Laser Skin Treatment
IPL Photofacial in Mahopac, NY
IPL Photofacial uses intense pulsed light to target brown spots, sun damage, redness, rosacea and broken capillaries beneath the skin's surface, without affecting the surrounding tissue. It's a non-invasive treatment with minimal downtime and results that improve with each session.
Book a Complimentary Consultation-
Downtime: Minimal. Some clients experience redness or flushing for a day or two.
-
Brown spots may temporarily darken before flaking off, this is a normal part of the process.
-
Session Time: Around 20 to 60 minutes depending on the area treated.
-
Treatment Plan: A series of sessions is recommended for best results, typically 3 to 6 sessions spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart. Maintenance sessions once or twice a year help sustain results.
-
Treatable Areas: Face · Neck · Chest · Shoulders · Arms · Hands · Back · Legs.
Not sure if IPL Photofacial is the right fit for your skin? Get in touch and we'll help you figure it out.
What It Can Help With
Here's What an IPL Photofacial
Does for Your Skin
IPL targets the pigment and vascular concerns that sit beneath the skin's surface, the ones that are difficult to address with topical products alone. Here are the concerns it's most commonly used for.
Brown Spots and Age Spots
IPL light energy is absorbed by the pigment in dark spots, converting to heat that breaks down the unwanted melanin. The spots rise to the surface and gradually flake off over the following days, revealing clearer skin underneath.
Sun Damage
IPL targets the cells responsible for that damage and supports the skin's renewal process to improve overall clarity.
Redness and Rosacea
The light energy targets the enlarged blood vessels responsible for persistent redness and the visible signs of rosacea, helping to reduce their appearance and produce a calmer, more even-looking complexion.
Spider Veins and Broken Capillaries
IPL is effective at targeting visible broken capillaries and spider veins, using light-to-heat conversion to reduce their appearance without disrupting the surrounding skin
Freckles and Pigment Irregularities
IPL can help reduce the visibility of freckles and areas of uneven pigmentation by breaking down excess melanin in the targeted areas over a course of sessions.
Overall Skin Tone and Texture
Beyond specific concerns, IPL also stimulates collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin, which can improve overall skin tone, texture and firmness with regular treatment.
The Treatment
What Happens During an IPL
Photofacial Session
Unlike a laser, which uses a single wavelength, IPL emits multiple wavelengths simultaneously, which allows it to target both pigmented and vascular concerns in the same session. The light energy is converted to heat, which breaks down unwanted pigment and reduces visible blood vessels, while leaving the surrounding tissue undamaged.
Brown spots will typically darken in the days after treatment before gradually flaking off to reveal clearer skin. This is a normal and expected part of the process. Most clients need a series of sessions to achieve their best results.
Talk It Through With Becky1. Skin assessment and consultation
Before anything begins, we assess your skin to confirm IPL is appropriate for your skin tone and concern. Your goals are discussed and the settings are adjusted specifically for your skin.
2. Cleanse and prep
Your skin is thoroughly cleansed and a cool gel is applied to the treatment area to protect the skin's surface and help the device glide smoothly.
3. Protective eyewear
You'll be given protective eyewear to shield your eyes from the light pulses throughout the session.
4. IPL treatment
The handheld device is moved across the treatment area, delivering controlled pulses of light to the targeted zones. Most clients describe the sensation as a brief, mild snapping feeling, similar to a light flick, which settles quickly between pulses.
5. Post-treatment care and SPF
After the session, the gel is removed and a gentle soothing product and SPF are applied. We'll walk you through exactly how to care for your skin in the days following treatment.
What to Know Before and After
Before and After Your Treatment
Before Your Treatment
-
Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning beds, self-tanner and waxing for at least 2 weeks before your appointment.
-
Stop using retinoids, glycolic acid and vitamin A products for at least a week before your session.
-
Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements unless medically necessary. Check with your doctor if unsure.
-
Come in with clean skin, make-up-free, perfume and scented products.
-
Let us know at your consultation about any skin conditions, medications or recent treatments, particularly if you are taking isotretinoin.
After Your Treatment
-
Your skin may look slightly reddish or flushed for a day or two following treatment. This is normal and settles on its own.
-
Brown spots will temporarily darken and take on a coffee-ground-like texture before gradually flaking off over the following days. Do not pick or scrub them.
-
Wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day, and avoid intense heat, steam, and vigorous exercise for 24 to 48 hours.
-
Use only gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturisers for the first few days post-treatment.
Our Results
What Clients Look Like
Before and
After
Every result here comes from a treatment planned specifically for that client's skin concern.
What Clients Say
Don't Take Our Word For It.
Devon Murphy
October 23, 2021
I absolutely love FaBesthetics! From my first appointment with Becky I have felt comfortable, confident, and amazing. She is extremely knowledgeable and very easy to talk to. I have done laser hair removal treatments and most recently a Dermaplaning Facial. Everything is very clean and the environment is very relaxing and soothing! My skin feels absolutely amazing and clear and I actually have been able to leave the house without makeup. I haven't had the confidence to do that in over 20 years. I highly recommended Becky - she is absolutely amazing ❤️
Sarah Cohen
December, 2026
Best spa I've encountered, her lasers and facials actually show fabulous results unlike other places! She knows her stuff. And she makes you feel so comfortable, like an old pal. I can't get enough of going there; it's not only fun but I look better and better every treatment. Prices are totally competitive!
You Might Also Be Interested In
Other Treatments Worth
Looking Into
Depending on your skin concern, one of these might work well alongside the IPL Photofacial or as an alternative worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
IPL Photofacial is a non-invasive light treatment that uses intense pulsed light to target pigmentation, redness, sun damage, rosacea and broken capillaries beneath the skin's surface. It improves skin tone and clarity without affecting the surrounding tissue, with minimal downtime.
No. IPL and lasers both use light energy but they work differently. A laser uses a single focused wavelength, while IPL emits multiple wavelengths of broad-spectrum light simultaneously. This makes IPL more versatile. It can target both pigmented and vascular concerns in the same session, but it also means it works differently on different skin tones. Your consultation will confirm which approach is right for your skin.
Most clients describe a brief, mild snapping sensation, similar to a light rubber band flick, as the device pulses. It's generally well tolerated and settles quickly between pulses.
Downtime is minimal. Most clients experience some redness or flushing for a day or two. Brown spots will temporarily darken and develop a coffee-ground-like texture before flaking off over the following days, this is normal and expected. You can typically return to your normal routine the same day.
Some improvement in skin tone and clarity is typically visible within a few days of the first session as the treated pigment begins to surface and flake off. More significant improvements develop over the weeks following each session as the skin renews itself. Results continue to improve with each treatment in the course.ß
Most clients benefit from a series of 3 to 6 sessions, spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart. The right number depends on your skin concern and how your skin responds. Maintenance sessions once or twice a year help sustain the results.
No, and this is important. IPL works best on fair to medium skin tones. For darker skin tones, the risk of complications including burns and hyperpigmentation increases significantly because the device has difficulty distinguishing between the unwanted pigment and the surrounding skin. Your consultation will confirm whether IPL is appropriate for your skin tone.ß
IPL is not recommended for clients with darker skin tones, active tans, pregnancy, inflammatory acne, eczema, psoriasis, or those taking isotretinoin or blood-thinning medications. During your consultation, we’ll go through your full skin and health history so we can confirm it's appropriate for you.
Yes. IPL can be used on the face, neck, chest, shoulders, arms, hands, back and legs, essentially any area with visible sun damage, pigmentation or vascular concerns. The eyelids and the area immediately above them are not treated.
Treated spots and vessels don't come back, but new ones can develop over time, particularly with continued sun exposure. Maintaining your results with regular SPF use and periodic maintenance sessions once or twice a year will help preserve your outcome long term.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Start With a Conversation
Book a consultation and we'll assess your skin to create a personalized plan that helps you reach your goals.
Book a Consultation80 South Lake Blvd, Suite 301 · Mahopac, NY 10541 · fab@fabestheticsny.com