Skin Rejuvenation™
IPL (Intense Pulse Light) TreatmentsWhat is photorejuvenation used for?
Photorejuvenation (IPL/Intense Pulsed Light) laser treatments are most commonly used for:
- Lightening and reducing “sun spots”, “age spots”, and brown blotches on the face, neck, chest, hands and other areas of the body
- Lightening and reducing redness, rosacea, dilated blood vessels and “broken” blood vessels on the face, neck and chest
- Helping to control flushing
Along with treating the above conditions, it can improve skin texture by stimulating collagen which gives an overall glow with minimization of pores. At CreekSide Skin & Laser Center, photorejuvenation is used for IPL treatments which makes it possible for most skin types to be treated, although those with darker skin types are not appropriate candidates for this type of laser treatment.
Photorejuvenation, when done properly, almost always consists of a series of 3-5 treatments, usually one every three to five weeks. The benefits of photorejuvenation treatments are achieved with little discomfort and minimal risk. Sun exposure is an absolute contraindication for this type of laser treatment.

Skin Rejuvenation™
Q&A’s
How does the laser treatment improve the appearance of blood vessels, rosacea, and age spots/freckles?
The laser/IPL device emits a range of lightwaves that are then tuned and targeted at hemoglobin (the red blood cells in the blood vessels) or melanin (the brown pigment in freckles and age spots). The light beam passes through the skin and is absorbed by either hemoglobin or melanin resulting in damage to the vessel wall or fragmenting of melanin pigment. These tiny vessels and the melanin pigment are then absorbed by the body, rendering them less visible. Rosacea and its visable symptoms can be controlled but not cured.
How long does it take for laser photorejuvenation treatments to work?
Are the treatments painful?
What are the treatments like?
What will I look like right after the treatment, and what is the healing time?
How much do photorejuvenation treatments cost?
A single full face treatment costs $300 if purchased within a series or $350 if purchased individually, so a series of four treatments will be $1200. IPL to the face and neck costs $400 if purchased within a series of four (total $1,600), or $450 if purchased individually. Treating the hands is usually around $250 per treatment; a series of four is $1,000. IPL can be used on most parts of the body and depending on the area the price will vary according to the area.
Be suspicious of low cost “specials.” They are usually low cost for a reason. Many IPLs that are sold to salons and spas have less power than the IPLs sold to doctor’s offices. The treatment may appear to cost less but not be equivalent in the laser used or the expertise of the personnel using the laser.
IPLs can cause serious burns. Be very cautious of spas where there is no doctor onsite and where the lasers are operated by nurses with little to no expereince with esthetic procedures. Staff turnover is the most detrimental cause of adverse effects in laser treatment, so know your nurse, her background, and how long she has been doing these types of procedures. Don’t risk harm for a cost savings.
Who will do the treatments?
Our doctor, registered nurses,or certified physician assistant; all experienced in laser treatments.
What results can I expect from photorejuvenation treatments?
How long will the results last?
Will the treatment make me more sensitive to the sun?
What should I do prior to my photorejuvenation treatment?
CreekSide Laser Center nursing staff will give you instructions prior to your first treatment, but here are some of the basics:
- For two-four weeks before your treatment, avoid self-tanners and excessive sun
- You may be asked to discontinue minocycline, tetracycline, doxycycline or Retin-A/Renova several days prior to each treatment
- You may be asked to avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or Aleve one week prior to treatment unless medically indicated to help prevent bruising
- Protect your improved skin with sunscreen every morning. Hats and sunglasses are also good protection from the sun