You’ve tried the serums, switched your sunscreen, and booked facial after facial—but sun spots, redness, and uneven tone keep showing up in the mirror. If you’re someone who takes care of your skin but still feels like you’re chasing clarity that never quite arrives, you’re not alone. These concerns aren’t just cosmetic—they affect how you feel about your appearance, especially in natural light or without makeup.
At Newton Medical Aesthetics, Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL) offers a science-backed solution to visible sun damage and discoloration, without invasive procedures or extended downtime. This page will walk you through exactly how IPL works, who it’s right for, what results to expect, and how to prepare. By the end, you’ll understand not just what IPL is, but whether it’s the missing piece in your skincare strategy.
Clearer, more even skin is possible. We’ll show you how to get there.
IPL is a broadband light treatment that targets pigment in the skin. Unlike lasers, which use a single wavelength, IPL uses a range of light wavelengths to penetrate the skin and treat multiple concerns simultaneously. When the light hits its target—usually melanin (pigment) or hemoglobin (redness)—it’s converted into heat. This heat breaks down unwanted pigment and encourages the body to eliminate it naturally.
The process also stimulates collagen production, which helps smooth the skin’s surface over time. IPL is typically performed on the face, neck, chest, and hands, but can be used nearly anywhere discoloration appears.
Pigment issues often come with emotional weight. Sun spots can feel like premature aging. Redness might make skin look irritated even when it’s healthy. IPL helps restore clarity and even tone in a way that feels natural—no overcorrection, no artificial glow.
Common Benefits:
IPL works best on individuals with lighter skin tones (Fitzpatrick I–III) and visible signs of sun damage or redness. Ideal candidates are healthy adults looking for non-invasive rejuvenation. The treatment is not recommended for:
A consultation will help confirm your candidacy and tailor your treatment plan accordingly.
IPL is known for its ability to address multiple skin issues in a single treatment. Common concerns include:
Every IPL treatment begins with a skin evaluation to ensure safety and effectiveness. During your consultation, we’ll assess your skin type, discuss your goals, and rule out contraindications. We may perform a patch test if needed.
To prepare:
IPL sessions typically last 30–45 minutes. A cooling gel is applied before treatment begins. Most patients describe the sensation as a quick snap, mildly uncomfortable but manageable without numbing.
A handheld device delivers rapid pulses of light to the targeted areas. Protective eyewear is worn throughout. After the treatment, your provider may apply a calming serum and SPF.
Recovery is usually minimal. Immediately after treatment, you may notice redness, slight swelling, or warmth similar to a mild sunburn. These effects typically resolve within 24–48 hours.
Some pigmented spots will darken before naturally flaking off over 3–7 days.
Aftercare tips:
Results begin to emerge within 7–10 days as pigmentation fades and skin tone brightens. Full benefits build with each session, and most patients see best results after a series of 2–4 treatments spaced about a month apart.
Long-term maintenance may involve 1–2 treatments per year, depending on your goals and lifestyle.
The cost of IPL at Newton Medical Aesthetics typically ranges based on treatment area, number of sessions needed, and personalized treatment planning. During your consultation, your provider will outline a transparent pricing plan.
IPL pricing generally includes:
Every treatment at Newton Medical Aesthetics is guided by clinical experience, aesthetic precision, and an unwavering commitment to safety. Our providers are trained in laser physics and skin biology, delivering IPL treatments with a personalized, elevated approach. You won’t be rushed, upsold, or overtreated—just cared for with respect, precision, and a deep understanding of what beautiful skin actually needs.
Ready to clear discoloration, refine tone, and boost your glow? Book your consultation for Intense Pulsed Light Therapy at Newton Medical Aesthetics. Our Newton-based team is here to guide you toward skin that feels fresh, radiant, and confidently yours.
Most people describe it as a quick snap or rubber band pop. It’s tolerable without numbing and well-managed by the cooling gel.
Temporary redness, swelling, or darkening of spots is a common occurrence. Rare risks include blistering, hyperpigmentation, or scarring, most often in patients with deeper skin tones or sun exposure post-treatment.
Results can last several months or longer with sun protection and occasional maintenance sessions.
Yes. IPL pairs well with chemical peels, facials, and injectables, often as part of a larger skin plan.
Most sessions last between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on the treatment area.
