Are there different settings for IPL than a photofacial? Any results if it's not painful?

Thank you for your question MJROMANCO. I understand your concern.
IPL is a great treatment for facial rejuvenation. There are many devices available and many offices that perform the treatment. Each office has their own protocol. I tell my patients that they should focus on results rather than price or other points such as numbing, etc. For my patients I recommend an initial series of 6 monthly treatments followed by one maintenance treatment every 3 months thereafter. Please consult with a doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

Thanks for the great question. You kind of already answered it yourself in saying that the treatment which didn't cause any pain or redness didn't seem to do anything. Nowadays there are a lot of people marketing different products that supposedly do the same thing. This is especially true of those providers who are now doctors. Generally speaking, when done properly IPL should be uncomfortable even with the numbing cream. I can flash a flashlight at your face for 15 minutes and charge you $100 for an "IPL" treatment. Be careful about who you let treat you and always look for people who are board certified. Best of luck!~Dr. Sieber

Thanks for your question and sharing your experience with IPL. Numbing with IPL or BBL is not typically recommended. Laser wavelengths have different targets (hemoglobin, water, and melanin). IPL and BBL use a mixture of wavelengths to target mainly hemoglobin (a component of blood, targeting blood vessels) and melanin (pigment). We typically do not recommend numbing because it constricts the blood vessels, making them less of a target for the laser (and affecting results). We adjust the settings on the machine in terms of the predominant wavelength (target) used, the amount of energy delivered in a pulse, and the duration of the pulse. All of these factors contribute to your results. It is important to go to a clinician who is experienced in the science of lasers and has trained his/her staff on the use / science of lasers. Typically a series of treatments are recommended initially, and then maintenance treatments thereafter. I hope this helps!
Dr. Cavanaugh 

IPL results are dependent upon the machine, settings, pulses, and technician. There are many variables! Sounds like your first office performed much better treatments than your second. IPL should be uncomfortable but not awful. We use cold air with our treatments, along with topical numbing cream. We do at least 400 pulses for a face treatment and it takes about 50 minutes to complete. In the world of Groupon we've had several patients who tried other places and returned to us very, very embarrassed after realizing the differences in treatments. "This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."