Beverly Hills · Century City
M.D., F.A.C.S. — Facial Plastic Surgery
“Broad-spectrum light therapy for tone, pigment, and vascular concerns”
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy uses broad-spectrum light delivered in precise pulses to target pigmentation irregularities, redness, and vascular lesions. It is a versatile, low-downtime treatment for improving overall skin tone and addressing sun damage.
Treatment Overview
Session Time
Sessions take 30–45 minutes. A cooling gel is applied to the skin. No anesthesia is typically required. Most patients describe the sensation as a rubber band snap.
Downtime
Minimal. Treated brown spots may temporarily darken ("coffee grounds" appearance) and flake off within 7–14 days. Redness resolves within hours to a day.
Results Timeline
Pigmented lesions show improvement over 2–4 weeks as the treated pigment flakes away. Optimal results are typically seen after a series of 3–5 treatments spaced 3–4 weeks apart.
Performing Physician
Carlo Honrado, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Beverly Hills · Century City
IPL energy is selectively absorbed by melanin (pigment) and oxyhemoglobin (in blood vessels), causing targeted destruction of pigmented cells and vascular structures without significant damage to surrounding tissue. It may address brown spots, age spots, freckles, redness, broken capillaries, rosacea flushing, and overall uneven skin tone.
A handheld IPL device delivers high-intensity broad-spectrum light pulses through a crystal filter. The energy is absorbed by chromophores (melanin and hemoglobin) in the skin, heating and breaking down targeted structures. The skin then eliminates the degraded pigment and closes down treated vessels over the following weeks.
Consultation
Skin type, Fitzpatrick classification, and concerns are assessed to determine appropriate IPL parameters and candidacy.
Preparation
Cooling gel is applied. Protective eye shields are worn. Makeup and products are removed from the treatment area.
Treatment
The IPL handpiece is passed over the skin in overlapping pulses. Patients feel a brief flash of heat with each pulse.
Post-Treatment
SPF is applied immediately. Strict sun avoidance is required. Makeup can typically be worn the following day.
Next Step
A formal consultation with Dr. Honrado allows for personalized assessment of your anatomy and goals.
Book a ConsultationContent reviewed by Carlo Honrado, M.D., F.A.C.S. · 2026-05-16
