IPL Photofacial in San Mateo
Sun damage, brown spots, redness, and broken capillaries can make skin look older than you feel. At MD Laser & Cosmetics in San Mateo, our IPL Skin Revitalizing Photofacial uses intense pulsed light (IPL) to target discoloration and uneven tone for clearer, brighter, more even skin. mdlaserandcosmetics.com+1
We’re an award‑winning medical spa serving patients from San Mateo and the surrounding 25‑mile Bay Area, including Burlingame, Foster City, Belmont, San Carlos, Redwood City, Millbrae, San Bruno, Daly City, South San Francisco, and nearby communities. mdlaserandcosmetics.com+2MD Laser Cosmetics Center+2
What IPL treats
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Treatment type: Non‑invasive IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) photofacial
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Best for: Sun damage, brown spots, redness, rosacea, broken capillaries, uneven tone, visible pores Tumblr+3mdlaserandcosmetics.com+3mdlaserandcosmetics.com+3
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Areas treated: Face, neck, chest, hands, and other sun‑exposed areas
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Downtime: Minimal; mild redness or darkening of spots for a few days
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Series: Typically a series of treatments for best results
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Location: MD Laser & Cosmetics, 448 N San Mateo Dr, San Mateo, CA 94401 mdlaserandcosmetics.com+1
An IPL Photofacial is a light‑based skin rejuvenation treatment that delivers pulses of broad‑spectrum light into the skin. This light is absorbed by:
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Pigment (brown spots, sun damage, age spots)
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Hemoglobin in blood vessels (redness, broken capillaries, rosacea)
Over time, this helps fade discoloration, diffuse redness, and improve overall skin tone and texture with minimal downtime. mdlaserandcosmetics.com
At MD Laser & Cosmetics, we perform IPL as a medical procedure in a physician‑led setting, carefully customizing energy levels and filters for your skin type and concerns.
IPL Photofacial is especially helpful for:
- Brown spots & sun spots from UV exposure
- Age spots & liver spots
- Freckles & uneven pigmentation
- Facial redness and flushing
- Broken capillaries & small facial veins
- Rosacea‑related redness
- Roughness, dullness, and enlarged pores
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Common treatment areas:
- Face
- Neck
- Chest / décolletage
- Hands
- Shoulders or other sun‑exposed regions
- Award-winning medical spa with decades of experience in aesthetic medicine and women’s health mdlaserandcosmetics.com
- Physician-led care – Your treatment plan is overseen by Dr. Susan Lin and a trained clinical team
- Modern IPL technology specifically used for skin revitalizing photofacials mdlaserandcosmetics.com
- Conservative, natural approach – We focus on gradual, healthy‑looking improvement rather than aggressive, high-risk settings
- Comprehensive skin plans – IPL can be combined with medical‑grade skincare, chemical peels, and other treatments for better long‑term results
1. Consultation & Skin Assessment
We’ll review:
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Your skin concerns (spots, redness, rosacea, texture)
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Your medical history and medications
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Recent sun exposure, tanning, or photosensitizing products
We’ll also determine if IPL is safe and appropriate for your skin type, especially for patients with more melanin or a history of hyperpigmentation.
2. Your IPL Treatment
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Your skin is cleansed, and protective eyewear is placed
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Topical anesthetics may be applied
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The IPL handpiece is passed over the treatment area, delivering brief, bright flashes of light
Most patients describe IPL as a warm, snapping sensation, similar to a rubber band flick. Treatments usually take 20–45 minutes, depending on the area.
3. After Your Photofacial
Immediately after, you may notice:
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Mild redness (similar to a light sunburn)
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Darkening of brown spots (“peppering”) over the next few days
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Mild swelling in more sensitive areas
Brown spots often darken first, then flake or fade over 1–2 weeks, revealing clearer, more even-toned skin. Redness and capillaries typically soften gradually with a series of treatments.
You’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions, including:
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Avoiding sun exposure and wearing broad‑spectrum SPF daily
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Avoiding tanning beds and self‑tanners on treated areas before/after sessions
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Being gentle with the skin—no picking, peeling, or harsh exfoliants while healing
Expect temporary redness and darkening of brown spots to a “coffee-grounds” look that flakes over several days. Use gentle skincare and daily SPF.
Per-area and series pricing available. We’ll outline the plan that fits your goals and season.
IPL has a long track record in aesthetic dermatology when performed by trained professionals on appropriate candidates. However, it’s not right for everyone.
IPL may not be recommended if you:
- Have very dark or recently tanned skin
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding (depending on the situation)
- Have certain photosensitive conditions or are on photosensitizing medications
- Have a history of keloid scarring or poor healing
Possible side effects can include temporary redness, swelling, bruising, blistering, or changes in pigmentation. We minimize risks by:
- Careful patient selection and skin typing
- Test spots when indicated
- Conservative settings and thorough aftercare instructions
Our clinic at 448 N San Mateo Dr, San Mateo, CA 94401 is centrally located on the Peninsula, making IPL Photofacial convenient for patients across the region. MapQuest+1
Many of our IPL / Photofacial patients visit us from:
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San Mateo
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Burlingame & Millbrae
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Foster City & Belmont
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San Carlos & Redwood City
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San Bruno, Daly City & South San Francisco
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Nearby communities within ~25 miles of San Mateo
If you’ve been searching for “IPL Photofacial near me”, “IPL treatment San Mateo”, or “photofacial for sun spots”, our physician‑led team is here to help you explore whether IPL is right for your skin.
San Mateo, Burlingame, Foster City, Belmont, San Carlos, Redwood City, Millbrae, San Bruno, Daly City, South San Francisco, Menlo Park, Atherton, Palo Alto, Half Moon Bay, Woodside, Portola Valley, East Palo Alto, Pacifica, Montara, Moss Beach.
Key Facts (at-a-glance)
MD Laser & Cosmetics is an Award-winning Medical Spa in San Mateo and San Francisco
MD Laser and Cosmetics voted Best Medical Spa in San Mateo 2021. Specializing in Women’s Health, Anti-aging and Aesthetic Medicine. Creating beauty through advanced science since 1991
FAQs
Downtime is usually minimal. Expect temporary redness and darkening of spots that gradually flake or fade. Most patients are comfortable returning to work or normal activities the same or next day while wearing sunscreen and, if desired, makeup.
IPL uses broad‑spectrum light with filters to target multiple concerns like pigment and redness, while lasers use a single wavelength focused more narrowly. Both are light‑based treatments; the best choice depends on your specific skin issues.
Many notice brighter tone after the first session, with progressive improvement through the series.
IPL can help diffuse redness and reduce the appearance of small broken vessels, making it a popular choice for certain types of rosacea‑related redness. Not all rosacea subtypes are candidates; we’ll assess your case individually.
Suitability depends on your Fitzpatrick type and concerns. We’ll assess candidacy and suggest alternatives if needed.
Yes—with strict sun avoidance. Many prefer fall/winter for easier sun management.
New sun exposure can create new spots. Consistent SPF helps maintain results.
Yes. IPL is especially well‑suited for sun spots, age spots, and uneven pigmentation on sun‑exposed areas such as the face, chest, and hands. It works gradually over a series of treatments to break up pigment and brighten the skin
Often yes—like Botox or fillers—with appropriate sequencing.
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Yes. IPL is especially well‑suited for sun spots, age spots, and uneven pigmentation on sun‑exposed areas such as the face, chest, and hands. It works gradually over a series of treatments to break up pigment and brighten the skin. mdlaserandcosmetics.com+2Pinterest+2
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What our clients say about us
Dr. Lin is the best of both worlds: a top-tier doctor and an artist. She listens, educates, and the results are incredible.
I love that every treatment is done by Dr. Lin herself. No assistants. No shortcuts. Just beautiful, natural results.
You can tell that Dr. Lin is behind every detail — from the treatments to the skincare. It’s medical, it’s professional, and it works.