Facial Impressions · Avalon Beach · Est. 1985

IPL Photo Rejuvenation

IPL Photo Rejuvenation at Facial Impressions uses Intense Pulsed Light to address a wide range of skin concerns — including pigmentation, sun damage, redness, broken capillaries, uneven skin tone and fine lines. Using the DPL Protégé system, treatment is non-invasive, requires no downtime and is suitable for the face, neck, décolleté, hands and arms.

A course of treatments is typically recommended for best results. Kim will assess your skin, discuss your goals and recommend the most appropriate plan — including whether a personalised skin treatment plan with flexible payment options suits you.

What IPL Photo Rejuvenation Addresses

IPL Photo Rejuvenation uses Intense Pulsed Light to target melanin and haemoglobin in the skin. The light energy is absorbed by pigmented cells and broken capillaries, which the body then naturally removes — gradually revealing clearer, more even-toned skin over a course of treatments.

Unlike laser, IPL uses broad-spectrum light rather than a single wavelength — making it a versatile treatment suitable for addressing multiple skin concerns in a single session. It is non-invasive and does not require anaesthetic or significant recovery time.

At Facial Impressions we use the DPL Protégé system — a professional-grade IPL device that delivers consistent, controlled energy for safe and effective treatment. A patch test is always performed before your first session.

Technology

DPL Protégé — professional-grade Intense Pulsed Light system delivering controlled, calibrated energy across multiple wavelengths. Used for photo rejuvenation, vascular treatment and pigmentation management.

Skin Concerns Addressed

Sun damage and age spots
Pigmentation and uneven skin tone
Redness and rosacea
Broken capillaries and spider veins
Freckles and epidermal pigmentation
Fine lines and early signs of ageing
Dull, uneven complexion
Post-inflammatory pigmentation
Vascular lesions

Pricing

Per session · Course recommended

Face & Neck

Full Face $298
Full Face & Neck $347
Cheeks only $196
Chin only $196
Forehead only $196
Nose only $196
Spot treatment Targeted pigmentation or vessel
$113

Body & Combinations

Hands $196
Hands & Arms $298
Full Face & Hands $390
Full Face, Neck & Hands $440
Full Face, Neck, Décolleté & Hands Price varies with décolleté area treated
$480–$720

After Your IPL Treatment

After your IPL treatment your skin may appear slightly flushed, and pigmented areas may temporarily darken before they begin to fade. This is a normal and expected response — the pigment rises to the surface and disperses naturally over the following days. Treat your skin gently in the 48 hours after treatment.

Apply the cool compress or ice pack provided — hold gently over the treated area for 10 to 15 minutes
Some areas may feel warm or mildly tender — this is normal and will settle within a few hours
Pigmented spots may darken and appear more pronounced in the first 3 to 7 days — do not pick or rub them
Avoid heat — no saunas, steam rooms, hot showers or vigorous exercise for 48 hours
Avoid direct sun exposure on the treated area — wear SPF 30+ daily, even on overcast days
Do not use self-tanning products on or around the treated area
Avoid active exfoliants — no AHAs, BHAs, retinol or scrubs on the treated area
Do not wax or use hair removal products on any treated area
Do not pick, scratch or rub darkened pigmentation spots — allow them to shed naturally
Cleanse gently with a mild, non-foaming cleanser — avoid scrubbing the treated area
Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser morning and night to support the skin barrier
SPF is non-negotiable — broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, reapplied every 2 hours in sun exposure
Avoid makeup on the treated area for the first 24 hours if possible

Sothys Post-Treatment Products

Your therapist will recommend specific Sothys aftercare products at your appointment, tailored to your skin and the treatment received. These typically include:

Sothys Comfort Milk Cleanser — gentle post-treatment cleansing
Sothys Recovery Regenerating Serum — supports skin healing and regeneration
Sothys Velvet Cream — a rich, soothing moisturiser for post-treatment comfort

Sothys products are available to purchase in clinic at your appointment or through our authorised online store. Genuine Sothys is only available through authorised salon sites — an account is required. Ask your therapist for a personalised skincare recommendation at your visit.

What to Expect — Timeline

Day 0–2: Skin may be flushed. Pigmentation spots may darken.
Day 3–7: Darkened spots begin to shed. Skin settles.
Week 2–4: Clearer, more even skin tone becomes visible.
After course: Progressive improvement with each session.

Flexible treatment options

Personalised Skin Plans

IPL delivers the best results over a course of sessions — typically 3 to 6 treatments spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart, depending on your skin concern and response. At Facial Impressions, Kim works with you to build a skin plan that is realistic, goal-focused and suits your lifestyle.

Skin plans can be structured with flexible payment options — whether you prefer to pay upfront for your course, or spread payments weekly or fortnightly. Discuss your preferences at your consultation and we'll find an arrangement that works for you.

Book a Consultation

What a skin plan includes

An initial consultation to assess your skin and design a tailored treatment course
A recommended number of sessions and spacing interval based on your skin concern
Sothys aftercare product recommendations for between sessions (available in clinic or via our authorised online store)
Flexible payment options — upfront, weekly or fortnightly — discussed at your consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

Most clients require 3 to 6 sessions spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart, depending on the skin concern being addressed, your skin type and how your skin responds. Pigmentation and sun damage typically respond well over a course, while vascular concerns such as rosacea or broken capillaries may require additional sessions. Kim will give you a clearer indication at your consultation.
Most clients describe IPL as a mild snapping or warm sensation — similar to a light rubber band flick. Some areas of the face, particularly around bony structures or capillary-dense zones, may feel more sensitive. Comfort levels vary between clients. A cooling gel is applied before treatment to manage sensation.
IPL requires no significant downtime. Your skin may appear flushed for a few hours after treatment. Pigmented areas often darken temporarily in the first 3 to 7 days before naturally shedding — this is the treatment working as expected. Most clients return to their normal activities the same day, taking care to avoid sun exposure and heat.
Both use Intense Pulsed Light technology, but they target different structures in the skin. IPL Hair Removal is calibrated to target melanin in the hair follicle, damaging the follicle to reduce regrowth. IPL Photo Rejuvenation uses different settings to target pigmentation cells and haemoglobin in blood vessels, addressing skin tone, pigmentation and redness rather than hair. The two treatments can be booked separately and are not interchangeable.
IPL Photo Rejuvenation works at the skin's surface, targeting pigmentation, redness and sun damage using light energy. HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) works at a much deeper level — targeting the structural layers of the skin to stimulate collagen and firm the tissue from within. They address different concerns and can complement each other when used together. Kim can advise which is most appropriate for your goals, or whether a combination approach suits you.
IPL works best on fair to medium skin tones with good contrast between the skin and the pigment or vessel being targeted. It is not recommended for very dark skin tones or recently tanned skin, as the light can target the skin's own melanin rather than the concern being treated. A thorough consultation and patch test are performed before your first session to assess suitability.
Certain medications affect the skin's response to light-based treatments. Roaccutane (isotretinoin) must be ceased for a minimum period before IPL. Some antibiotics, blood thinners and other medications may also be contraindications. Please disclose all current medications at your consultation so Kim can assess suitability safely.
Sun exposure significantly increases the risk of adverse reactions with IPL. We recommend avoiding direct sun exposure and tanning products for at least 2 weeks before and after each session. Daily SPF 30 or higher is non-negotiable during your course of treatment and is essential for protecting your results long-term.

Avalon Beach · Est. 1985

Ready to address your skin concerns?

Book a consultation with Kim. She will assess your skin, discuss your goals and recommend whether IPL Photo Rejuvenation — or a combination approach — is the right path for you.