How Much Does IPL Photofacial Cost?

An IPL photofacial, also known as intense pulsed light therapy, is a popular non-invasive skin treatment. It uses broad spectrum light energy to target pigmentation, sun damage, redness, and other concerns. But how much does this rejuvenating facial actually cost?

In this guide, we’ll explore the main pricing factors, cost breakdowns, ways to save, and what’s included. Read on for a comprehensive look at IPL photofacial costs.

How Much Does IPL Photofacial Cost?

IPL photofacial costs typically range from $200 to $650 (≈1.1 weeks of your career at a $15/hour job) per session, with a full treatment plan averaging between $900 and $3,000 (≈1.1 months of non-stop employment at $15/hour) over 3 to 5 sessions. The price varies based on the size of area treated, number of sessions needed, geographic location, and clinic/provider credentials.

IPL facial costs can range substantially based on your specific needs and choices. But most patients can expect to invest:

• $300 to $500 (≈4.2 days of your career at $15/hour) per session for full facial rejuvenation
• $600 to $2,500 (≈4.2 weeks of employment at a $15/hour wage) per session for full face and neck, chest, back, or other areas
• $900 to $3,000 (≈1.1 months of non-stop employment at $15/hour) total over a series of 3 to 5 recommended sessions
• $300 to $600 (≈1 week of salary time at $15/hour) for maintenance sessions one or two times per year after completing initial treatments

Like any medical treatment, there can be cost variability. But this gives you a general idea of typical IPL photofacial pricing.

According to Spa Black, the average cost per session is between $700 and $1,200 (≈2 weeks dedicated to affording this at $15/hour), with most clients requiring 3 to 6 sessions for optimal results, bringing the total cost to approximately $900 to $3,600 (≈1.4 months working without a break on a $15/hour salary) [Spa Black]. Similarly, California Cosmetics offers Cutera® IPL treatments at $350 (≈2.9 days working without breaks at $15/hour) per session, with prices generally falling between $200 and $600 (≈1 week of salary time at $15/hour) depending on the treatment area [California Cosmetics].

CIELLULU Laser reports that large treatment areas like the full face or legs can cost between $400 and $800 (≈1.3 weeks working without a break on a $15/hour salary) per session, with package deals often available to reduce the per-session price. Smaller areas, such as the upper lip or chin, typically cost between $100 and $300 (≈2.5 days of labor continuously at a $15/hour wage) per session [CIELLULU]. Beauty Lab + Laser in Salt Lake City offers single IPL photofacial sessions for $300 (≈2.5 days of labor continuously at a $15/hour wage), with a package of three sessions priced at $750 (≈1.3 weeks of non-stop employment at $15/hour) [Beauty Lab + Laser].

Ellemes Med Spa notes that IPL photofacial treatments generally range from $300 to $600 (≈1 week of salary time at $15/hour) per session, with most patients needing 3 to 6 sessions for best results. Factors influencing cost include the technology used, treatment area size, and provider expertise [Ellemes Med Spa]. Aedit.com cites the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, reporting average IPL treatment costs between $400 and $500 (≈4.2 days of your career at $15/hour) per session, with some treatments reaching up to $2,500 (≈4.2 weeks of employment at a $15/hour wage) depending on the type and extent of the procedure [Aedit].

Other providers such as Bella Med Spa list prices for IPL photofacial treatments starting at $249 (≈2.1 days of consecutive work at a $15/hour job) for a full face, with combined areas like face, neck, and chest costing $399 (≈3.3 days working every waking hour at $15/hour). Smaller areas like hands are priced at $149 (≈1.2 days working without days off at $15/hour) per session [Bella Med Spa]. Overall, the typical range for IPL photofacial treatments in the US is $300 to $600 (≈1 week of salary time at $15/hour) per session, with multiple sessions usually necessary to achieve desired results.

What Determines the Price

The cost of an IPL photofacial depends on several key factors:

• Treatment area - Larger areas like the chest or back cost more than facial treatments alone. Full face sessions range from $300-$500 (≈4.2 days of your career at $15/hour) per visit.
• Number of sessions - Most people require 3 to 5 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart for optimal results at $300-$600 (≈1 week of salary time at $15/hour) per visit. Maintenance is needed 1-2 times per year.
• Provider and clinic - Dermatologists and plastic surgeons typically charge more than aestheticians at medspas or salons. Urban clinics cost more than rural.
• Your skin type - Those with deeper skin tones may require more powerful devices and specialized treatment, increasing cost.
• Add-ons - Optional enhancements like skin tightening or additional areas can add cost.

With many variables at play, IPL photofacial costs can range widely, but fall within $200-$650 (≈1.1 weeks of your career at a $15/hour job) per session on average.

Cost Breakdown by Treatment Area

One major cost determinant is the size of the treatment area. Larger areas logically cost more due to taking more time, energy delivery, and device passes. Here are general IPL photofacial price ranges broken down by popular zones:

Facial Treatments

Full Face - $300 to $500 (≈4.2 days of your career at $15/hour) per session on average. Covers cheeks, forehead, nose, chin, lip area, and full facial rejuvenation.

Half Face – Approximately $150 to $275 (≈2.3 days of consecutive work at a $15/hour job) per session for either upper face including the cheeks, nose, forehead, and eye region OR lower face including lips, chin, and sides of face.

Spot Treatment – $50 to $150 (≈1.3 days of continuous work at a $15/hour job) per session to target very small areas like crow’s feet, nasolabial folds, or isolated sun spots.

Neck - $150 to $300 (≈2.5 days of labor continuously at a $15/hour wage) per session is typical for the neck and décolletage area alone.

Face + Neck - $450 to $650 (≈1.1 weeks of your career at a $15/hour job) per session is common when combining full facial rejuvenation with neck/chest treatment at the same appointment.

Body Treatments

Chest - $400 to $700 (≈1.2 weeks of salary time at $15/hour) per session is the general price range for treating the chest or décolletage as a standalone area.

Hands - Expect to pay $100 to $250 per session to treat the hands alone. Frequently added onto facial sessions.

Arms - IPL sessions for the arms tend to run $200 to $450 per session depending on size and whether targeting whole arms or smaller zones like elbows.

Back - For full back treatments, prices are often $500 to $900 per session. Spot treatments for smaller areas will be less.

Full Body - A comprehensive IPL photofacial package addressing the face, neck, chest, arms, hands, back, shoulders, and legs costs $1200 to $3000+ per session. Time requirements are extensive.

As you can see, prices vary widely but generally scale up for larger treatment zones. Full body packages offer value but require significant time invested in the clinic.

Number of IPL Sessions Needed

While per-treatment costs are useful to know, it’s the total number of IPL sessions required over time that really determines the overall investment. Here are general guidelines:

• Mild sun damage, rosacea, or fine lines: 3-4 sessions
• Moderate wrinkles, redness, brown spots: 4-5 sessions
• Severe photodamage, acne scars, melasma: 6+ sessions

With most people requiring at least 3-5 sessions at $300-$600 each, the total cost works out to $900-$3,000 over a series of treatments.

Maintenance sessions are recommended 1-2 times per year after the initial series to sustain your youthful glow at a similar per-session cost.

Regional Pricing Differences

Location plays a role in IPL photofacial pricing. In general:

• Major metro areas like Los Angeles, New York City, and Miami have the highest costs, ranging from $400-$850 per session.
• Smaller cities and suburbs are moderately priced from $300-$600 per session.
• Budget-friendly options under $300 per session can be found in some rural locations.

Traveling up to an hour outside a major city can provide significant savings on comparable treatments.

What's Included in IPL Photofacial Pricing

When comparing costs, it’s important to understand exactly what’s covered in each clinic’s pricing:

• The consultation, treatment, and any follow-up visits to address concerns should be included.
• Topical anesthetics, gels, eye shields, and other treatment materials are also standard inclusions.
• Post-treatment skincare advice is commonly included, but products for home care may cost extra.
• Most places charge separately for advanced treatments like BBL or radiofrequency skin tightening if added to your session.

Getting a detailed price breakdown and list of inclusions in writing is key to avoiding surprise charges.

Additional Costs

While the IPL treatment itself is the primary cost, you may encounter some optional or hidden expenses:

• Anesthesia: Topical lidocaine creams can range from $25-$60 per application if not included.
• Skin-soothing products: Anti-inflammatory creams or recovery masks could be recommended at $50-$100.
• Makeup camouflage: Immediately post-treatment, cosmetic shades to mask redness may cost $25-$50.
• Taxes: Depending on your state, sales tax may add 7-10% to the total price.
• Gratuity: It’s customary to tip your technician/aesthetician around 10-20% of the service cost.

Keeping these potential add-ons in mind allows you to budget accordingly. Be sure to ask what’s included upfront.

IPL vs Other Facial Rejuvenation Options

IPL is not the only option for improving pigmentation and revitalizing the skin. Here’s how it compares cost-wise against alternatives like professional laser treatments and chemical peels:

• Laser resurfacing delivers dramatic results but requires significant recovery time. Treatment costs start at $2,000-$4,000.
• Chemical peels range from lighter options like glycolic acid for $100-$250 up to deeper TCA peels for $600-$1,000 per session. More irritation and downtime is common.
• Non-ablative lasers like Fraxel® can treat mild to moderate sun damage for $500-$1,500 per session with minimal discomfort.
• BBL broadband light therapy is directly comparable to IPL with per-session costs around $400-$800.

For moderate skin concerns, IPL provides an effective compromise between price and results when compared to these other clinical procedures.

Is IPL Photofacial Worth the Cost?

With visible improvements after just a few sessions, most patients find IPL photofacials worth the investment:

• Minimal discomfort: An IPL facial is relatively painless thanks to topical numbing creams. No extended downtime is needed.
• Lasting results: Annual maintenance visits help sustain youthful, glowing skin over time. IPL destroys pigment and stimulates collagen.
• Safe for all skin tones: When performed by an experienced technician, IPL poses little risk of burns or scarring even on darker complexions.
• Non-invasive technique: No needles, chemicals, or ablation are used, which reduces the cost and recovery time compared to more invasive options.
• Versatile: IPL can treat everything from acne to wrinkles in one session.

If you value clearer, more radiant skin with minimal procedure hassle, IPL is absolutely worth the price.

Save on IPL Photofacial Costs

While rarely cheap, here are some smart ways to reduce your total costs for IPL skin rejuvenation:

• Buy packages of 5+ sessions upfront for per-treatment savings, often 15% or more off when prepaid in a bundle.
• Time your treatment in the fall/winter when clinics run promotions for slower seasons. Summer is peak demand.
• Join rewards programs to accumulate points towards discounts. Review sites like Groupon for medspa deals in your area too.
• Ask about any current promotions or limited-time specials being offered for new patients. Don't be shy to negotiate.
• Seek providers with technology that allows faster treatments to maximize your time in their office chair.

With some savvy shopping and strategic timing, the out-of-pocket cost of IPL can be reduced to more affordable levels.

What About Insurance Coverage or Payment Plans?

As an elective cosmetic treatment, health insurance typically does not cover IPL photofacials. However, you may be able to finance costs:

• Many clinics offer payment plans to break the total into interest-free monthly installments. Down payments around 30% are common.
• Credit cards like CareCredit offer deferred interest promotions for medical aesthetics, but require good credit for approval.
• Avoid “buy now pay later” plans with hidden fees that inflate costs over time. Read terms closely.

While not a reimbursable medical procedure, flexible financing can make IPL more accessible if you don’t have cash to pay upfront.

Final Words

IPL photofacials typically range from $200-$650 per session depending on your goals, location, provider credentials, and factors like the number of treatments needed. With a customized approach, safe techniques, and little downtime compared to lasers or surgery, many patients find IPL’s blend of affordability and effective rejuvenation to be an attractive choice. See what’s available in your budget. With the right provider, it is possible to achieve glowing, youthful skin with this light-based therapy.

Answers to Common Questions

How long does it take to recover from an IPL photofacial?

IPL photofacials have very little downtime. Most people experience mild redness for 12-24 hours after treatment. Swelling, if any, subsides within a day. You can resume normal activities immediately, just avoiding direct sun exposure until redness fades.

How often can you get IPL treatments?

Most providers recommend spacing IPL sessions 4-6 weeks apart for a series of 3 to 5 treatments. Maintenance visits are then advised one or two times per year to sustain results. Treatments that are too frequent can increase side effects without improving outcomes.

How can I maximize my IPL photofacial results?

Using professional skincare products with antioxidants, diligent SPF protection, avoiding smoking, and following your clinician’s aftercare instructions all help you get the most from your investment in IPL photofacials. Be patient through the full treatment plan for optimal improvements.