IPL · intense pulsed light for photorejuvenation
The diagnosis chooses the filter · not the menu
The Stellar M22’s IPL (intense pulsed light) treats sun spots, uneven tone, redness and texture in sun-damaged skin. It isn’t a laser: it’s broad-spectrum light that the physician filters for each goal. At iki it’s done in series of 3 sessions, and only when the skin is a good candidate.
Results in dark spots and pigmentation · identity protected
Photos of patients treated at iki, published with their authorization and with their identity covered. Each case had its own diagnosis and plan; the exact treatment may combine several techniques. Results vary from patient to patient. See all cases.
IPL, or intense pulsed light, is a photorejuvenation treatment that emits broad-spectrum light to lighten sun spots, reduce redness and improve the texture of sun-damaged skin. It isn’t a laser. At iki, in Bogotá, it’s performed with the Lumenis Stellar M22 after a medical consultation, in series of 3 sessions a few weeks apart. Improvement is gradual.
- Session length
- 30–60 min depending on the area
- Sessions
- Series of 3 · then maintenance
- Interval
- 3–6 weeks depending on the goal
- Recovery
- Minimal · temporary redness
- Technology
- Stellar M22 · IPL with filters
- Areas
- Face, neck, chest, hands
Who it’s for · and who it isn’t
Indicated when
- Sun spots, lentigines and freckles darkened by the sun on the face, neck, chest or hands
- Uneven tone and dull skin from photoaging
- Diffuse redness and fine vessels that come with the spots
- Skin with no recent tan, and daily sunscreen as a habit
Not the right time if
- Tanned skin or recent intense sun exposure · we wait until your tone returns to baseline
- Very high skin types without a careful evaluation · sometimes another technology is safer
- Hormonal melasma without prior control · light can darken it
- Recent isotretinoin, photosensitizing medications or pregnancy · the physician decides the timing
The physician makes the final indication at the consultation. Results vary from patient to patient.
How an IPL photorejuvenation session works at iki
One technology, several uses. What changes is the filter, the energy and the plan, and that’s decided by iki’s medical team, founded by Dr. Urbani, a physician specialized in sensitive and reactive skin.
Diagnosing the spot
The physician determines whether the spot is from sun, melasma or a mark from previous inflammation, because each responds differently to light. Your skin type (Fitzpatrick), recent sun and medications are reviewed too.
Choosing the filter
Each filter lets through only part of the spectrum. For spots we choose the one that targets melanin, for redness the one that targets hemoglobin in the vessels, and for acne a specific one. Energy is adjusted to your skin type, and the session is 60, 120 or 180 pulses depending on the area covered.
Light pulses
Clean skin, protected eyes and cold gel. The handpiece moves across the area pulse by pulse.
Double pass when indicated
If there’s also uneven texture, visible pores or superficial scars, a pass of ResurFX, the same device’s non-ablative fractional laser, is added in the same session.
Close and written plan
The area is calmed and sunscreen goes on. You receive your aftercare in writing and the date of the next session in the series.
What it offers
Sun spots and tone
The melanin in lentigines absorbs the light. The spot darkens for a few days, flakes off, and tone looks more even.
Fine lines and texture
Heat in the dermis stimulates collagen and gradually softens fine lines. See IPL for wrinkles.
Rosacea and redness
With the vascular filter, light reduces diffuse redness and fine vessels. Rosacea isn’t cured · it’s controlled. See IPL for rosacea.
Inflammatory acne
The acne filter works on inflammation and red marks, within a medical plan. See IPL with acne filter.
IPL + ResurFX double pass
IPL works on color and ResurFX on texture. Together they address photoaging in a single session.
Technology with an indication
Stellar M22 · Lumenis
The Stellar M22 is the Lumenis platform that brings together IPL, ResurFX, Nd:YAG and Q-Switched. Its IPL module uses interchangeable filters that cut the spectrum to the target: melanin, hemoglobin or inflammation, and the handpiece cools the skin with each pulse. We chose it because it adjusts every setting to the skin type and lets us combine technologies in the same session.
Results and aftercare
Tone usually looks more even over the course of the series. Texture improves more slowly because it depends on new collagen, and it’s assessed once all 3 sessions are done. IPL doesn’t protect you from the sun: without sun protection new spots appear, which is why maintenance is usually recommended, often one or two sessions a year. Prevention today is simple · tomorrow it’s correction.
Aftercare after the session
- Daily sunscreen with reapplication · in Bogotá UV radiation is high all year
- No direct sun, saunas or intense exercise for 48 hours
- Treated spots darken and usually flake off within one or two weeks · don’t pick them off
- Gentle cleanser and moisturizer, with no exfoliants or retinoids for the days your physician indicates
- Get in touch if you notice a blister, a thick crust or redness that doesn’t fade
Results vary from patient to patient.
Pairs well with
Anti-aging and skin laxityIPL for wrinkles
The Stellar M22’s IPL (intense pulsed light) stimulates collagen and improves texture and tone in photoaged skin. It works well…
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Rosacea and facial veinsIPL for rosacea
Intense pulsed light, or IPL, works on the diffuse redness and fine vessels of rosacea. At iki it is done on the Stellar M22, in…
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Acne and scarsFiltered IPL for acne
Intense pulsed light with the Stellar M22’s acne filter works on the inflammation and redness of breakouts. At iki it is…
See treatmentFrequently asked questions
Is IPL a laser?
No, although it’s often called “IPL laser.” A laser emits a single wavelength. IPL emits broad-spectrum light, and a filter lets through only the part that’s useful for each goal. That’s why it can treat spots, redness or acne by changing the filter. The Stellar M22 has both IPL and lasers, and the physician chooses which to use.
Does IPL hurt?
It feels like a warm snap, similar to a rubber band against the skin, a little more intense over dark spots. Cold gel and the handpiece’s cooling make it tolerable, without anesthesia. The session takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on the area, and you can get back to your day right after.
How many IPL sessions are needed?
For spots and photoaging we start with a series of 3 sessions, 3 to 6 weeks apart depending on the goal. Some skin needs one or two more, especially when fine lines or acne are also being treated. After that comes maintenance. The exact number goes in the written plan from your consultation.
Does IPL work for melasma?
With great caution, and rarely as a first option. Melasma has a hormonal component, and light can darken it. It’s first controlled with strict sun protection, peels or tranexamic acid mesotherapy. If melasma and sun spots coexist, the physician decides what to treat first. That’s why diagnosing the spot comes before any pulse.
Can IPL be done on darker skin?
With judgment. In higher skin types the skin itself also absorbs the light, which increases the risk of burns or new spots. The physician chooses more conservative filters, lowers the energy and sometimes tests a small area first. In some cases the Q-Switched Nd:YAG or a chemical peel is safer. Tanned skin is not treated.
How long do IPL results last?
A spot that flakes off usually doesn’t return in that same place if you wear sunscreen daily. But the sun keeps working, and over time new spots appear. That’s why the result is maintained with sun protection and, often, one or two maintenance sessions a year.
What is the IPL and ResurFX double pass?
It’s a session in which IPL is applied first for color, spots and redness, and then ResurFX, the same device’s non-ablative fractional laser, for texture, pores and superficial scars. It leaves more redness than IPL alone, for one to two days. It’s indicated when photoaging affects both color and texture.
How much does IPL cost in Bogotá?
It depends on the number of pulses per session, whether the series is IPL alone or with a double pass, and the areas treated. That’s why we don’t give a figure without seeing your skin. Your consultation at iki is free · 45 minutes · with a diagnosis and a written plan, and that’s where you get the full price of the series.
Read before your appointment
Is IPL photorejuvenation right for you? · we’ll see at the consultation
Forty-five minutes with a physician, a skin analysis and a written, phased plan with complete prices. You decide afterwards, with no pressure. Living abroad? Start with a virtual consultation.