Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Photofacial
Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Lake Havasu and Kingman, AZ
The intense pulsed light (IPL) photofacial is a treatment that uses light energy to revitalize the health and appearance of the skin. (1) IPL photofacials can address several skin concerns and blemishes, such as acne, hyperpigmentation, unwanted freckles, and more. Skin treatments, such as IPL photofacials, are among the most popular minimally invasive cosmetic treatments in the country, with specialists performing more than 3.1 million treatments in 2024 alone. (2)
Prima Medical Care is a trusted primary care practice in Arizona. Our team is led by Dr. Michael Colonna, a distinguished board-certified emergency medicine physician. He has more than 15 years of experience and is committed to helping each patient look and feel their best with treatments like the IPL photofacial.
To get started at either our Lake Havasu City or Kingman locations, please contact us online or call (928) 302-3798.
Contents
Before and After Photos
About IPL Photofacials
An IPL photofacial is a cutting-edge, non-surgical treatment that can restore healthier, firmer, more elastic, and youthful-looking skin. This treatment emits powerful beams of concentrated light energy at varying wavelengths to address a wide range of skin concerns. IPL is different from lasers in that it emits a broad wavelength spectrum, while lasers emit only a single wavelength. For many patients, this makes IPL more versatile. (1)
Benefits
IPL photofacials offer numerous benefits, including:
- Reduced Pigmentation Concerns: IPL photofacials can address age spots, sun spots, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, port-wine stains, and more. This can help you achieve brighter, more even skin.
- Stimulated Collagen Production: This treatment uses powerful light energy, which can stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.
- Acne Reduction: IPL photofacials can minimize acne breakouts and make future breakouts less likely.
- Versatile Application: This treatment can address several different areas of the body, including the face, neck, hands, and chest, and can be adjusted to suit your skin tone, type, and concerns.
- Long-Term Results: The results of your IPL photofacial can last between months and a year, making it a worthwhile investment.
- No Required Downtime: You will be able to quickly return to your daily activities after treatment.
Candidates
IPL photofacials can benefit most patients seeking to enhance the appearance of their skin. If you are experiencing any of the following concerns, you may be a suitable candidate for our IPL photofacial treatment:
- Spider veins
- Wrinkles
- Hyperpigmentation
- Melasma
- Rosacea
- Acne
- Port-wine stains
- Leg veins
- Freckles
- Age Spots (1)
Anyone interested in this treatment should be in good general health and maintain realistic expectations regarding results. If you have an active sunburn or rash, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have certain medical conditions, you may not be eligible or may have to delay treatment. Our team will determine each patient’s candidacy during their consultation.
Personal Consultation
During your personal consultation, your specialist will meet with you individually to discuss your skin concerns, medical history, skincare regimen, and treatment goals. They will also evaluate the condition and quality of your skin.
The specialist will use this information to determine your candidacy and create your treatment plan. They will modify certain aspects of the treatment and may recommend additional treatments for more substantial results. This consultation also serves as a good time to ask any questions you may have.
To schedule this consultation at either our Lake Havasu City or Kingman locations, please contact us online or call (928) 302-3798.
Preparation
After scheduling your appointment, you will receive a set of detailed preparation instructions. Preparation is essential for any treatment, no matter how large or small.
You may need to modify your skincare routine to refrain from using any harsh or irritating products, such as retinoids, chemical peels, or exfoliants. You should wear sunblock when leaving the house, but you should avoid direct or excessive sun exposure, as well as tanning, for at least one month before treatment.
We ask that you arrive at your appointment with clean skin that is free from any makeup or skincare products. You will also need to remove any facial piercings, if applicable.
Procedure
Your specialist begins your treatment by cleaning and sanitizing the skin in the target area, and they may apply a cool gel to minimize discomfort. They will then take a handpiece and pass it over the treatment area. The device will emit pulses of bright light into the skin. As your skin absorbs this light, the temperature of your underlying tissue rises. This stimulates the production of collagen, leading to healthier, more elastic, and youthful-looking skin overall. As this is happening, a cooling feature will keep the surface of your skin cool. (3)
Once your specialist addresses the entire treatment area, they will apply a cooling ointment or balm to soothe the area, and you will be free to leave.
Recovery
After your procedure, you will be free to return to your daily activities. You may experience some swelling, tenderness, or redness, but these effects are temporary and will subside on their own shortly. As your skin heals, there are certain restrictions or guidelines that you will need to follow.
You may need to avoid certain skincare products, such as exfoliants or retinols, for several days. You will need to use sunscreen daily to avoid hyperpigmentation, but you should avoid direct and excessive sun exposure in general. Pigmented spots may start to darken and flake off, or veins may appear blanched before dissipating, but this is all part of the renewal process.
Your specialist will provide additional recovery guidelines during your consultation.
Results
You will be able to see improvements in your skin several weeks after your first treatment session, with the full results becoming more apparent as your collagen levels increase. You will be able to enjoy smoother, brighter, and clearer skin as rough patches, pigmentation concerns, and redness fade. You may also experience a more youthful and vibrant look without the burden of fine lines, age spots, and wrinkles.
With a proper skincare regimen and sun protection, the results of your IPL photofacial can last for several months to a year.
Corresponding Procedures
Microneedling
Microneedling is a non-surgical skin rejuvenation treatment that uses the body’s natural regenerative response to resurface your skin, restoring a more refreshed appearance. This treatment uses fine needles to create controlled punctures on the skin’s surface. In return, neocollagenesis occurs, leading to smoother, brighter, firmer, and more even skin. This treatment is safe for all skin types and can pair with many skin-enhancing treatments for more comprehensive and cohesive results.
Quantum RF
Quantum RF is a skin-tightening treatment that uses radio frequency energy to tighten the skin and support elastin and collagen production. This treatment can address concerns on most parts of the body, including the breasts, abdomen, arms, face, neck, and more, making it versatile alone or as part of a larger treatment plan.
Cost of IPL Photofacials in Lake Havasu City, Arizona
The cost of your IPL photofacial can vary depending on the size of the treatment area, the severity of your concerns, the number of treatment sessions you undergo, and several other factors. During your consultation, your specialist will provide a comprehensive cost estimate for your personalized treatment plan. Prima Medical Care additionally offers financing options.
To learn more about the cost of your personalized treatment plan, please contact us online or call (928) 302-3798.
FAQ
What skin concerns can an IPL photofacial treat?
An IPL photofacial can treat several concerns, such as age spots, rosacea, sun damage, skin dullness, uneven skin texture, and more. If you are interested in rejuvenating the appearance or health of your skin, this treatment can benefit you, regardless of how minor or significant your concern may be.
How many IPL sessions will I need?
The number of treatment sessions needed will vary depending on the type of concerns being treated, skin type, energy settings, and the quality and condition of your skin. During your consultation, your specialist will discuss the details of your treatment plan with you.
Does an IPL photofacial hurt?
This treatment is generally well-tolerated, with patients describing the sensation as being similar to that of a snapping rubber band. Our IPL photofacial device features a sapphire cooling tip to keep the skin cool during the treatment itself.
How soon will I see the results of my IPL treatment?
The results of your treatment may vary, with many patients seeing improvements after several days. The full results of your treatment, however, may be seen 1-2 weeks after your initial appointment.
How long will the results of my IPL treatment last?
IPL photofacials can yield long-lasting results, and with a regular skincare regimen, effects can last between several months and a year.
References
- Gade A, Vasile GF, Hohman MH, Rubenstein R. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy. Nih.gov. Published March 2024. Accessed October 9, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK580525/#article-131052.s4
- ASPS. 2024 ASPS Procedural Statistics Release. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner; 2024. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2024/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2024.pdf
- Avdulaj Arminda. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) for the treatment of vascular and pigmented lesions. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2024;23(S1):1-6. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.16281