in cities with a high cost of living must adjust their prices to cover higher operational expenses, such as rent and utilities, contributing to a higher ipl laser cost per session.

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.

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 often should you get IPL done?

How Often Should I Receive IPL Treatment? The number of treatment sessions and skin concerns can also dictate the frequency and timing of treatment. Most patients are recommended to undergo at least three sessions of IPL therapy scheduled at four-week intervals.

Does IPL remove dark spots?

Most clients who receive IPL treatment come in looking for a solution to blotchy, uneven skin. IPL is a non-ablative procedure (which means it doesn't create physical injury to the surface of the skin) that can eliminate age spots, sun damage, and redness in the skin.

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 home IPL actually 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.

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.

How much does an IPL machine cost?

The prices of some instruments can be as low as 3000 USD or less, while the newest, high-tier systems may cost as much as 60 000 USD. Well-known brands of ipl machines in the United States are Lumenis, Palomar and Venus.

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.

How much does IPL cost?

The cost of IPL treatments can range from $200 to $700 per session, depending on the treatment area, technology used, and the expertise of your provider.

Can you see results after 1 IPL treatment?

The number of IPL sessions required depends on the skin condition being treated and individual skin type. While improvements can be seen after a single session, conditions like active acne or fine lines may require multiple sessions for significant results.

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.

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.

Do and don'ts after IPL?

Avoid very hot baths, showers, steam baths or saunas, and don't swim in strongly chlorinated water for two or three days as we mentioned above on myths number 8. Don't use bleaching creams or perfume products for 24 to 48 hours. Avoid exfoliating or peeling for one week.

Can you do IPL under eyes?

IPL for Dark Circles

IPL therapy can help by improving blood flow and stimulating collagen production. This combination brightens the under-eye area, reducing the appearance of dark circles and giving you a more refreshed and youthful look.

Is IPL on face worth it?

Some scientific studies have shown that IPL can effectively reduce redness associated with rosacea. Other studies have confirmed that IPL can significantly improve facial skin with fine wrinkles, uneven texture, and dark spots.

What is the average price of a microneedling session?

The average cost of microneedling in the US is about $640 per session, according to over 300 patient experiences on RealSelf. This can vary between $300 to $700, however, depending on: Your location: Prices may be higher in major cities or upscale clinics.

Is Fraxel or IPL better?

If you are looking for a treatment that can improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars, then Fraxel may be a better option for you. However, if you are looking for a treatment to help improve the appearance of sun damage or broken capillaries, then an IPL photofacial might be better suited for you.

Previous article
Is it possible to regain elasticity?
Next article
Do you have to get on all fours for a Brazilian wax?