Intense Pulsed Light
What Is IPL?
IPL is designed as both corrective care and preventative maintenance. Using intense pulsed light, IPL treats visible redness and brown discoloration while supporting a smoother texture and a more even-looking complexion. With the right expertise, IPL photofacial sessions can be customized for a wide range of goals, including full face treatment for Asian skin when appropriate, guided by Dr. Wu’s advanced training.
Advanced IPL Technology with Nordlys
Waterfront uses the Nordlys system, a highly advanced intense pulsed light platform known for precision, safety, and versatility. This technology enables customized energy delivery tailored to skin tone, concerns, and treatment goals. Compared to older devices, Nordlys provides consistent results while maintaining patient comfort.
IPL photofacial treatments with Nordlys can be adjusted for a wide range of skin concerns, making it one of the most adaptable skin rejuvenation options available today.
IPL Treatment Before and After
Multimodal combination treatment Pico, VBeam, IPL, CO2, Thermi, BTX filler
Photodynamic Therapy
Customized maintenance treatment plan (10 years later)
Customized maintenance treatment plan (10 years later)
Customized maintenance treatment plan (10 years later)
Customized maintenance treatment plan (10 years later)
IPL Photofacial Skin Treatment by Dr. Wu
Skin Concerns that Can Be Improved with IPL Treatment
IPL skin treatment is designed to address multiple visible signs of skin aging and sun damage at once. It is particularly effective for patients seeking overall rejuvenation rather than a single concern.
Common skin concerns treated with IPL include:
- Facial redness and broken capillaries
- Brown spots and sun-induced pigmentation
- Uneven skin tone
- Rough texture and dull appearance
- Enlarged pores
- Early signs of photoaging
By targeting both red and brown pigment, IPL helps restore clarity and balance to the skin while improving overall tone and texture.
A True Lunchtime Treatment with Minimal Downtime
IPL treatment sessions are typically quick and efficient, often completed in under 20-40 minutes. Mild redness or warmth may occur immediately after treatment, but most patients return to normal activities the same day.
Because recovery time is minimal, IPL facial treatment is an ideal option for patients who want visible improvement without taking time away from work or social commitments.
Preventative Skin Maintenance with IPL
Beyond correction, IPL plays an important role in long-term skin health. Regular treatments help control pigment buildup, reduce persistent redness, and maintain even skin tone. Many patients schedule IPL treatments every 6 months to maintain skin clarity and prevent the reappearance of sun damage.
This proactive approach allows the skin to age more gracefully while maintaining a healthy and refreshed appearance year round.
Combining IPL with Laser Treatments
IPL can be safely combined with laser and light-based treatments offered at Waterfront. Pairing IPL with Clear + Brilliant or other laser resurfacing technologies can enhance results by addressing both surface and deeper skin concerns.
Combination treatments are planned carefully to maximize results while respecting skin type and sensitivity.
Meet the Doctor
Douglas Wu, MD, PhD, brings advanced expertise and a research driven approach to IPL skin treatment at Waterfront. His training includes a fellowship under Mitchel Goldman, MD, the physician who invented IPL technology, providing a rare depth of understanding of how intense pulsed light interacts with the skin.
This foundation allows Dr. Wu to safely and precisely customize IPL treatment across a wide range of skin tones. While many providers avoid full-face IPL for Asian skin, his advanced experience supports careful full-face treatment when appropriate, prioritizing both safety and consistently refined results.
IPL Treatment Cost and Personalized Planning
IPL treatment costs vary based on the size of the treatment area, the number of recommended sessions, and whether IPL is combined with other procedures. During a consultation, a customized plan is developed to align with individual skin goals and maintenance preferences.
This approach ensures patients receive meaningful improvement while maintaining long-term skin health.
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Why Choose IPL Treatment at Waterfront Laser & Cosmetic Dermatology
IPL facial treatment at Waterfront Laser and Cosmetic Dermatology is designed for patients who prioritize expertise, safety, and long-term skin health. With advanced IPL technology care, treatments are customized to improve redness, pigmentation, tone, and texture while supporting ongoing skin maintenance.
Choosing IPL at Waterfront means building a thoughtful skin care plan that evolves with you, delivering consistent rejuvenation and natural-looking results over time.
IPL Treatment FAQ
How does IPL skin treatment work on the skin?
IPL uses controlled pulses of light to target pigment and redness beneath the skin surface. The light energy is absorbed by unwanted pigment and vascular lesions, which are then naturally cleared by the body. Over time, this process improves skin clarity, tone, and texture. The surrounding skin remains unaffected.
How many IPL treatments are typically recommended?
Most patients benefit from a series of three to five IPL treatments spaced several weeks apart. The exact number depends on the severity of pigmentation, redness, and overall skin condition. Maintenance treatments every six months help preserve results long term. A personalized plan is always recommended.
Is IPL facial treatment safe for sensitive or Asian skin?
When performed by an experienced physician, IPL can be safe for a wide range of skin tones. Dr. Wu’s advanced training allows for careful energy selection and technique, even for skin types that are often considered higher risk. Proper evaluation and conservative settings are essential. Safety always guides treatment decisions.
What does IPL treatment feel like during the session?
Patients often describe the sensation as a brief warm snap against the skin. Most find the treatment very tolerable and do not require numbing. Cooling technology helps maintain comfort throughout the session. Any mild warmth typically fades quickly.
Can IPL improve acne related discoloration?
IPL can help reduce red and brown marks left behind after acne heals. While it does not treat active acne directly, it supports clearer-looking skin by evening tone. This makes it a helpful option for patients with post-inflammatory discoloration. Results improve gradually over time.
When will IPL treatment results become visible?
Some improvement may be noticed within one to two weeks after treatment. Pigmented spots often darken before fading, while redness softens progressively. Results continue to refine over several weeks as the skin renews itself. Consistency enhances long-term outcomes.
How long do IPL results typically last?
Results can last several months, especially with good sun protection and skincare. However, sun exposure and natural aging continue to affect the skin. Maintenance IPL treatments every six months help sustain clarity and tone. This approach supports ongoing skin health.
Can IPL be combined with other treatments?
Yes, IPL is commonly combined with other laser or resurfacing treatments. Combining technologies allows multiple skin concerns to be addressed in a coordinated way. Treatment sequencing is carefully planned for safety and effectiveness. This approach often enhances overall results.
Is there downtime after IPL skin treatment?
Downtime is minimal for most patients. Mild redness or warmth may occur for a few hours after treatment. Some pigmented spots may temporarily darken before fading. Most patients return to normal activities the same day.
Who is an ideal candidate for IPL treatment?
IPL is ideal for patients with sun damage, redness, uneven tone, or early signs of aging. It is best suited for those seeking overall rejuvenation rather than aggressive resurfacing. A consultation helps determine whether IPL aligns with an individual’s skin goals. Personalized evaluation ensures the best outcome.