Skin Concerns
Treats sun damage, age spots, freckles, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, hormonal hyperpigmentation (with caution), rosacea and diffuse facial redness, broken capillaries, spider veins, and early signs of photo-aging. Also helps reduce inflammatory acne by targeting P. acnes bacteria. For deeper lines, scarring, or significant skin laxity, MOXI laser, RF microneedling, or laser resurfacing are typically better-suited.
Ideal Candidate
Best for Fitzpatrick skin types I–IV with visible sun damage, brown spots, redness, or rosacea. Not recommended for darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick V–VI) due to pigment change risk, on actively tanned or recently sun-exposed skin (wait 4–6 weeks), during pregnancy or breastfeeding, while taking photosensitizing medications (Accutane within 6 months, certain antibiotics), with active herpes simplex outbreaks, or over recently treated areas. We avoid melanin-rich skin with this device — if IPL isn’t right for your skin type, your provider will recommend an appropriate alternative.
Treatable Areas
Face, neck, décolleté (chest), hands, arms, shoulders, and back. The most common combinations are Face ($500), Face & Neck ($600), and Face, Neck & Chest ($900). Hands and chest show some of the most visible sun damage and respond very well to IPL. Discuss any area not listed at your consultation.
IPL Powered by Sciton BBL
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and BBL (BroadBand Light) work on the same principle — delivering controlled pulses of light energy to target pigment, redness, and vascular concerns beneath the skin’s surface.
The difference is precision. Sciton’s BBL is the next generation of IPL — it uses advanced cooling, real-time energy calibration, and a wider range of customizable filters to deliver more consistent results with greater comfort and fewer side effects than older IPL devices.
When you book an IPL Photofacial at ELLEMES, you’re receiving treatment on the Sciton BBL platform — widely considered the gold standard in light-based skin correction.
IPL Benefits
Pigment Correction
Targets age spots, sun spots, freckles, and hyperpigmentation. Light energy draws melanin to the surface where it darkens, flakes, and sheds naturally over 5–10 days.
Collagen Stimulation
The controlled heat from each pulse stimulates new collagen production in the dermal layer. Over a series of sessions, this improves skin texture, fine lines, and overall firmness.
Redness & Rosacea
IPL selectively targets hemoglobin in visible blood vessels, reducing persistent facial redness, rosacea flares, and broken capillaries without damaging surrounding skin.
Skin Concerns We Treat
If your concern is on this list, IPL is likely a strong fit. If it’s not, your provider will tell you and recommend the right alternative.
Sun Damage & Age Spots
Years of UV exposure cause melanin to cluster in the skin, forming brown spots, sun spots, and solar lentigines. IPL light energy is absorbed by this excess melanin, causing the spots to darken and rise to the surface where they flake off over 5–10 days. For deeper or more stubborn pigmentation, a chemical peel between IPL sessions can accelerate clearing.
Rosacea & Facial Redness
IPL targets hemoglobin in dilated blood vessels that cause persistent redness, flushing, and rosacea flares. The light energy constricts and closes these vessels without damaging surrounding tissue. Multiple sessions progressively reduce baseline redness. Learn more about our rosacea treatment options in Atlanta.
Hyperpigmentation & Melasma
IPL can address certain types of hyperpigmentation by fragmenting excess melanin deposits. However, melasma requires careful evaluation — the condition can worsen with improper light settings. Our providers assess your pigmentation type before recommending IPL or an alternative approach. See our hyperpigmentation treatment page and melasma treatment page for more detail.
Broken Capillaries & Vessels
Visible spider veins and broken capillaries on the nose, cheeks, and chin respond well to IPL. The light energy is selectively absorbed by hemoglobin in these small vessels, causing them to coagulate and gradually fade over the following weeks. Our skin redness treatment page covers all available options.
Uneven Skin Tone & Texture
Cumulative sun exposure and aging create a mottled, uneven complexion. IPL addresses both pigment irregularities and low-level redness across the full face, producing a more uniform tone. For texture improvement, combining IPL with MOXI laser resurfacing in a single session delivers stronger results than either treatment alone.
Active Acne & Post-Acne Marks
IPL can reduce active inflammatory acne by targeting the bacteria (P. acnes) that contribute to breakouts. It also fades red and brown post-acne marks (post-inflammatory erythema and hyperpigmentation). For deeper acne scarring, RF microneedling or standard microneedling may be more appropriate.
Sciton BBL vs. Traditional IPL
Both use pulsed light to treat the same concerns. BBL is a newer, more refined platform with key clinical advantages — and it’s what we use for every IPL Photofacial at ELLEMES.
What to Expect: Before, During & After
A standard IPL Photofacial at ELLEMES takes 20–30 minutes per area. Most patients return to normal activities the same day.
Consultation & Skin Assessment
Your provider evaluates your skin type, pigmentation depth, and vascular concerns. They select the appropriate BBL filters and energy settings, then explain what to expect during and after treatment. A treatment plan is outlined before proceeding.
Preparation
The treatment area is cleansed and a cooling gel is applied to improve light transmission and protect the skin surface. Protective eyewear is placed over your eyes before the handpiece makes contact.
Light Delivery
The BBL handpiece delivers controlled pulses of light across the treatment area. Most patients describe the sensation as a brief warm snap. The integrated cooling system keeps the skin surface comfortable between pulses. The face takes approximately 20 minutes; face and neck approximately 30 minutes.
Post-Treatment Response
Immediately after treatment, the skin may appear mildly pink — similar to a light sunburn. Pigmented spots typically darken over the next 2–3 days. This is expected and indicates the melanin is rising to the surface for shedding.
Shedding & Results
Over days 5–10, darkened spots flake off naturally and redness progressively fades. Most patients see noticeable improvement after a single session, with cumulative results building over a treatment series. Full results from each session are typically visible by week 3–4. Do not pick or scrub the spots — let them shed on their own.
Post-Treatment Tips
Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen daily. Avoid direct sun, tanning beds, and self-tanners for 2 weeks. Do not pick or exfoliate darkened spots — let them shed naturally. Use gentle, fragrance-free products for the first 48 hours. Skip hot showers, saunas, and intense exercise for 24 hours. Resume retinol or active serums only after provider clearance. Full guidance on our post-care instructions page.
IPL Photofacial Options
Single-session pricing by treatment area. Multi-session packages available for series treatments — ask about Forever Young BBL maintenance.
IPL Face
Full-face IPL Photofacial — addresses sun damage, age spots, and pigmentation across the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin in a single session.
- 20–30 minute appointment
- Cheeks, forehead, nose, chin
- Pigment + vascular filters as needed
- Sciton BBL platform
IPL Face & Neck
Extends IPL treatment to the neck, where sun damage and discoloration often go untreated. Covers both areas in one appointment for consistent results.
- 30 minute appointment
- Full face + neck
- Best for visible neck sun damage
- Series of 1–3 for full clearing
Face, Neck & Chest
Covers all three areas most exposed to cumulative sun damage. Treats pigmentation, redness, and age spots across the face, neck, and décolleté.
- 30–45 minute appointment
- Face + neck + décolleté
- Ideal for chest sun damage
- Most comprehensive single visit
Multi-session packages
- ✓ Package of 3 — save 10% on a corrective series
- ✓ Package of 5 — save 15% for deeper treatment plans or annual Forever Young maintenance
- ✓ Add MOXI laser for same-session texture refinement (the most-booked combination)
Significant sun damage or rosacea typically benefits from 3–5 sessions. Long-term Forever Young BBL maintenance (1–2 sessions/year) keeps results consistent and slows new pigment formation.
For more on pricing breakdown, read our guide on IPL photofacial cost and planning.
Who Performs This Treatment
Every IPL Photofacial at ELLEMES is performed by a licensed esthetician trained on the Sciton BBL platform.
How Many Sessions & How Often
Many patients see visible improvement in pigmentation and redness after a single IPL session. A standalone treatment is a good starting point for mild sun damage or a first-time patient evaluating how their skin responds to light therapy.
For moderate to significant sun damage, rosacea, or widespread pigmentation, a series of 3–5 sessions spaced 3–4 weeks apart delivers the strongest cumulative results. Each session builds on the last as deeper pigment and vascular concerns are progressively cleared.
After completing an initial series, most patients maintain results with 1–2 sessions per year — typically in fall or winter when sun exposure is lower. Maintenance sessions address new sun damage before it accumulates.
Treatment plans are built around your specific skin type and concerns. Your provider will recommend the right number of sessions and interval during your consultation. For more on what to expect, read our guide on IPL photofacial cost and planning.
IPL Photofacial vs. Microneedling
IPL and microneedling are two of the most popular skin rejuvenation treatments, but they work through different mechanisms and target different concerns. Understanding the difference helps determine which treatment — or combination — is right for your skin.
If your primary concern is pigmentation, sun damage, or redness, IPL is typically the better starting point. If you’re focused on texture, scarring, or fine lines, microneedling is more effective. Many patients benefit from both — IPL to clear tone, then microneedling to refine texture. Read our full comparison: IPL vs. Microneedling — Which Is Right for You?
IPL Questions
What to know before booking an IPL Photofacial at ELLEMES Medical Spa in Atlanta.
What is an IPL Photofacial?
What’s the difference between IPL and BBL?
What does IPL treat?
Does an IPL Photofacial hurt?
How many IPL sessions do I need?
Is IPL safe for all skin types?
How should I prepare for an IPL treatment?
What’s the recovery like after IPL?
When You’re Ready
Schedule an IPL consultation at our Sandy Springs clinic. Your esthetician will assess your skin, confirm IPL is the right approach, and recommend the treatment area and session plan.
Book a Consultation →Or call (470) 222-6581