IPL Photofacial in San Antonio | From $125 | DaVida
IPL Photofacial in San Antonio | From $125 | DaVida
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The low-downtime laser for sun spots, redness, and uneven tone.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is the gentlest in-office laser for treating surface pigmentation, broken capillaries, and overall uneven tone — without breaking the skin or requiring extended recovery. At DaVida in San Antonio, IPL is our first-line treatment for clients targeting sun damage, brown spots, persistent redness, and rosacea-related discoloration with minimal downtime.
Why people reach for it
IPL's broad-spectrum light is absorbed by both melanin (brown spots, sun damage) and hemoglobin (broken capillaries, rosacea redness) — meaning one treatment addresses both pigment and vascular concerns.
Unlike ablative lasers, IPL doesn't break the skin. Most clients have only mild redness for 1–3 days, then return to normal activity with visibly brighter, more even skin.
Brown spots typically darken within 24 hours, then flake off over 5–10 days. Most clients see meaningful improvement in pigment and redness after a single session, with full results from a 3-session series.
IPL works through the skin without damaging the surface — making it one of the safest in-office light treatments and a strong choice for clients new to lasers.
Who it's for
IPL is the right treatment for:
Why it works
IPL emits a controlled range of light wavelengths (515–1200nm) that selectively absorb into pigment (melanin) and blood vessels (hemoglobin) without damaging surrounding tissue.
The targeted wavelengths heat and break down pigment cells and small blood vessels, which are then cleared by your body's natural processes over 7–14 days.
Unlike Erbium and CO2 lasers, IPL doesn't ablate the skin's surface — it works underneath, which is why downtime is minimal and the risk of post-treatment pigment shift is lower.
Different filters target different concerns — vascular filters for redness, pigment filters for brown spots — letting us customize the treatment to your specific concern.
What to expect
- Brief consultation; treatment area cleansed
- Eye protection placed; conducting gel applied
- IPL pulses delivered across treatment area (5–15 minutes)
- Cooling applied; sunscreen reapplied before you leave
- Days 1–3: Brown spots darken (look like 'coffee grounds') before flaking
- Days 4–10: Pigment flakes off naturally; redness fades; skin brightens
- Weeks 2–4: Final visible results from this session
- Repeat every 4 weeks for the recommended 3-session series for full effect
Common questions
How much does IPL cost in San Antonio?
IPL pricing depends on the treatment area: Face is $200 ($500 for 3 sessions), Chest is $250 ($600 for 3), Hands or Neck is $125 ($250 for 3). The 3-session package saves significantly — and most clients see optimal results from the full series.
How many IPL sessions do I need?
Most clients need 3 sessions for full results, spaced 4 weeks apart. After the initial series, annual or twice-yearly maintenance keeps tone even and addresses new sun damage as it appears. Severe pigment or rosacea may require additional sessions.
What's the downtime?
Plan for 1–3 days of mild redness, similar to a light sunburn. Brown spots will appear darker before they flake off (this is normal — it means the treatment worked). Most clients are camera-ready within 3–5 days. Always wear SPF post-treatment to protect new skin.
Does IPL hurt?
Most clients describe IPL as a series of warm pinches or rubber-band snaps. We use a cooling device throughout the treatment to manage discomfort. The face is typically the most sensitive area; the chest and hands are easier to tolerate.
IPL vs Erbium — which is right for me?
IPL is best for surface pigment, redness, and minor sun damage with minimal downtime. Erbium is more powerful — it treats deeper texture issues, acne scars, and stubborn pigmentation in a single session, but with 5–7 days of downtime. We help you choose during consultation based on the depth of your concerns.
Can IPL treat melasma?
Sometimes, but cautiously. Melasma is heat-sensitive and can sometimes worsen with light or laser treatments. We assess each case individually and may recommend a gentler approach (topical brightening + SPF + microneedling) for melasma instead. If we do use IPL for melasma, it's at conservative settings with close monitoring.
"IPL is the laser we recommend when a client wants visible brightening and tone correction without committing to downtime. Two or three sessions, 4 weeks apart, and the difference in skin clarity is something they notice every time they look in the mirror."
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