Written by Umair Hussain · Medically reviewed by Dr. Rizwana Hanif, Consultant Dermatologist and Founder (MBBS, MCPS Dermatology) · Updated November 2026
Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL, is the name given to this technique. As opposed to a laser, which produces a concentrated wavelength of light, IPL releases a variety of wavelengths of light per pulse. This light is absorbed by the pigments in the skin, particularly melanin, which causes brown spots, and hemoglobin, the pigment in the blood vessels, heating and destroying it without damaging the surrounding skin tissue.
As a result of treating several wavelengths at once, one IPL procedure may actually help fix more than one skin concern at a time.
The mechanism of IPL therapy depends on targeting melanin. Therefore, the higher the amount of melanin in the skin, the greater is the chance that the light treatment will not only impact the targeted spot but also cause changes in your natural skin color. There is a great risk of developing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or burns in medium to dark skin types (Fitzpatrick type IV to VI), if not adjusted correctly or operated by an inexperienced provider.
In case your skin type is medium to dark, which applies to a great number of Multan citizens, ask directly whether IPL is really the best choice for your skin or whether a Pico laser should be used instead because it has less risks related to pigmentation in darker skin than IPL.
1. Consultation and skin assessment. Skin color, type of issue, and sun exposure will all be factors determining the settings that can be used on your skin safely and effectively.
2. Eye protection and gel application. A cool gel is applied to the treatment area, and you have to wear protective eye goggles.
3. Light pulses. The machine is placed on the treatment area in the grid pattern. Usually, people feel a quick warmth, like from a rubber band, instead of pain.
4. Post-treatment. Mild warmth in the area is normal immediately after the procedure and lasts no more than a few hours.
A full face treatment lasts about 20-30 minutes.
For pigmentation and sun damage, most patients need 3 to 5 sessions to see real, lasting improvement, spaced about 3 to 4 weeks apart. A single session can show some initial brightening, but meaningful clearance of brown spots builds gradually across the full series, not from one visit.
It is common to experience painful, warm, and mild swelling immediately after treatment, which will resolve itself within a few hours. It is also common for pigmented areas to become darkened and begin to peel after 1 or 2 weeks. There is one potential complication mentioned above: the problem of changes in pigmentation of the areas where IPL settings are unsuitable.
When it comes to sun damage, pigmentation, and skin tone enhancement, particularly for light to medium skin tones, yes, this is definitely an effective treatment that is well-researched. But for those who want permanent hair removal, it would be more effective to use a laser that will suit this purpose better. And for those with darker skin who want to address the issue of pigmentation, it would be reasonable to compare it with Pico laser.
IPL pricing depends on the treatment area and how many sessions your plan calls for, a small area like under-eyes costs less than a full face and neck series
The right treatment depends on your skin tone and what you’re actually trying to fix, not just which device a clinic happens to have. Book a consultation with Skinology Laser & Aesthetics in Multan Cantt for an honest assessment, including whether IPL or Pico laser is the better match for you.
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IPL treatment delivers light energy pulses, which target the skin pigments, melanin for brown skin areas and sun spots, and in certain IPL devices, even hemoglobin for reddening skin by breaking it down so that your body can eliminate the debris within the next several days to weeks.
The cost of IPL depends not only on the area that you wish to treat but also on how many sessions you require. Most of the clients require a treatment schedule of 3 to 5 treatments rather than one appointment.
Yes, for skin sun damage and pigmentation problems and also for the overall tone improvement of light to medium skin, it is worth spending this money. If you have deep skin tones, you need to discuss with your doctor whether you should have Pico laser procedure instead.
PL can make your hair removal process slower and more imprecise compared to dedicated hair removal laser device.
