How much does IPL treatment cost?
Ashburn, VA

How much does IPL treatment cost?

Ashburn, VA

How much does IPL treatment cost?

$50 – $600 average treatment cost (hair removal)
$300 – $600 average treatment cost (photofacial)

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

$50 – $600 average treatment cost (hair removal)

$300 – $600 average treatment cost (photofacial)


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
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Jennifer Carlson
Written by
Jennifer Carlson
Edited by
Tamatha Hazen
Fact-checked by
Kristen Cramer

Average IPL treatment cost

IPL treatment costs $50 to $600 per session on average for a hair removal treatment. An IPL photofacial costs $300 to $600 per session. The total price depends on the area size, number of sessions, and treatment type. Intense pulsed light therapy can treat skin conditions like rosacea and sunspots.

Average IPL treatment cost - Chart
Average IPL treatment cost - Chart
Average IPL treatment cost
Treatment type Average cost per treatment
Hair removal $50 – $600
Photofacial $300 – $600

Hair removal

IPL treatments for hair removal cost $50 to $600 per session, depending on the area size. A small area like the upper lip costs much less to treat than your legs. It takes about 6 to 8 sessions of IPL for permanent or long-lasting results.

Photofacial

An IPL photofacial costs $300 to $600 per session. Most salons and spas use IPL for hair removal, while dermatology offices tend to use lasers for hair removal and IPL for skin conditions like melasma, rosacea, unwanted tattoos, and UV damage.

Most providers can treat skin conditions in 1 to 3 sessions, though some may take up to 6 sessions.

Get free estimates from facial services near you.

What is IPL?

Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy is a less-invasive alternative to chemical peels or laser skin resurfacing. The IPL wavelengths penetrate the skin, remove damaged skin cells, and promote new cell growth. You can also use IPL for unwanted hair because the light damages hair follicles and slows their growth.

IPL may not be appropriate if any of the following apply to you:

  • You’re pregnant.

  • You have a sunburn.

  • You’ve had a chemical peel recently.

  • You’re taking blood thinners or Accutane.

  • You’ve recently used a tanning bed or tanning creams.

  • You have skin cancer or other lesions.

Intense pulsed light therapy cost factors

Several factors affect the cost of IPL treatments:

  • Credentials & experience: Professionals with higher levels of training and experience tend to charge more. Board-certified dermatologists charge more than licensed estheticians.

  • Location: IPL providers in major cities tend to charge more for cosmetic treatments due to the higher cost of living.

  • Sensitivity: IPL isn’t very painful and feels like a rubber band snapping on your skin. If you have sensitive skin, you can get a numbing gel beforehand, but it may increase the cost.

  • Add-on services: Adding another treatment or service like cryotherapy, red LED therapy, or infrared therapy will increase your total cost.

  • Consultation fee: While many clinics and spas give free consultations, others charge a fee and add it on to your first session.

  • Discounts: Some providers offer discounts for your first treatment, monthly memberships, or bundled services.

IPL benefits

When used for hair removal, IPL can permanently reduce unwanted hair growth. IPL photofacials use light to target uneven pigment and conditions like:

  • Acne and acne scars

  • Age spots

  • Birthmarks

  • Broken blood vessels

  • Dry eyes

  • Fine lines

  • Freckles

  • Rosacea

  • Scars

  • Spider veins

  • Stretch marks

  • Sun damage or sunspots

  • Uneven skin texture

  • Uneven skin tone

What to expect

On the day of your IPL appointment, make sure to avoid wearing makeup, perfume, or retinoid products. The provider will give you dark glasses that protect your eyes and use a handheld device to remove hair or treat your skin. Sessions take 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the area size.

After the treatment, your skin may feel a little sensitive, as if you have a sunburn. Try using ice packs or cooling cloths to soothe your skin. Avoid makeup, scented lotions, and harsh cleansers until you’re feeling back to normal.

A woman receiving an intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment
A woman receiving an intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment

Do-it-yourself IPL devices

At-home IPL devices cost $100 to $450 and eliminate the high cost and hassle of professional treatments. However, they’re not as powerful as salon treatments, which means you’ll require more frequent sessions to remove hair and won’t be able to treat most skin conditions.

Most home IPL companies suggest using them once or twice a week for 6 to 8 weeks and touching up as needed afterward.

IPL vs. other facial treatments

An IPL photofacial is only one of many treatments available today. The table below shows the cost and features of some common facial treatments.

Get free estimates from facial services near you.
IPL vs. other facial treatments
Treatment type Average cost Details
IPL treatment $300 – $600
  • Uses intense pulses of light to treat skin conditions
  • Treats a wide range of conditions
  • Downtime lasts 0 to 2 weeks
  • Results last 6 to 12 months
Hydrafacial cost $150 – $350
  • Chemical exfoliators and serums improve skin’s texture and appearance
  • Mild and customizable
  • No downtime
  • Results last about a week
Cryofacial cost $50 – $300
  • Uses extreme cold to increase blood flow and oxygen
  • Anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects
  • No downtime
  • Results for up to 3 weeks
Standard facial cost $65 – $90
  • Cleans and exfoliates the skin
  • Can include specialized treatments
  • No downtime
  • Results vary depending on the technique
Chemical peel cost $150 – $300 (light)
$300 – $1,500 (medium)
  • Smooths and resurfaces the skin with one or more chemical agents
  • Treats acne, age spots, and other skin conditions
  • Downtime lasts 0 to 14+ days
  • Results for 1 to 4+ months
Vampire facial cost $1,100 – $1,400
  • Combination of microneedling and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
  • Stimulates cell turnover
  • Downtime from 2 to 14 days
  • Results for up to 18 months

IPL treatment FAQs

How does IPL work?

IPL works by using targeted light energy on specific areas of the skin. The quick bursts of light break down pigment, dark hair, and discoloration. After the session, the body absorbs the broken-down pigments. These treatments improve the skin without invasive surgeries.

Does IPL hurt?

Patients say IPL feels like a rubber band snapping against their skin and hurts less than laser hair removal. Many IPL devices use cooling effects or a fan to prevent pain. If you’re concerned, ask for a numbing cream before the session starts.

Is IPL permanent?

IPL is effective but not permanent. It takes about 6 to 8 sessions of IPL for hair removal, after which you’ll need touchups every 1 to 2 months. Photofacials require 1 to 3 sessions and last anywhere from 6 to 12 months.

Does IPL cause cancer?

IPL is safe and does not cause cancer. However, it could cause side effects in patients with sensitive skin. Let your provider know right away if you experience any pain, swelling, scarring, bleeding, or other symptoms after your treatment.

What to look for in an IPL provider

Follow these guidelines to help you choose a qualified IPL facial service near you:

  • Consider the provider's experience, training, and equipment quality as well as their prices.

  • Look for a board-certified dermatologist with FAAD (Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology) in their title.

  • Read reviews from clients on Thervo and Google.

  • Ask for before and after photos of past clients.

  • Ask questions about the treatment, any potential risks, and side effects.

Questions to ask an IPL provider

Asking the right questions can help you make an informed decision and feel confident you've picked the best provider for you:

  • What type of IPL equipment do you use? Does it have any cooling effects?

  • How long have you been offering photofacial treatments or hair removal?

  • How many treatments do you think I’ll need?

  • What are the potential side effects?

  • Can you show me any before-and-after photos or testimonials from clients?

  • Do you offer any package deals or a membership deal?


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