Laser treatments are often more expensive than IPL, though IPL may require more treatments in some cases. Overall, though, a course of IPL treatments is often less costly than laser.
IPL treatments are typically not as effective as lasers. IPL handpieces have a larger surface area than most lasers, making them more efficient to treat a broader area of skin. More IPL treatments are needed than laser treatments. IPL treatments tend to be more affordable than laser treatments.
On average, you might expect to pay between $700 to $1,200 per session in the U.S. as of 2023. Typically, you'd be looking at around 3-6 sessions to see significant improvements, depending on the severity of your skin issues.
Results from laser treatments typically last longer than IPL treatments. Lasers require fewer and less frequent follow-up treatments than IPL. Lasers are able to treat more specific skin concerns than IPL.
The average cost of Intense-Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment is ₹4,500 while the price range can reach ₹6,000.
IPL treatments usually cost less per session than laser. While pricing varies widely depending on the clinic and the number of areas being treated, you could pay much less for IPL.
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.
Pain factor
Most patients report that laser treatment is less painful than IPL; but the process does still pose some opportunity for discomfort. Your individual hair and skin type will determine your experience during the procedure.
When using IPL, you'll need to shave less and less as your treatments go on. As the hair follicles will be empty, you'll notice fewer ingrown hairs and less stubble 'shadow'. IPL treatment helps to smooth out the texture of your skin, whereas waxing or threading can cause inflammation.
Laser skin resurfacing is best for patients who want to minimize wrinkling, improve the skin's tone and texture, and treat discoloration. The following types of sun damage are best treated with IPL: Pigmentation changes such as age spots, liver spots (solar lentigines), and freckles.
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.
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.
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.
That depends on what you're looking for! If you don't mind longer recovery times so long as you get faster results, you might be interested in a Fraxel treatment. If you're looking to improve your skin's appearance but don't want to waste days of recovery, an IPL treatment might be perfect for you.
Like all hair-removal techniques, IPL does not remove hair permanently and is therefore classified as 'semi-permanent'. Like laser hair removal, the results will depend largely on where you choose to get your treatments done.
Nd and LP Nd: YAG has the longest wavelength compared to other lasers. This means that because of its wavelength, the laser can be a bit uncomfortable, but it is highly effective. This laser hair removal treatment penetrates the deepest hence lasts the longest.
First things first, let's answer a pressing question: can you use IPL on the bikini area safely? Yes, you can! That is, as long as you have a device, like the Philips Lumea IPL 9000 Series, that has a specific attachment designed to work with the contours of this area of your body.
This light energy used in the IPL technology focuses on the area that needs to be treated, and the hair pigment melanin absorbs this light, stimulating the hair to fall out. Thus, giving you hair-free, smooth skin. You will notice that the hair growth after four weeks of IPL treatment will be lesser and thinner.
Depending on your skin color and hair type, you might need up to 12 weeks of single weekly treatment with IPL to get complete results. You will typically notice more sparse and slower hair growth within the first month with a permanent reduction in hair growth within the three months.
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.
The bikini line, underarms, and facial areas are often reported as the most painful, while legs and arms are usually more comfortable. With proper preparation and aftercare, the procedure is manageable and well worth the long-lasting results.
The broader light spectrum means that larger areas of skin can be treated while the laser only works point by point. With an easy-to-use hand device such as the Philips Lumea Prestige, an IPL treatment of both your lower legs only takes 8.5 minutes.
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.
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.
IPL is typically cheaper per session in comparison to laser, however more treatment sessions are often required to deliver the desired results, meaning laser hair removal can be more cost effective in the long run.