IPL
A non-invasive light-based treatment that uses controlled pulses of broad-spectrum light for pigmentation, redness, vascular concerns and skin rejuvenation.
What is IPL?
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is a non-invasive light-based treatment that uses controlled pulses of broad-spectrum light to target specific chromophores within the skin.
IPL can be customised to target pigmentation and vascular concerns, helping improve uneven skin tone, sun damage, redness and visible blood vessels. It can also support overall skin rejuvenation by stimulating activity within the skin.
At a glance
- Treatment time
- 30–45 min
- Downtime
- Minimal downtime
- Sessions
- 3–6 sessions
- Indications
- Pigmentation, redness, vascular concerns & skin rejuvenation
- Price
- $149–$299
The number of treatments required varies depending on the type and severity of pigmentation or vascular concerns, skin type, treatment area and individual response.
What skin concerns can IPL improve?
IPL may help improve:
- 01Sun damage and pigmentation
- 02Freckles and selected age spots
- 03Uneven skin tone
- 04Facial redness
- 05Small visible blood vessels
- 06Rosacea-related redness
- 07Dull or uneven complexion
- 08Mild sun-related skin changes
- 09Overall skin clarity and rejuvenation
What is involved in an IPL treatment?
Your skin is assessed before treatment to determine whether IPL is appropriate and to select the appropriate treatment settings.
The skin is cleansed and protective eyewear is provided. A cooling gel may be applied before the IPL handpiece is placed over the treatment area.
Controlled pulses of light are delivered to the skin. You may experience a brief snapping or warming sensation with each pulse.
Pigmented areas may temporarily darken following treatment, while vascular areas may appear slightly red or swollen before gradually settling.
How can IPL improve your skin concerns?
IPL uses broad-spectrum light that is absorbed by specific targets within the skin, including melanin and haemoglobin.
When absorbed by pigmentation, the light generates controlled heat that can help break down the targeted pigment, which is then gradually cleared by the body.
When absorbed by blood vessels, the energy generates controlled thermal effects that can reduce the appearance of selected superficial vascular concerns.
By targeting these specific concerns, IPL can help create a more even, clearer and brighter complexion.
How to prepare for IPL
- 01
Protect from the sun
Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning before treatment.
- 02
Protect from the sun
Apply SPF 50+ daily.
- 03
No recent tanning
Do not attend treatment with recently tanned or sunburnt skin.
- 04
Avoid self-tanning products before treatment.
- 05
Pause active skincare
Avoid retinoids, exfoliating acids and other irritating skincare as advised by your clinician.
- 06
Share your history
Inform your clinician about medications, particularly photosensitising medications.
- 07
Advise your clinician about recent laser, peel or cosmetic treatments.
- 08
Do not have treatment over irritated, infected or compromised skin.
After your treatment
Mild redness, warmth or swelling may occur immediately following treatment.
Pigmented areas may temporarily darken before gradually fading or shedding.
Vascular areas may appear temporarily red or slightly swollen.
Avoid picking, scratching or removing any treated areas.
Avoid excessive heat and activities that may irritate the skin as advised.
Minimise sun exposure and apply SPF 50+ daily.
Follow the individual aftercare instructions provided by your clinician.
What can be done to complement IPL?
IPL can be incorporated into a broader skin treatment plan alongside:
Your clinician will determine the safest and most effective treatment combination based on your skin type and concerns.
LED Light Therapy
Laser Genesis- Other pigmentation or vascular treatments
Frequently asked questions.
Anything not covered here is best discussed in your consultation.
Most patients describe IPL as a brief snapping or warming sensation. Cooling can be used to improve comfort during treatment.
IPL generally has minimal downtime. Temporary redness, warmth or swelling may occur, and pigmentation may temporarily darken before clearing.
A course of approximately 3–6 treatments may be recommended depending on the concern being treated and your individual response.
Yes. IPL can target selected superficial pigmentation, including sun-related pigmentation and freckles. The cause and type of pigmentation must be assessed before treatment.
IPL can target selected superficial vascular concerns and diffuse redness. More prominent or specific vascular concerns may require a dedicated vascular laser treatment.
IPL may help reduce some of the redness and vascular features associated with rosacea. Treatment suitability depends on the individual's skin and clinical presentation.
Some pigmentation may temporarily darken following treatment before naturally fading or shedding. This can be part of the expected response.
IPL suitability depends on your natural skin colour, current level of pigmentation, recent sun exposure and individual risk factors. A consultation and skin assessment are recommended before treatment.
Yes, but treatments need to be appropriately spaced to protect the skin and optimise results. Your clinician will recommend the most suitable treatment plan.
Before & after photos.
Individual results vary. Suitability and expected outcomes are discussed in consultation.
Pricing.
All pricing- IPL
- $149–$299
Assessment comes first.
Book a consultation- Nothing on this page is a diagnosis, and no treatment is recommended before you have been seen.
- Suitability depends on your skin, your history and your medications, which is what the consultation is for.
- If a concern is changing, painful, bleeding or new, have it assessed by a doctor rather than treated cosmetically.
