Sun Damage & Brown Spots
The most common reason guests book IPL. Years of sun damage on the face, chest, and hands respond very well.
Lasers · Pigment & Vascular
IPL Photofacial in Troy, Michigan
Intense pulsed light for sun damage, brown spots, redness, and rosacea. The non-laser way to even out skin tone.
- Targets brown spots, sun damage, broken capillaries, and rosacea redness.
- Multiple wavelengths in one pulse, addresses pigment and vascular issues together.
- Minimal downtime, slight darkening of spots before they flake off.
- Best for lighter skin types (Fitzpatrick I-III); we'll assess yours.
The Treatment
What is IPL?
IPL (intense pulsed light) uses a broad spectrum of light (not a single laser wavelength) to target pigment and vascular concerns at multiple depths simultaneously. The light is absorbed by darker pigment (brown spots, sun damage) or hemoglobin (redness, broken capillaries) and converts to heat, which breaks down the targeted tissue without damaging surrounding skin.
The result is the most reliable improvement we know of for sun-damaged skin: brown spots lift to the surface and flake off, broken capillaries fade, overall skin tone becomes more even. Most guests need 3-5 sessions for full clearance, with maintenance every 6-12 months.
IPL is best for lighter skin types. For Fitzpatrick IV and above, we typically recommend alternative treatments (laser toning, chemical peels, microneedling) to avoid pigment-change risk. Your clinician will assess your skin and recommend honestly.
Sun damage also compounds while you think about it. Every unprotected summer adds new pigment to the ledger, and broken capillaries never fade on their own, they only recruit neighbors. Spots treated this year clear in a short series. The same spots after two more summers sit deeper and take more sessions to lift. Guests bring us their sun damage from Troy, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Rochester Hills and across Metro Detroit.
Sun damage also compounds while you think about it. Every unprotected summer adds new pigment to the ledger, and broken capillaries never fade on their own, they only recruit neighbors. Spots treated this year clear in a short series. The same spots after two more summers sit deeper and take more sessions to lift. Guests bring us their sun damage from Troy, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Rochester Hills and across Metro Detroit.
What It Treats
What IPL can address
Rosacea & Redness
Diffuse facial redness, persistent flush. IPL targets the dilated vessels causing the redness, typically 3-5 sessions for clearing.
Broken Capillaries
Visible small vessels on the nose, cheeks, or chin. IPL collapses these without leaving marks.
Freckles
For guests who want to reduce freckling, though we'll discuss whether this is right for you, as freckles often mean sun-prone skin.
Poikiloderma (Chest Redness)
The mottled red-brown chest discoloration from sun exposure. IPL is the gold standard treatment.
Skin Tone & Texture
Overall brightening and evening of skin tone, particularly when combined with topical retinoids.
Your Visit
What to expect
01
Skin assessment
Your clinician confirms your Fitzpatrick type and recent sun exposure. IPL requires you've avoided tanning for at least 2-4 weeks.
02
Preparation
Cooling gel is applied to the treatment area. You'll wear protective eyewear. IPL light is bright and protected eyes are essential.
03
The treatment
The IPL handpiece is placed in sections over the skin, with pulses of light delivered each time. You'll feel quick warmth or a slight snap. The full face takes 20-30 minutes.
04
Immediate aftercare
Mild flushing for a few hours. Brown spots may appear darker, that's normal and means the treatment is working. Apply broad-spectrum SPF religiously.
05
Recovery & results
Brown spots darken over 24-48 hours, then flake off over 7-10 days. Vascular redness clears over 2-4 weeks. Series of 3-5 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart.
Investment
Pricing
Pricing is personal, it depends on your goals and the plan we build together. We share exact pricing at your complimentary consultation, transparently and before anything begins.
Book a Consultationor call (248) 817-6704
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Most guests need 3-5 sessions, spaced 4 weeks apart, for full clearance of brown spots and vascular concerns. Maintenance every 6-12 months keeps results.
Most guests describe sensation as a quick rubber band snap. Cooling gel reduces discomfort significantly. The vascular areas (around the nose) may feel more intense.
Minimal. You may have mild redness for a few hours and brown spots darken visibly over the next day or two (the "pepperflake" appearance). These flake off over the following week.
IPL is best suited for Fitzpatrick I-III (lighter skin). For Fitzpatrick IV and above, we typically recommend alternative treatments to avoid pigment-change risk. Your clinician will assess and recommend honestly.
Brown spots: visible improvement after the first session, with full clearance over the series. Vascular issues (redness, broken capillaries): typically need the full series for noticeable change.
IPL is excellent for diffuse, broad-area pigmentation. Q-switched or pico lasers can be more effective for isolated, dense spots. Many guests do both at different points.
Yes, you can apply makeup immediately. Just use sunscreen religiously and avoid the sun for at least 2 weeks post-treatment.
Spots we clear don't come back as the same spots, but new ones will form with future sun exposure. Religious sunscreen is the only way to prevent them long-term.
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Book your IPL consultation
We'll assess your skin and confirm IPL is the right approach.
Book Online Or call (248) 817-6704