Procedure guide
Lasers and IPL
Light energy targeted at pigment, redness, or texture. The right device for your concern matters more than the brand on the box.
Cost range
$250–$1,500
Per session, US national average
The mechanism
What it actually does
Delivers specific wavelengths of light to break down pigment, shrink visible vessels, or stimulate collagen, depending on the device.
Vs. the truth
What the internet says
Lasers are universal. They are not. The wrong device on the wrong skin tone can leave you worse than you started.
What to expect
Realistic expectations
Pigment lifts, redness fades, texture refines. A series is usually required. Results are gradual and rely heavily on sun protection.
Recovery timeline
Day by day
Day 0
Mild redness, sometimes a sandpapery feel. Cool the area.
Days 1 to 3
Pigment may darken before it sloughs. Don't pick.
Days 4 to 7
Most pigment is gone. Skin looks brighter.
Weeks 4 to 8
Schedule the next session. Strict sun protection in between.
How it works in plain English
Different wavelengths of light interact with different targets in the skin. Pigment absorbs one wavelength, blood vessels absorb another, water in the deeper layers absorbs another. The right device for your concern aims at the right target without damaging the surrounding tissue.
That last bit is everything. A device that's perfect for one skin tone may be the wrong choice for another. Experience and the right equipment matter more than marketing.
What I'd want you to know going in
If your provider doesn't ask about your skin tone, your tanning history, your medications, and your sun habits before they pick a device, that's a problem. Walk out and find someone who does.
After laser, your skin is photosensitive. Daily sunscreen is the difference between a great result and a frustrating one.
A short check
Is this right for me?
Answer honestly. The point is clarity, not a verdict.
- 01
I have a deeper skin tone.
- 02
I'm on a medication that increases sun sensitivity.
- 03
I'm tan from a recent vacation.