While some areas may be more sensitive than others, the procedure is not considered painful, especially with the use of cooling gel and advanced IPL technology that enhances comfort. Patients with lower pain tolerance may experience mild discomfort, but it is typically brief and subsides quickly after the pulses of light are delivered. Dr. Heringer can adjust the treatment settings or provide numbing options if necessary. After the session, some redness and warmth are common, but these side effects usually fade within a few hours.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

The number of IPL treatments needed varies depending on individual skin concerns, severity of pigmentation, and desired results. Most patients require a series of 3 to 5 sessions spaced about 4 weeks apart to achieve skin clarity, but for those treating more stubborn concerns like sun damage, rosacea, or deep pigmentation, additional sessions are more likely to be recommended. After completing the initial treatment series, maintenance sessions every 6 to 12 months can help sustain long-term results.

How Long Until I See Results?

Results from IPL treatments begin to appear within one to two weeks, with continued improvements over several weeks as the skin heals and regenerates. Many patients notice that sunspots, freckles, or pigmentation darken initially before flaking off, revealing clearer skin underneath. Redness, rosacea, and uneven skin tone gradually diminish as collagen production increases, leading to a smoother and more radiant complexion. While a single session can provide noticeable results, multiple treatments are often necessary for the most dramatic improvements, which can take a few months.

Can I Combine IPL with Other Procedures?

IPL can be safely combined with other aesthetic treatments, such as chemical peels , microneedling , or laser resurfacing , to target multiple skin concerns at once. Combining IPL with injectables like Botox or dermal fillers can also further improve skin texture while addressing fine lines and volume loss, though some procedures may need to be spaced out to allow proper healing between treatments. However, Dr. Heringer will evaluate your skin and recommend the best treatment plan to ensure compatibility.

What Are the Risks Associated with IPL?

IPL is a safe and effective treatment when performed by a qualified provider like Dr. Heringer, but as with any cosmetic procedure, there are potential risks. Temporary side effects may include redness, mild swelling, and darkening of pigmentation before it flakes off, all of which are normal parts of the healing process. In rare cases, IPL may cause blistering, scabbing, or changes in skin pigmentation, especially for individuals with darker skin tones or those who have had recent sun exposure. Dr. Heringer will go into more detail about this during your consultation.

Scottsdale, AZ

IPL

Introduction

Introduction to IPL

Over time, sun exposure, aging, and environmental factors can take a toll on your skin, leading to dark spots, redness, fine lines, uneven texture, and an overall aged look. If you want a non-invasive way to restore a clearer, more youthful complexion, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is the perfect solution. IPL uses advanced light technology to target pigmentation, vascular lesions, and skin imperfections to promote smoother, healthier-looking skin without the need for surgery. At Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Dustin Heringer and his team offer IPL treatments to help patients in Scottsdale and Peoria achieve clear, even-toned skin with little to no downtime.

What is IPL?

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is a non-invasive skin treatment that uses broad-spectrum light energy to target and improve various skin concerns. Unlike laser treatments, which use a single wavelength of light, IPL simultaneously emits multiple wavelengths, allowing it to address redness, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, and fine lines. The light energy penetrates the skin, stimulating collagen production to promote the body’s healing process for a smoother, clearer, and more even-toned complexion. IPL is commonly used on the face, neck, chest, and hands.

What are the
benefits of IPL

Woman with short ginger hair, wearing a white long sleeve, reaching her arms above her head, against a blue sky - IPL in Scottsdale, AZ

This treatment is popular for individuals who want to even out their skin tone with little to no downtime. IPL effectively reduces sun damage, age spots, and hyperpigmentation to create a more even complexion. It also helps minimize redness and visible blood vessels caused by rosacea or broken capillaries and can improve acne and acne scars by targeting bacteria and promoting skin renewal.

By stimulating collagen production, IPL smooths skin texture and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving the skin a more youthful and refreshed look. Since the procedure is non-invasive and has minimal downtime, patients can quickly return to their daily routines after treatment.

Who are the
best candidates

IPL is an excellent option for individuals who want to improve skin tone, texture, and overall radiance without undergoing surgery or invasive treatments. The best candidates are those in Scottsdale or Peoria who experience sun damage, hyperpigmentation, age spots, acne, or scarring, as well as individuals struggling with redness, rosacea, or broken capillaries. However, because IPL targets pigment in the skin, it is generally most effective for individuals with lighter to medium skin tones. A consultation with Dr. Heringer will help determine if IPL is the right choice for your specific skin type and concerns.

Your IPL Journey with Dr. Dustin Heringer

What’s the first step?

In order to get IPL therapy, you’ll first need to speak with a doctor to ensure it’s the right treatment for your concerns. At Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Heringer takes patients from all around Scottsdale, Peoria, and beyond to sit down during a consultation and determine the best course of action. He’ll start with an in-depth assessment of your skin, particularly looking at areas of concern, evaluate your medical history, and explain how the procedure works.

If you are a good candidate, a treatment plan will be created based on your skin type and goals. Some patients may need to adjust their skincare routine or avoid sun exposure before starting treatment. Once all your questions are answered, you can schedule your IPL session at a time that works best for you.

What to Expect on the Day of IPL Treatment

To begin your treatment, your skin will first be stripped of oils and impurities and cleansed thoroughly before a cooling gel is applied to improve the effectiveness of the light pulses. You will be given protective eyewear to shield your eyes from the bright flashes of light during the procedure. Dr. Heringer will then use the IPL device to deliver controlled pulses of light to the targeted areas, which may feel like a mild snapping sensation on the skin. The entire session takes about 20 to 45 minutes, and afterward, a soothing moisturizer and sunscreen will be applied. Lastly, you’ll receive post-treatment care instructions to help your skin heal properly.

Expectation

Your Guide to Post-IPL Care

IPL Recovery

After IPL treatment, mild redness, swelling, or a warm sensation are common but will fade within a few hours to a day. Dark spots and pigmentation may temporarily darken before gradually flaking off, revealing clearer skin underneath, so it’s best to avoid direct sun exposure and wear broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin during the healing process.

Most people can return to their daily activities immediately, but avoiding excessive heat, harsh skincare products, or intense workouts for a few days is best. Full results will develop over several weeks as collagen production increases.

How Much Does IPL Cost in Scottsdale, AZ?

The cost of IPL in Scottsdale and Peoria varies. On average, IPL treatments can range from $300 to $600 per session, and package pricing may be available for patients undergoing multiple treatments. During your consultation, Dr. Heringer will provide transparent pricing details and answer any questions you may have about the cost of your treatment. Since IPL is considered a cosmetic procedure, it is typically not covered by insurance, but financing options may be available to make the treatment more accessible.

Cost

Why Choose Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery?

Dr. Dustin Heringer, a board-certified oculofacial plastic and cosmetic surgeon, is dedicated to providing high-quality results through conservative treatment methods. He is among the select few surgeons who are members of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the American Board of Facial and Cosmetic Surgery, and the American Board of Ophthalmology. With extensive training, including two fellowships focusing on eyelid, facial, and general cosmetic surgery, he is proficient in advanced techniques for facial surgeries, skin rejuvenation, lasers, and injectable fillers. Choosing Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery MedSpa means entrusting your care to a skilled specialist committed to achieving your aesthetic goals with the highest standard of care.

Why us?

IPL FAQ’S

While some areas may be more sensitive than others, the procedure is not considered painful, especially with the use of cooling gel and advanced IPL technology that enhances comfort. Patients with lower pain tolerance may experience mild discomfort, but it is typically brief and subsides quickly after the pulses of light are delivered. Dr. Heringer can adjust the treatment settings or provide numbing options if necessary. After the session, some redness and warmth are common, but these side effects usually fade within a few hours.
The number of IPL treatments needed varies depending on individual skin concerns, severity of pigmentation, and desired results. Most patients require a series of 3 to 5 sessions spaced about 4 weeks apart to achieve skin clarity, but for those treating more stubborn concerns like sun damage, rosacea, or deep pigmentation, additional sessions are more likely to be recommended. After completing the initial treatment series, maintenance sessions every 6 to 12 months can help sustain long-term results.
Results from IPL treatments begin to appear within one to two weeks, with continued improvements over several weeks as the skin heals and regenerates. Many patients notice that sunspots, freckles, or pigmentation darken initially before flaking off, revealing clearer skin underneath. Redness, rosacea, and uneven skin tone gradually diminish as collagen production increases, leading to a smoother and more radiant complexion. While a single session can provide noticeable results, multiple treatments are often necessary for the most dramatic improvements, which can take a few months.
IPL can be safely combined with other aesthetic treatments, such as chemical peels, microneedling, or laser resurfacing, to target multiple skin concerns at once. Combining IPL with injectables like Botox or dermal fillers can also further improve skin texture while addressing fine lines and volume loss, though some procedures may need to be spaced out to allow proper healing between treatments. However, Dr. Heringer will evaluate your skin and recommend the best treatment plan to ensure compatibility.
IPL is a safe and effective treatment when performed by a qualified provider like Dr. Heringer, but as with any cosmetic procedure, there are potential risks. Temporary side effects may include redness, mild swelling, and darkening of pigmentation before it flakes off, all of which are normal parts of the healing process. In rare cases, IPL may cause blistering, scabbing, or changes in skin pigmentation, especially for individuals with darker skin tones or those who have had recent sun exposure. Dr. Heringer will go into more detail about this during your consultation.

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Schedule a Consultation

If you’re considering IPL treatment to improve your skin’s tone and texture, the first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dustin Heringer. During your visit, he will evaluate your skin, discuss your concerns, and determine if IPL is the best option for your needs. Call us at our Scottsdale or Peoria office, or contact us online, and we’ll schedule you.

IPL