Is IPL Treatment Painful?

Treatment with IPL feels like a cool rubber band snap.  Some patients are able to tolerate this well, but for those that find it painful, topical numbing cream can be used that can make the procedure completely painless.  

Often times patients describe IPL treatment as a hot rubber-band snap to the skin.  In our office, we use topical numbing cream prior to the IPL treatment.  This along with gel and cool blown air are very helpful in decreasing the discomfort associated with the treatment. 

The IPL treatment should not hurt. In our practice, using the Zimmer air cooler in addition to the optional use of numbing cream can make IPL a very comfortable treatment. Some IPL’s are archaic, but the ones from Cutera, Lumenis, Syneron, and Palomar have proven to be effective. That being said, there needs to be a skilled operator.