How much does IPL treatment cost?
How much does IPL treatment cost?
$50 – $600 average treatment cost (hair removal)
$300 – $600 average treatment cost (photofacial)
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.
| 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.
IPL for hair removal is only effective with high contrast, or darker hair against lighter skin. Unfortunately, not everyone is a candidate. If you have darker skin or light hair, you could try electrolysis or laser hair removal.
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.
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.
Most insurance policies consider IPL an elective or cosmetic procedure, so they don’t typically cover it. However, insurance providers may cover IPL treatment if it is considered a necessary treatment by a healthcare provider for managing symptoms of some hormonal/medical conditions.
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.
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.
| Treatment type | Average cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| IPL treatment | $300 – $600 |
|
| Hydrafacial cost | $150 – $350 |
|
| Cryofacial cost | $50 – $300 |
|
| Standard facial cost | $65 – $90 |
|
| Chemical peel cost | $150 – $300 (light) $300 – $1,500 (medium) |
|
| Vampire facial cost | $1,100 – $1,400 |
|
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?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.