IPL Treatment San Diego

Home > IPL Photofacial

Brighten, Even Skin Tone, and Reverse Sun Damage

Over time, sun exposure and aging can lead to dark spots, redness, and uneven skin tone, making your skin look older or less vibrant.

IPL photofacial (Intense Pulsed Light) is a non-invasive treatment that helps restore clearer, more even-toned skin with little to no downtime.

At True Beauty San Diego Aesthetic Surgery & Medicine, we use advanced IPL technologies, including systems from Lumenis®, to deliver customized treatments based on your skin type and concerns.

Photo facial before and after in san diego

What Is IPL Photofacial?

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) uses controlled pulses of light to target pigment and redness beneath the skin. This treatment helps:

Break up sun spots and age spots
Reduce redness and broken capillaries
Improve overall skin tone and clarity
Stimulate collagen for smoother skin

Unlike lasers that target a single wavelength, IPL uses broad-spectrum light, allowing it to treat multiple concerns at once.

Why Choose True Beauty?

IPL is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. The results depend on how the treatment is customized and performed.

At True Beauty, you’re treated by a team with 25+ years of aesthetic experience, led by a San Diego Magazine Top Doctor Dr. Brian Reagan. We tailor every treatment to your skin, rather than relying on a single setting or device. Patients choose True Beauty because of:

A medically-led, safety-first approach
Customized treatment plans for your skin type
Access to advanced IPL technology, including Lumenis® systems
A focus on natural, even-toned results

Plastic Surgeon Dr. Brian Reagan in La Jolla and San Diego

Brian Reagan, MD, FACS

Dr. Brian Reagan is a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of True Beauty San Diego Aesthetic Surgery & Medicine. Dr. Reagan is renowned for his surgical skills and commitment to patient satisfaction. Dr. Reagan has been featured on local media outlets, including ABC 10, and recognized as one of the “Best Plastic Surgeons in San Diego” by San Diego Magazine, and “Best Plastic Surgeons in La Jolla” by La Jolla Light Newspaper.

Request a Consultation

Plastic Surgeon Dr. Brian Reagan Media Affiliations and appearances

What Can IPL Treat?

IPL photofacial is ideal for improving:

Sun damage and age spots
Freckles and pigmentation
Redness and rosacea
Broken capillaries
Uneven skin tone
Dull or aging skin

Common treatment areas include the face, neck, chest, and hands.

What to Expect During Treatment

A cooling gel is applied to the skin
Protective eyewear is provided
Light pulses are delivered to targeted areas

Most patients describe the sensation as a quick snap or warm flick against the skin. Treatments are typically completed in 30 minutes or less.

After Treatment

Dark spots may temporarily appear darker before flaking away
Mild redness or warmth may occur
Little to no downtime, most patients return to normal activities right away

Sun protection is important to maintain results.

IPL Results

IPL results develop gradually with each session.

Brighter, more even skin tone
Reduction in pigmentation and redness
Clearer, healthier-looking skin

A series of 3–5 treatments is often recommended for optimal results.

IPL photofacial before and after in san diego

IPL Photofacial FAQs

How is IPL different from laser treatments?

IPL uses broad-spectrum light to treat multiple concerns at once, like redness and pigmentation, while most lasers target a single issue. At True Beauty, we choose between IPL and laser treatments based on what will give you the best result.

Will IPL get rid of all my dark spots in one treatment?

Some spots will improve after one session, but most patients need a series of treatments for optimal results. IPL works gradually, which helps create more natural, even-looking skin.

Why do dark spots look darker after treatment?

This is normal. Pigmented spots often darken temporarily before flaking off over the next 7–10 days. It’s a sign the treatment is working.

Is IPL good for redness and rosacea?

Yes, IPL is one of the most effective treatments for reducing redness and visible blood vessels. It can significantly improve conditions like rosacea over a series of treatments.

Can IPL help prevent future sun damage?

IPL helps correct existing damage, but it doesn’t stop new damage from forming. Daily sunscreen and proper skincare are key to maintaining your results.

Is IPL safe for all skin types?

IPL works best on lighter skin tones. For darker skin types, we may recommend alternative treatments to reduce the risk of pigmentation changes. The True Beauty team will guide you to the safest option.

How often should I get IPL treatments?

Most patients start with a series of treatments spaced about 3–4 weeks apart, then transition to maintenance treatments as needed.

Can IPL be combined with other treatments?

Yes. IPL is often combined with treatments like laser resurfacing, microneedling, or injectables such as Juvederm or Restylane to improve overall skin quality and achieve more comprehensive results.

What areas respond best to IPL?

IPL works especially well on areas with sun damage, like the face, chest, neck, and hands, anywhere you’re noticing discoloration or uneven tone.

What makes True Beauty different for IPL treatments?

We don’t rely on a single setting or approach. Every IPL treatment is customized based on your skin type, concerns, and goals to deliver the most natural, even results possible.