Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Chicago, IL

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatments in Chicago

Reveal clearer, more radiant skin with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)—a non-invasive light-based treatment that targets sun damage, redness, brown spots, and uneven tone. IPL uses controlled pulses of light to gently heat the skin, stimulating collagen and breaking up unwanted pigment for a more even, youthful complexion.

At Chicago Oculofacial Plastic Surgery, our experienced team provides customized IPL treatments to help reduce visible signs of sun exposure, aging, and skin discoloration. Whether you’re dealing with redness, rosacea, or stubborn pigmentation, IPL offers a safe, effective solution with minimal downtime.

Ready to refresh your skin? Contact us online or call (312) 888-5754 to book your appointment.

About

Skin discoloration, redness, and dullness are common effects of aging, sun exposure, and environmental stressors. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy uses light energy to target pigment and vascular irregularities beneath the skin’s surface, stimulating the body’s natural healing response without harming surrounding tissue.

IPL is ideal for treating:

  • Sun damage and age spots
  • Redness and rosacea
  • Broken capillaries and facial veins
  • Uneven skin tone
  • Freckles and discoloration
  • Enlarged pores
  • Fine lines and textural irregularities

How IPL Works

IPL delivers multiple wavelengths of light deep into the dermis to break up melanin (pigment) and hemoglobin (responsible for redness). The light energy is absorbed by these targets and gradually cleared away by your body’s natural processes. Simultaneously, the treatment boosts collagen production, helping to smooth and rejuvenate the skin over time.

Unlike laser treatments, which use a single focused wavelength, IPL covers a broader area and can address multiple concerns in one session—making it ideal for the face, neck, chest, and hands.

IPL Treatment Benefits

After IPL treatment, patients typically notice brighter, smoother skin with fewer signs of sun damage and redness.

Benefits include:

  • Non-surgical skin rejuvenation
  • Minimal to no downtime
  • Evened-out skin tone and reduced pigmentation
  • Fewer visible vessels and redness
  • Stimulated collagen for smoother texture
  • Quick, in-office treatments

Who Is a Candidate for IPL?

IPL is a great option for individuals looking to improve the appearance of sun-damaged or uneven skin without undergoing invasive procedures. You may be a good candidate if you:

  • Have light to medium skin tones
  • Want to reduce age spots, sun damage, or facial redness
  • Are not currently using strong retinoids or on photosensitizing medications
  • Are seeking a treatment with minimal recovery time

During your consultation, we’ll assess your skin type, concerns, and goals to determine if IPL is right for you—or if another treatment may be more suitable.

What to Expect

Before your treatment, we’ll cleanse your skin and apply a cooling gel. You’ll wear protective eyewear during the session as the IPL device gently delivers pulses of light to your targeted areas. Most patients describe the sensation as a mild snap or warm flick.

Treatment typically takes 20–30 minutes, depending on the area being treated. You may experience slight redness or a flushed feeling afterward, similar to a mild sunburn, which usually resolves within a few hours to a couple of days.

Aftercare and Recovery

There’s little to no downtime after IPL. You can return to your daily activities immediately, though we recommend avoiding sun exposure, heat, and vigorous exercise for 24–48 hours. Some dark spots may temporarily darken before flaking off—this is a normal part of the skin’s healing process.

We’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions to help maximize your results and protect your skin. Wearing SPF daily is essential to maintain the effects and prevent future damage.

IPL Results

You’ll likely notice brighter, more even-toned skin after just one treatment, with continued improvements over the following weeks. For best results, a series of 3–5 treatments spaced a few weeks apart is often recommended. Regular maintenance sessions can help preserve your results long-term.