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.

Contact Us

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!

>> Contact Us For a Complimentary Skin Analysis & Skin Consultation

>> Return Home

>> For more information, visit Chicago Breast & Body Aesthetics website, Instagram, or Facebook

Chicago Aesthetics
Reviews & Testimonials

    Excellent4.8263 reviews
 4.8
 Excellent263 reviews
  Write a review 
 
 
 
   
 
 
       
   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.
  
 
      
   Anika Tylek 
 September 19, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tom's kindness and incredible knowledge make it easy for me to trust him with my procedures. I cannot recommend him enough! I've had a great experience with him and will absolutely continue seeing him!
  
 
      
   Ruby Kelly 
 September 18, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been seeing Carol for Botox for over two years, and she is absolutely amazing! I trust her completely with my face. She always takes the time to listen to what I want and makes sure my results look natural and beautiful—she never overdoes it. I especially appreciate how honest she is; she will tell you when you don’t need something rather than trying to sell you more treatments.

Carol truly cares about her patients and always makes me feel comfortable, welcomed, and at home. She is professional, knowledgeable, gentle, and incredibly attentive. I always leave feeling confident and happy with my results. It’s hard to find someone you can trust this much, and I’m so grateful I found Carol.
  
 
      
   Nathaly Acuna 
 September 18, 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!
  
 
      
   Carson Getz 
 September 17, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a great experience with Stephanie for my HydraFacial. She was super knowledgeable and taught me how to maintain that healthy, youthful skin I'm working so hard to hold onto. She made this experience comfortable, professional and genuinely enjoyable. Thank you Stephanie!
  
 
      
   Carol Sanchez 
 September 17, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an amazing experience with my Moxi laser treatment with Stephanie! She was incredibly knowledgeable and made me feel comfortable from start to finish. She thoroughly explained what to expect before, during, and after the procedure and gave me clear, detailed instructions for caring for my skin at home. I truly felt cared for throughout the entire experience and am so excited to see my results! I highly recommend Stephanie to anyone considering Moxi or any other service.
  
 
      
   Valentina Cortez 
 September 15, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Just got laser hair removal with Stephanie for the first time, and I had such a great experience. The process was super fast and easy, and Stephanie was great. Looking forward to my next appointment!
  
 
      
   Marim_93 
 September 15, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My experience at Chicago Aesthetics has always been positive. I am so grateful to Stephanie for her guidance and expertise on my treatment plan over the past year. She was thoughtful in her approach to treating my hyperpigmentation and acne and always informed me on what was going on during each treatment and why we were doing it. I wouldn’t go to anyone else and highly highly recommend her! Also, the ladies at the front desk are always so kind and make the booking process and check in/check out process go smoothly.