What to expect from IPL photofacial for freckles

Before treatment, the clinician examines the freckles and surrounding skin, checks recent sun exposure, and selects light settings for your skin tone. During each pulse you may feel warmth or a quick snapping sensation. Freckles can look darker soon afterwards, then gradually flake or fade as the treated pigment clears from the skin. Redness and mild swelling may occur. Several sessions may be discussed, and new freckles can appear again after ultraviolet exposure, even when treated spots improve.

Avoid tanning and tell the clinician about recent sun exposure, photosensitising medicines, active skin irritation, or a history of unusual scarring. Follow instructions about stopping exfoliating products before treatment. Afterward, cleanse gently, avoid picking or scrubbing darkened spots, and use the advised broad-spectrum sunscreen and protective clothing. Wait for the skin to settle before restarting irritating products, according to the clinic's guidance.

Contact the clinic if redness or swelling is worsening rather than settling, or if you develop blistering, crusting, severe pain, pus, or spreading warmth. Seek urgent help for facial swelling with breathing difficulty or widespread hives. A freckle that changes in shape, colour, border, or symptoms should be examined by a clinician rather than treated as a cosmetic pigment spot.

Ask whether each spot has been assessed before light treatment, what skin reaction is expected for your complexion, which products to pause, and how to protect your skin from sunlight between sessions. Ask how recurrence or a changing spot will be handled.