Explore Light Treatment Options in New York City
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) on Fifth Avenue, NYC
If you are noticing sunspots, redness, or uneven tone, it’s natural to wonder whether intense pulsed light (IPL) in New York can help—and if it’s the right time to start. At our Fifth Avenue practice, we begin with a detailed consultation to understand your skin, goals, and lifestyle. We explain how intense pulsed light works, what it can and cannot address, and how it compares with other options available in New York City so you can make an informed decision that feels right for you.
Intense pulsed light targets discoloration and visible blood vessels to brighten and even the look of your skin over a series of sessions. Many patients tell us they feel more confident wearing less makeup and appreciate how flexible scheduling allows treatment with minimal disruption. Because we tailor each plan—session spacing, settings, and supportive skincare—you receive a light treatment strategy that respects your skin’s sensitivity, your daily routine, and your long‑term goals. Combined with sun protection, IPL results can be maintained gracefully for years.
Medical Dermatology Visit
We address a range of concerns including acne, rosacea, infections, hair loss, eczema, and psoriasis.
Cosmetic Visit
We offer natural and results-driven treatments including laser treatments, injectables, hair rejuvenation, and microneedling.
Facial Treatments
Our aesthetician services include customized medical facials, chemical peels, dermaplaning, Hydrafacial, JetPeel, LED, and advanced facial treatments.
Ready to explore Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment in new york city?
Ready to explore intense pulsed light (IPL) in New York with Dr. Dennis Gross Dermatology? Call (212) 725-4555 or book an appointment online with our team, and we’ll help you decide if IPL therapy is the right next step. We serve Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Bronx, and the surrounding communities, including New Jersey and Connecticut.
Dr. Dennis Gross
Decades of Distinction
Behind every treatment is decades of research, training, and expertise. We are dedicated to helping our patients look and feel their best.
25+ years as a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon, founder of his 5th Avenue Manhattan practice. A New York Magazine Best Doctor and a trusted voice on national TV, from The Today Show to CNN. He’s also the author of Your Future Face: The Customized Plan to Look Younger at Any Age. 25+ years as a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon.
World-Renowned Dermatologist
Founded his award-winning skincare brand in 2000, now carried by Sephora, Nordstrom, and MECCA Beauty. He continues to serve as the brand’s Chief Science Officer.
Founder of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare™
Before opening his practice, Dr. Gross conducted extensive melanoma research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, studying how the immune system recognizes cancer cells. His findings were published in peer-reviewed journals including the Journal of Experimental Medicine and the Journal of Medical Microbiology.
Skin Cancer Research
A native New Yorker, Dr. Gross has spent his career and personal life rooted in the city he serves. He sits on the Board of Animal Care Centers of NY, championing animal welfare initiatives across the five boroughs, and shares a busy family life in Manhattan with his wife and business partner, Carrie, and their four children.
Beyond the Practice
Our Experts
Your Trusted Experts in Professional Dermatology
Lara manages Dennis Gross Dermatology’s practice, focusing on creating a warm, welcoming environment and delivering excellent patient experiences and results.
Lara Battema, LE, MPH
Lia has developed a strong focus in aesthetic dermatology, where she values the balance of precision, artistry, and science. Her approach is thoughtful and individualized, with a focus on subtle, natural-looking results that enhance each patient’s features.
Lia Trojansky, PA-C
With nearly 25 years of experience, Dr. Hilary Reich is a board-certified dermatologist known for her personalized approach and exceptional clinical expertise. She listens to ger patients attentively and earn the trust and loyalty of generations of patients.
Hilary Reich M.D.
Common Skin Concerns and Desired Benefits
We Understand Stubborn Issues and Offer Effective Solutions with Personalized Plans
Holistic Wellness
Ideal for those who want to combine skincare with overall well-being, promoting balance, radiance, and healthy glowing skin from the inside out deeply.
Include :
$350/session
How IPL Treatments Are Tailored to Your Skin
Intense Pulsed Light Procedure Details
Intense pulsed light is a non-invasive treatment that uses flashes of broad‑spectrum light to selectively target pigment (brown) and hemoglobin (red) in the skin. Unlike a single‑wavelength laser, IPL offers a range of filters so we can customize the treatment to safely address your skincare concerns. After cleansing, we apply a cooling gel and safety eyewear. We deliver a series of light pulses across the treatment area; patients often describe the sensation as a quick snap with warmth. Most IPL face treatment sessions take about 30 minutes. Topical anesthetic is typically unnecessary but can be considered for sensitive areas.
We individualize settings based on skin type (Fitzpatrick scale), concern (sunspots, redness, vessels), and location (face, neck, chest, hands). Once we assess your concern, we determine how many sessions it will take to first correct your concern. Typically, patients do a series of correction treatments and then fall into maintenance plans.
Safety is central to our approach: we review your medications (for photosensitivity), recent sun exposure, self‑tanning products, and any history of pigmentary change. Intense pulsed light can be combined with other modalities—such as chemical peels or microneedling—on an appropriate timeline to enhance overall results while maintaining skin health.
Assessing Skin Types, Concerns, and Realistic Goals
Who Is a Good Candidate for IPL?
Ideal candidates for intense pulsed light want to address brown spots, redness, or visible vessels without surgery or significant downtime. We evaluate your skin tone, recent sun exposure, and current skincare to build a safe, thoughtful plan. Some conditions—such as active infections, open wounds, recent tanning, pregnancy, or the use of certain photosensitizing medications—may postpone treatment. Individuals with a history of abnormal scarring or post‑inflammatory hyperpigmentation may require cautious test spots or alternative approaches. For melasma‑predominant discoloration or very deep pigment, we may recommend alternatives or adjuncts (brightening skincare, chemical peels, or non‑ablative laser) to reduce the risk of rebound pigment and to align expectations.
Gradual Improvements Over a Series of Sessions with Natural-Looking Clarity
What Results to Expect and When
With intense pulsed light, brown spots often darken temporarily, then lighten over the next week. Redness and vessels soften progressively across sessions, with the most noticeable change after a complete series. There are no surgical incisions or scars. Most patients enjoy clearer, brighter‑looking skin that can be maintained with daily SPF, sun‑smart habits, and periodic touch‑ups. Results vary by concern, skin type, and lifestyle; our role is to guide you toward realistic goals and a sustainable plan so improvements feel authentic and complement your natural features.
What to Plan for in the Days and Weeks After IPL Sessions
Recovery, Downtime, and Aftercare Guidance
Expect mild redness and warmth for a few hours, sometimes up to a day. Dark spots may look peppered or coffee‑ground‑like as pigment rises—avoid picking. Makeup can usually be worn the next day. We recommend cool compresses as needed, gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and broad‑spectrum SPF 30+ daily. Avoid hot yoga, saunas, retinoids, exfoliants, and sun exposure for several days. Most people resume normal routines immediately, but you should protect treated skin diligently for at least two weeks. We’ll schedule follow‑ups to assess progress, adjust settings, and plan your next intense pulsed light session. Consistent sunscreen use is the single best way to extend and optimize your results.
FAQ
Let’s Talk About Your Skin’s Needs
We’re here to make your skincare journey simple, stress-free, and tailored just for you.
Haven’t got an answer?
Book An Appointment Online.
Most plans include 3–4 intense pulsed light correction treatments spaced 3–6 weeks apart and 1-2 maintenance treatments. Brown spots and diffuse redness often improve steadily with each visit. Your exact number depends on skin type, the depth of pigment or vessels, and how strictly you protect your skin from the sun. During consultation, we map out a schedule, revisit progress at each follow‑up, and adjust settings to safely target your priorities.
We commonly treat the face with IPL but may utilize IPL for other parts of the body such as the chest, arms, and hands. In select cases, we can address other sun‑exposed sites. Candidacy depends on your skin tone, recent UV or self‑tan exposure, and the specific concern (brown spots, redness, or superficial vessels). We will advise if another modality would better suit a particular area or goal.
Most patients find intense pulsed light very tolerable, describing a quick, warm snap. Sessions are brief, and topical numbing is rarely necessary. Expect temporary redness and darkening of spots for several days, but most daily activities can continue immediately. Makeup is typically fine the next day. We provide clear aftercare instructions to support comfort and healing.
Melasma can be unpredictable with light‑based procedures. While some patients see improvement, others may experience rebound pigment. We evaluate pattern, depth, and triggers (heat, hormones, sun) and may recommend alternatives such as pigment‑balancing skincare, gentle chemical peels, or non‑thermal options. If IPL is used, we proceed conservatively and pair it with strict sunscreen use to reduce risk.
Daily SPF 30+ and sun‑smart habits are essential. Many patients schedule maintenance intense pulsed light sessions one to two times per year, tailored to their skin and seasons in New York. We often incorporate medical‑grade skincare—vitamin C, gentle retinoids as tolerated, and pigment modulators—to prolong clarity and support an even tone between visits.
Haven’t got an answer?
Book An Appointment Online.
Find Your Perfect Skincare Plan
Take the next step with intense pulsed light (IPL) in New York City at Dr. Dennis Gross Dermatology. Call (212) 725-4555 or book an appointment online with our team to plan a personalized light therapy roadmap that fits your life.
Pair IPL with Supportive Skincare for Comprehensive Rejuvenation
Related and Complementary Treatment Options to Consider
We recommend pairing JetPeel after an IPL session to help calm and cool your skin. Depending on your goals, we may also combine or sequence intense pulsed light with chemical peels, dermal fillers, laser skin resurfacing, targeted vessel treatments, or HydraFacial MD. Thoughtful timing and a customized home regimen help maintain clarity, refine texture, and support healthy‑looking skin without over‑treating.
Reviewed by Dr. Dennis Gross Dermatology for Quality and Safety
About Our Dermatology Team and Medical Oversight
This page was medically reviewed by the physicians at Dr. Dennis Gross Dermatology. Our New York City dermatology team integrates evidence‑based protocols with a patient‑first approach, ensuring intense pulsed light is delivered thoughtfully and safely. We take time to educate, answer questions, and personalize settings for your skin type and goals. As always, individual results vary, and an in‑person consultation is the best way to determine the right path for you.