LOCATIONS PROVIDERS
SERVICES
Services
We have a wide range of services designed to address your specific skincare needs.
ABOUT RESOURCES

Pay your bill in full

Quickly and securely pay your outstanding balance online in one easy step.

Pay in Full

Payment Plan

We've partnered with Sunbit to offer flexible payment plans so you can pay over time. Apply below.

Apply Now
HOME LOCATIONS PROVIDERS SERVICES ABOUT US RESOURCES BILL PAY CONTACT SCHEDULE NOW
Services / Laser & Light-Based Treatments / IPL Photofacial

IPL Photofacial

Brighten, smooth, and rejuvenate your skin with Ohio IPL photofacial treatment at DOCS Dermatology.

Restore a clearer, more even complexion with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) photofacial treatments for sun damage, rosacea, brown spots, enlarged pores, and more. Schedule your consultation with a cosmetic dermatology provider as early as this week across Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and surrounding cities.


What is IPL photofacial treatment?
Photofacial treatment uses pulses of light—also known as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)—to gently heat targeted pigment and blood vessels beneath the skin. This process breaks up unwanted discoloration and stimulates collagen production, improving skin tone, texture, and clarity with minimal downtime.
What concerns can IPL photofacial treat?
IPL photofacial treatments are highly versatile and can improve a wide range of pigmentation and redness-related skin concerns by targeting excess melanin and dilated blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface. Whether you’re experiencing early signs of aging or sun-related discoloration, IPL helps restore clarity, brightness, and overall skin health. Not all services are available at every location; please contact your nearest office to confirm availability.

Common concerns treated include sun damage and age spots, freckles and brown pigmentation, rosacea and facial redness, broken blood vessels and vascular lesions, uneven skin tone, dullness or loss of luminosity, early fine lines and textural changes, enlarged pores, and residual redness from acne.
How do we determine the right treatment plan for you?
During your initial consultation, your cosmetic dermatology provider will begin by evaluating your skin tone, your specific concerns, and your goals. Because IPL works best for certain types of pigmentation and redness, we evaluate several factors before treatment, including your skin type and sensitivity, the severity of discoloration or redness, whether your concern is vascular or pigment-based, past sun exposure or recent tanning, medications that affect the skin, and how many sessions may be needed to achieve your desired results. From there, we’ll build a safe, effective treatment plan tailored to you.

Prioritize your skin health with expert dermatology care.

Our board-certified dermatologists and plastic surgeons, cosmetic dermatology providers, and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons provide best-in-class treatment for all your skin health needs.

BOOK NOW
Locations Near You
Finding locations near you...
Locations Near You
Finding locations near you...

Frequently asked Questions

Does IPL photofacial treatment hurt?
Most patients describe the sensation as a quick snap or warm pulse of light. Treatments are fast, and discomfort is minimal. Cooling technology helps keep the skin comfortable throughout the session.
How many IPL treatments will I need?
Most patients see noticeable improvements after 1-3 sessions, though deeper pigmentation or redness may require additional treatments.
Is there downtime after IPL?
There’s little to no downtime. You may experience mild redness or darkening of brown spots for a few days as pigment flakes away naturally.
Are IPL photofacials safe for all skin types?
IPL works best for lighter to medium skin tones. During your consultation, we’ll determine whether photorejuvenation or an alternative treatment is safest and most effective for you.
Can IPL help with rosacea?
Yes. IPL is highly effective for reducing facial redness and visible blood vessels associated with rosacea.
Can IPL help reduce pores?
Yes. IPL can reduce the appearance of enlarged pores by improving overall skin tone, stimulating collagen, and targeting excess oiliness. While it won’t physically “shrink” pores, it can make them look smaller and more refined.
Can IPL help improve scars?
IPL can help improve the appearance of certain types of scars—particularly red or discolored post-acne marks—by reducing redness and evening out pigmentation. However, deeper textured scars may require additional treatments such as microneedling or laser resurfacing.
Can IPL help with wrinkles?
IPL is not primarily a wrinkle treatment, but it can support smoother, more youthful-looking skin by stimulating collagen and improving texture. For deeper lines or static wrinkles, dermal fillers, neuromodulators, or resurfacing lasers may offer more significant results.
How long do results last?
Results can last months or longer with good sun protection and proper skincare. Many patients choose annual maintenance treatments.
Can IPL treat areas besides the face?
Yes. IPL can safely treat sun-exposed areas including the neck, chest, shoulders, arms, and hands. These treatments are especially effective for reversing discoloration caused by years of UV exposure.
Can I combine IPL photofacials with other treatments?
Absolutely. Many patients pair IPL with chemical peels, microneedling, or cosmetic injectables to enhance results. Your cosmetic dermatology provider will help you build a safe, personalized treatment plan.
Is there anything I should avoid after IPL photofacial treatment?
Avoid direct sun exposure, tanning beds, saunas, and harsh exfoliants for several days. Daily sunscreen is essential to protect results and prevent pigment from returning.
When will I see results after IPL photofacial treatment?
Many patients notice brighter skin within a week, with dark spots gradually fading and redness improving over several weeks. Full results typically appear after a series of treatments.

Learn More