An IPL Photofacial treatment can lift away sun damage, fade age spots, reduce redness, and minimize other blemishes, unveiling brighter, more radiant skin. At Smith Cosmetic Surgery & Medical Aesthetic Center in Denver, we’re proud to offer IPL treatments. Our facility is just a short drive from Centennial Airport and Coors Field.
The Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Photofacial is a non-invasive facial rejuvenation treatment that uses high-intensity pulses of broad-spectrum light to improve skin tone and clarity. It targets unwanted pigmentation and vascular lesions to restore a healthy, even complexion.
Only minimal downtime is required. This makes the IPL Photofacial an ideal option for patients seeking a gentle but effective skin refresher without surgery or significant recovery time.
IPL Photofacials are versatile and can address a range of common skin concerns on the face (and even the neck, chest, and hands). These include:
By tackling brown pigmentation and red blood vessels simultaneously, IPL photofacials help reveal clearer, younger-looking skin with improved tone and vibrancy. Results develop gradually over several days to weeks, and skin appears fresher and more luminous after a series of treatments.
IPL technology works by delivering intense pulses of broad-spectrum light into the skin in a controlled manner. Unlike other laser skin treatments, which use a single wavelength, the IPL photofacial uses a range of light wavelengths to target multiple chromophores (the parts of molecules that create color) in one treatment.
The IPL light energy is absorbed by:
The application of energy triggers the skin’s natural healing response. As a result, the IPL photofacial not only clears pigmentation issues but also promotes new collagen and elastin production for firmer, smoother skin over time.
The treatment is highly customizable. At Smith Cosmetic Surgery, we use the advanced Lumenis® M22 IPL device, which can be adjusted to safely and effectively treat varying depths of pigmentation and vascular lesions. With the IPL facial treatment, multiple skin concerns are addressed in a single session, rejuvenating sun-damaged or uneven skin.
The IPL Photofacial is an excellent option for men and women who want to revitalize their skin without surgery. You may be an ideal candidate if you have:
The IPL photofacial is a go-to laser treatment for those who are experiencing early signs of aging or sun damage and desire a quick improvement in skin clarity. However, IPL photofacials are not suitable for everyone. You may not be a good candidate for an IPL photofacial if:
The best way to determine whether you’re a good candidate is by arranging a consultation. Our Denver office is near a number of local coffee shops, including The Weathervane Cafe, The Molecule Effect, Huckleberry Roasters, Queen City Collective Coffee, Little Owl, and Rivers and Roads.
Smith Cosmetic Surgery & Medical Aesthetic Center is proud to be one of Colorado’s top resources for advanced facial treatments. Our practice is led by board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Cory D. Bovenzi, who specializes exclusively in face and neck procedures. He works alongside our experienced medical aesthetic team to ensure safe, highly effective IPL treatments as part of a holistic facial rejuvenation approach.
Dr. Bovenzi has performed more than 5,000 facial plastic surgery procedures and has a deep understanding of facial anatomy. He frequently pairs surgical and non-surgical procedures to achieve enhanced aesthetic results.
He earned his medical degree at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Philadelphia’s Thomas Jefferson Hospital, graduating in the top 1% of his class. He followed this with an otolaryngology—head and neck surgery residency at Thomas Jefferson Hospital. Next, he completed a specialized facial plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship in Atlanta, GA, at the Emory University School of Medicine.
Dr. Bovenzi has written numerous medical journal articles and has delivered lectures and presentations at medical conferences. He has surgical privileges at Denver’s Porter Adventist Hospital and at Littleton Adventist Hospital.
When you choose Smith Cosmetic Surgery for your IPL Photofacial, you’ll benefit from:
Our discreet and private facility is located at 5161 E. Arapahoe Rd., STE 350, Centennial, CO 80122. For out-of-town patients, we’re not far from several quality hotels, including the the Denver Marriott Tech Center, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Denver Tech Center, The Inverness Denver, and Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center.
With us, you’ll receive professional, compassionate care and beautiful results. We’ve helped countless patients rejuvenate sun-damaged skin, and we look forward to doing the same for you.
The first step to revealing clearer, younger-looking skin is scheduling a personal IPL Photofacial consultation with our experienced team. Our Denver, CO, facility is near the Littleton Museum, Highlands Ranch Mansion and Historic Park, and the South Suburban Golf Course.
During your visit, we will assess your skin, evaluate your medical history, and answer any questions. We’ll ensure you know exactly what to expect from an IPL Photofacial, including preparation and aftercare, so you feel completely comfortable proceeding.
If you’ve had cosmetic tattooing in the treatment area, let us know. It’ll also be important to let us know if you have a history of hyperpigmentation. If you have a history of cold sores or fever blisters, you may need to take a prophylactic antiviral medication one to two days before the treatment.
Our providers will determine whether an IPL Photofacial is appropriate for you. If so, we’ll craft a tailored treatment plan to address your concerns. If it’s not the best fit, we have a full suite of other laser and skin therapies to target your concerns safely. Our priority is finding the most effective treatment plan for your unique skin type and goals.
Before your IPL facial treatment session at our Denver clinic, you’ll need to prepare properly. Dr. Bovenzi will give you pre-treatment instructions based on your skin type and the issues being addressed. Follow his directions closely to minimize the likelihood of complications and achieve optimal results.
Exposing your skin to sunlight means exposing it to UV radiation, which increases melanin production. A tan or a sunburn can decrease the effectiveness of the IPL treatment. It also makes skin more sensitive, increasing the chance of burns and pigmentation changes during the treatment.
To avoid this, don’t expose your skin to direct sunlight for at least two weeks before the date of the IPL session. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily, even when it’s cloudy, along with a moisturizer with at least SPF 30. Wear sunglasses, hats, and other protective clothing whenever you’re outside. You’ll also need to avoid tanning beds and self-tanners, bronzers, and spray tans for at least two to four weeks.
Smoking reduces the skin’s ability to heal after an IPL Photofacial by decreasing circulation and skin health. Because of this, you’ll need to stop smoking for at least six weeks before your treatment.
You’ll need to avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours before the IPL session, along with ibuprofen, aspirin, and other anti-inflammatory drugs. This will minimize post-treatment bruising. Discontinue antibiotics like doxycycline and minocycline starting three days before the treatment, along with any other medications that increase your skin’s sensitivity to light.
Around three weeks before the intense pulsed light treatment, switch to a gentler skincare routine with a light facial cleanser. Moisturizing daily will help your skin recovery more quickly after the treatment.
Avoid exfoliating products and any other products containing abrasive chemicals, since these can increase the skin’s sensitivity, resulting in post-treatment irritation. Starting a week before the IPL Photofacial, avoid products containing retinol, beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid, and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid. You’ll also need to discontinue Accutane at least six months before treatment.
Avoid chemical peels and laser treatments before the date of your IPL Photofacial, since these can irritate the skin. Don’t wax, pluck, or use other hair-removal treatments in the area for at least two to four weeks beforehand. Shaving the area may be recommended, since this can increase IPL’s effectiveness.
You’ll also need to drink water and stay well hydrated beforehand. This ensures that the skin is properly hydrated, resulting in a smoother IPL healing process.
On the day of your IPL Photofacial at our Denver clinic, don’t apply makeup or skincare products, including sunscreen, serums, creams, lotions, and moisturizers; these can reduce the light pulses’ ability to penetrate through the skin.
Make sure to arrive at least a few minutes early, since this will give you enough time to undergo any additional pre-treatment steps. Your face will be thoroughly cleansed before your treatment.
An IPL Photofacial is a quick outpatient procedure performed right in our Denver clinic, located near scenic Cherry Creek State Park and the Denver Zoo. A full-face IPL treatment typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes. Sessions treating multiple areas (like the face and chest) or involving more intensive IPL settings might last up to 45 minutes.
Here’s what happens during a typical session:
One of the advantages of IPL is that no downtime is required—the procedure is non-invasive and does not damage the skin’s surface. Many patients schedule it during a lunch break and resume normal activities right after.
Our experienced laser specialists will provide aftercare instructions to optimize your results, but in general, the process is well-tolerated and quick.
After an IPL Photofacial, you can expect minimal recovery time. Most people experience effects similar to a mild sunburn: the skin may be a bit red or warm for a few hours, and any treated brown spots or freckles will start to darken initially. Don’t be alarmed—this darkening means the pigment is reacting and will eventually slough off.
Here’s an overview of the typical post-IPL timeline:
Overall, recovery from IPL is easy: little to no downtime, plus gradual natural-looking improvement as age spots and redness visibly fade away. Our team will provide you with detailed post-care instructions (moisturizing, sun avoidance, etc.) to ensure you get the maximum benefit from your Photofacial.
Because sun damage accumulates over years, a series of IPL treatments is often recommended for optimal results. Many patients benefit from an initial series of about three sessions spaced a month apart, especially if there are extensive sunspots or rosacea to address. Each treatment builds on the last for progressively better clarity.
After completing treatment, results can last long term—often one to two years or more—as long as you protect your skin from the sun.
Keep in mind that new sun exposure can create new pigment over time; we advise diligently applying sunscreen and coming in for maintenance IPL treatments once or twice a year to keep your complexion looking its best.
The cost of an IPL Photofacial in the Denver area can vary depending on your specific needs. Factors that can influence the price include the size and number of areas treated, the severity of your skin concerns, and the number of sessions. For instance, treating the full face may have a different cost than treating the face and chest together, and a series of three sessions is often packaged at a special rate.
At Smith Cosmetic Surgery, we will provide a customized quote during your consultation once we evaluate your skin and discuss your goals.
In general, IPL skin treatments are a cost-effective anti-aging investment when compared to more invasive procedures—they can significantly improve your skin’s appearance without the expense of surgery. We strive to keep our pricing competitive with other Denver medical spas while delivering superior care and results.
Our office also offers financing options like CareCredit to ensure that our skincare treatments fit your budget. For more details on fees, please visit our Financing page or contact our team. We’ll make sure you have a clear understanding of the cost before scheduling your treatment so you can proceed with confidence.
Achieve the glowing skin you deserve – contact Smith Cosmetic Surgery & Medical Aesthetic Center today to book your IPL Photofacial consultation in Denver. Our clinic isn’t far from the Denver Botanic Gardens, the Denver Art Museum, and the Holly Park Pool and Tennis Center.
Our office is conveniently located to serve patients from Denver and surrounding communities, and our friendly staff will find an appointment time that works for you. Call today at (303) 741-2211. We look forward to helping you look and feel your best with the latest in light-based skincare treatments!
