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IPL Photofacial

Serving Patients in North Suffolk, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Smithfield, and Surrounding Areas.

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Clearer, Brighter Skin

Why Choose Clarity Acne & Aesthetic Dermatology?

You might be doing everything “right” with your skincare—gentle cleansers, the brightening serums, daily sunscreen. And yet, the redness lingers. The spots deepen. Your skin still doesn’t feel like it reflects how you want to show up in the world. It’s not vanity. It’s about comfort. Confidence. Feeling like yourself again.

At Clarity Acne & Aesthetic Dermatology in North Suffolk, IPL facials are part of how we help patients get there. This treatment uses intense pulsed light, not lasers or chemicals, to gently target discoloration, redness, and early signs of aging just beneath the surface. Dr. Deborah Quinn, DNP, a double board-certified dermatology nurse practitioner, brings medical expertise and personalized care to every treatment plan. Everyone on our team creates a friendly, welcoming, and professional atmosphere, ensuring every patient feels supported and cared for. We’ll walk you through how IPL works, what it can help with, and how it fits into your skin rejuvenation goals.

Powered by Light

What is an IPL Facial?

IPL stands for intense pulsed light. It’s a non-invasive light-based procedure designed to improve the appearance of pigmentation, redness, and visible sun damage. Unlike a traditional laser treatment that targets a single depth, IPL disperses multiple wavelengths of light across the skin, stimulating collagen and evening out tone. We use the Rohrer Spectrum, a trusted medical device also used for laser hair removal, to tailor each session to your skin type, specific concerns, and various treatment areas such as the face, neck, chest, and hands.

Little Wins, Brighter Skin

IPL Facial Benefits

You don't need a dramatic diagnosis to benefit from IPL. Many of our Suffolk patients come to us hoping to feel confident in their skin again without having to cover up redness or age spots every day. This treatment helps with:

  • Sun damage and pigmentation
  • Redness, flushing, and rosacea
  • Uneven skin tone and visible pores
  • Early wrinkles, skin laxity, and loose skin
  • Acne scarring and post-inflammatory pigmentation

Common areas we treat include:

  • Face: for pigmentation, redness, and general tone
  • Neck and chest: especially helpful for sun damage
  • Hands: to fade age spots and improve texture
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Where IPL Makes the Most Sense

IPL Facial Candidates

IPL facial Suffolk patients typically include people with lighter skin tones and visible sun damage, redness, or pigmentation. It’s also a great option for smoothing out uneven tone from previous acne treatments or mild scarring.

We may recommend delaying your procedure if:

  • You’ve had recent sun exposure or a tan
  • You have active cold sores or a skin infection
  • Your skin tone is too dark for safe results
  • You’re pregnant or breastfeeding

A few situations where we may advise holding off:

  • If your skin tone is very deep (risk of hyperpigmentation)
  • If you're pregnant
  • If you've had recent sunburn or intense sun exposure
  • If you're healing from an active skin infection or procedure

A Gentle Fix for Everyday Skin Concerns

What issues can IPL Facial address?

IPL treats a wide range of skin issues without the downtime of more aggressive resurfacing treatments. At our med spa, we most often use it to improve:

  • Sun damage: Especially on the face, neck, chest, and hands
  • Age spots: Brown or freckled patches from UV exposure
  • Redness and rosacea: Visible blood vessels, flushing, and inflammation
  • Pigmentation: Including melasma, freckles, and acne marks
  • Fine lines and dullness: Boosting collagen for smoother, healthier-looking skin
  • Enlarged pores and uneven texture: More refined, clear appearance over time

Let’s Start With a Plan

Consultation and Preparation

Every IPL facial at Clarity begins with a skin consultation. Dr. Quinn will assess your skin type, health history, and current routine before customizing a treatment. We’ll talk about the treatment area, how many sessions you might need, and how to safely prep your skin for the best results.

Before your appointment, we may ask you to:

  • Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for 2 weeks
  • Discontinue any harsh skincare (like retinol or acids) 3–5 days prior
  • Let us know about any active breakouts or medications

Light Work, Brighter Skin

Your IPL Facial Procedure

An IPL facial is relatively quick and well-tolerated. It feels like a warm flick or soft snap against the skin. Most patients tolerate it easily. We may apply a numbing cream if you’re sensitive or treating a larger body area. The entire procedure takes about 20 to 45 minutes.

  • No general anesthesia required
  • Mild swelling or redness afterward is common
  • You can immediately return to most daily activities right after
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The Post-Glow Guide

IPL Facial Recovery and Aftercare

You might look slightly flushed after your IPL facial, like a mild sunburn. Any heat sensation or tenderness should fade within a few hours. Pigmented spots may darken temporarily before flaking off naturally in the following days.

What to do:

  • Use cold compresses for comfort if needed
  • Skip heat exposure (hot yoga, steam rooms) for 48 hours
  • Use gentle skincare and daily SPF
  • Avoid exfoliating treatments until skin fully recovers

Your Beautiful Skin Timeline

IPL Facial Results

Most patients start seeing results after 1–2 weeks. Redness fades. Dark spots lift. Skin looks brighter and more even overall. For best results, we recommend a series of 3–5 treatments spaced about 4 weeks apart.

Maintenance treatments once or twice a year can help sustain results, especially for pigmentation-prone skin types or those dealing with aging and sun exposure.

What You’re Paying For

How much does an IPL Facial cost?

Pricing for IPL varies based on the treatment area, number of sessions, and whether you’re combining services. We’ll always walk you through options during your skin consultation.

We also offer membership options for continued care and participate in Allē, a rewards program that lets you earn points on services like Botox, filler treatments for lips and facial enhancement, and IPL. Our skilled injectors use premium fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane to enhance lips and restore facial volume, delivering natural-looking results. Think of it as bonus beauty that supports healthier skin.

Expert, Compassionate Care

Meet Our Team of Skin Experts

At Clarity Acne & Aesthetic Dermatology, you’ll find a team of skin experts who are passionate about helping you achieve your healthiest, most beautiful skin. Our staff includes board-certified dermatologists, experienced nurse practitioners, and licensed aestheticians—all extremely knowledgeable in the latest advances in skin care. With years of experience treating everything from acne and aging to sun damage and pigmentation, our team brings both medical expertise and a personal touch to every appointment.

We believe that every patient deserves personalized care. That’s why we start with a thorough skin consultation to understand your specific concerns and goals. Whether you’re interested in laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation, acne treatments, or skin tightening, we’ll design a customized treatment plan that fits your needs and desired results. Our team uses innovative technologies and natural techniques to enhance your appearance and boost your confidence, always striving for results that look and feel like you, only better.

From your first visit to your last follow-up, you can expect attentive service, honest guidance, and a commitment to helping you feel confident in your skin. Let us help you discover the best version of yourself with treatments tailored just for you.

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Let’s Build You a Plan

Schedule Your Suffolk IPL Facial Consultation at Clarity Acne & Aesthetic Dermatology Today

We’d love to meet you. If you’re curious whether IPL is the right step, book your consultation and let’s talk through your options. We’re here to listen, educate, and help build a plan that works. Call us at (757) 977-1077 or fill out our online form to get started!

IPL Facial

Frequently Asked Questions

Not usually. It can feel like a warm snap. Most people find it very manageable.

Temporary redness, swelling, or pigment changes, and rarely blistering. We go over everything during your consult.

That depends on your skin and habits. With good care, results can last 6–12 months. Touch-ups help extend them.

Absolutely. We often pair IPL with microneedling, peels, filler, or PDO threads as part of a comprehensive plan.

Most treatments take 20–45 minutes, depending on the area we’re treating.