What is an Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Photofacial?
In Chicago & Glenview, IL

Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa in Chicago & Glenview, IL is led by Dr. John D. Rachel, MD, FACS, a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who is quadruple board-certified.

Medically reviewed for accuracy.

What is an IPL Photofacial and why you would need one?

IPL stands for Intense Pulse Light. Intense Pulse Light is a high powered computer controlled flash gun. The best time to get an IPL Photofacial treatment is in the Fall or Winter months. The treatment is not recommended for dark/tanned skin.

What does an IPL treat?

When you have issues with brown pigment, the laser targets and destroys the hyperactive melanin in your skin, removing the brown spot. If your issue is rosacea or redness, the laser cauterizes those broken capillaries and redness and removes it.

This treatment is good for someone that has sun damage (brown sun spots) or Vascular lesions (broken capillaries). Not only does the laser target pigment but it also does many other things to the skin:

Reduces Pore Size
Smoothing and reducing the appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Skin Tightening
Overall texture of the skin
Rosacea, Redness, Flushing
Vascular Lesions

Ipl Lumecca Before And After Chicago Aesthetics Med Spa

How many treatments will you need?

Well it varies from person to person depending on how much sun damage or pigment on the skin. Most of the time the laser and myself can fix the issues within 1-3 treatments. If you have more than 60% damage to the skin, you may need up to 5 treatments to correct the problem. After a series of treatments it’s good to do maintenance treatment throughout the year. ALWAYS wear your SPF or you’ll see us more often than you would like! Treatments are recommended every 4-6 weeks.

How long does an IPL Photofacial treatment take?

Depending on if you’re coming in for a full face or certain areas of the face depends on the time. It can range from 15min-30min. The laser feels like a rubber band snap followed by a warming sensation.

What to expect after treatment?

After treatment expect to have some redness (may feel like a sunburn) with some erythema what last up to an hour or up to 24-48 hours. If your treating pigmented spots, you can expect the pigmented areas to darken (sometimes even black depending on ethnicity, like coffee grinds) over the course of a few days as the pigment comes to surface then sloughs off. If your treating redness (rosacea/broken capillaries), you will see the redness subside a few days after treatment or sometimes the same day or next day. Within a week your looking significantly better but it takes a full month to see the result. With the IPL laser treatment you will have greater sun sensitivity for a couple of weeks so make sure your wearing your SPF when outdoors.

What are IPL side effects?

The side effects are minimal and temporary. You may experience some swelling, redness, bruising or blistering.

What at-home skincare is recommended after an IPL?

A good at-home skincare is recommended in order to promote healing and enhance your IPL results. Here are some must-have products we recommend:

Moisturizer. SKIN BETTER TRIO provides heavy hydration without the weight. It helps your skin produce more hyaluronic acid and supports your skin’s barrier, leading to healthier skin with less fine lines and dryness.
Antioxidant. SKINCEUTICALS PHLORETIN CF is daytime antioxidant that protects against the premature signs of aging, environmental damage and improves discoloration, fine lines and uneven skin tone.
Suncreen. SUNBETTER TONE SMART SPF 68 SUNSCREEN COMPACT is 100% mineral SPF, water resistant, protection against UV, blue light, pollution, and infrared radiation. You also get the added benefit in that it acts as a primer and blurs imperfections!

Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa & Wellness Center provides a wide range of skin rejuvenation, anti-aging, laser and body sculpting services for the face and body. Our Anti-Aging Treatments, Botox, Body Sculpting, Facial Treatments, Laser Skin Treatments, Medical Weight Loss, Microneedling, Skin Rejuvenation, and Cosmetic Injections will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Our team of medical professionals will develop customized skincare and wellness solutions to improve and treat common skin & aging concerns including wrinkles, dermal fillers, lip filler injections, cellulite, stretch marks, scar removal, acne, age spots, and weight loss to name a few. Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa was founded by top cosmetic surgeon Dr. Anh-Tuan Truong. Our team of experienced medical professionals are dedicated to providing our patients with the latest and most effective skin care treatments available. At Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa, we understand the importance of feeling comfortable and confident in our own skin. That’s why we strive to provide the highest quality of care and service to our patients. Our mission is to help you look and feel your best by delivering exceptional results.

Schedule a consultation and visit us today and see for yourself why we are the top rated medical spa in Chicago, Illinois!

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Chicago Aesthetics
Reviews & Testimonials

    Excellent4.8267 reviews
 4.8
 Excellent267 reviews
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   Sara Glover 
 October 24, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I visited Carol for treatment on my forehead using dysport. Carol was kind & quick, making sure my experience was comfortable! It was my first time receiving any form of injectables & Carol was able to ease my mind by answering all of my questions with patience & pure knowledge! Carol has years of experience & im so grateful she was my injector! I recommend everyone be treated by Carol for injectables!
  
 
      
   Nathaly Acuna 
 October 21, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everyone from the Doctors to staff, are amazingly professional and so sweet! Dr. Rachael’s knowledge and bedside manner make you feel so comfortable and at ease. I can’t recommend them enough!
  
 
      
   Monica Correa 
 October 19, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I really liked how the staff treated me. Everyone was very kind and professional, and they made me feel comfortable and well cared for throughout the entire experience.
  
 
      
   Barbara Kuczma 
 October 14, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. John Rachel and his staff were wonderful to me. Made sure I was comfortable and kept me informed on everything they were going to do before, during and after my procedure.
I will highly recommend Dr. John Rachel and his wonderful staff.

Thank You,
Barbara Kuczma
  
 
      
   Stamata “Tami” Georgas 
 October 8, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Exceptional Talent, Timeless Results, and Unmatched Expertise!

When it comes to aesthetics, excellence is everything, and I can confidently say that Carol is truly in a league of her own.

Her expertise, artistry, and meticulous attention to detail are simply unparalleled. She has an extraordinary ability to enhance natural beauty while maintaining elegance, balance, and sophistication. Her results are consistently flawless, refreshed, and beautifully understated — the true definition of timeless beauty.

What makes Carol exceptional is not only her remarkable skill but also her integrity, professionalism, and genuine dedication to her clients. She understands that the finest aesthetic work is never obvious; it is effortlessly beautiful.

Two decades of loyalty speak for themselves. I trust her implicitly and would never consider putting my face in anyone else’s hands.

She is the epitome of excellence in aesthetic medicine, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. An absolute five-star experience, every single time!
  
 
      
   Danielle 
 October 7, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. **⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google Review**

Stephanie was amazing! She did my laser hair removal treatment and made the entire experience so comfortable and easy. She was professional, knowledgeable, and took the time to answer all of my questions, which really put me at ease. The service was efficient, and I could tell she genuinely cared about providing great results and excellent customer care. I’m so happy with my experience and will definitely be coming back for future treatments. Highly recommend Stephanie to anyone considering laser hair removal!
  
 
      
   TG 
 October 7, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been coming to Carol for over 20 years, and that longevity truly speaks for itself. I continue to see her because she is incredibly educated, highly skilled, and genuinely listens to what you want and need.

She takes the time to understand your goals and creates a plan that enhances your natural features in a way that feels authentic and balanced. Her work is beautiful,  and refined. The results are always natural and confidence boosting.

Beyond her talent, I trust her completely. After two decades, I can confidently say she is consistent, professional, and truly cares about her patients.

If you're looking for perfection, Carol is definitely the person you should see! Highly recommended!
  
 
      
   Sam 
 October 2, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Alison and Tom are the best. They have a tailored approach and explain what and why they recommend treatments. I’m so excited to be working with them as I head into my bridal era - I know I will look my best with their help. 100000/10 recommend to everyone but especially brides 😃
  
 
      
   Neha Patel 
 September 22, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. New update: I had a wonderful experience with Carol. She was professional, knowledgeable and paid attention to every detail to clearly explain my skin concerns. I’ll definitely be coming back!

The moment I walked into the clinic I felt a happy, welcomed and professional setting. I had my Sofwave treatment with Alison Falada, Master Esthetician and Laser Specialist. She was nothing short of amazing! She was personable, knowledgeable, skilled and detailed throughout the entire experience. She took the time to thoroughly explain the entire process, addressed all of my my questions and concerns. Alison is an expert and provided great quality service! I love my results and can't wait to book my next appointment with her!
  
 
      
   Chris C 
 September 20, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Carol has been doing my Botox for the last few years. She is kind, easy to talk to, makes herself available and approachable! Always feel at ease when I come see her and she does great work, goes by so fast, we are always done before I even know it. Highly recommend visiting her.