How long does IPL photofacial take to work for sun spots?

IPL targets pigment in the skin with pulses of filtered light. A spot may temporarily look darker, then gradually fade or shed as the treated pigment moves toward the surface and is cleared. Redness and sensitivity can briefly make the treated area harder to assess.

The response depends on the spot’s depth and colour, your skin tone, sun exposure, and the treatment settings. A new or changing pigmented mark should be examined before cosmetic treatment because not every dark spot is a sun spot.

Use the aftercare recommended by your clinician, protect the area from sunlight, and do not scrub, peel, or pick at darkened spots. Attend the planned review before arranging another session. Ongoing sun protection helps reduce new pigmentation and recurrence of treated discolouration.

Ask for prompt medical review if a mark bleeds, crusts repeatedly, becomes painful, changes shape or colour, or continues changing after treatment. Contact the clinic for severe swelling, blistering, infection-like discharge, or worsening pain.

Ask whether the mark has been medically assessed, when improvement should be judged, how sun exposure will affect treatment, and what aftercare is suitable for your skin tone.