Essential Dermatology
220 N Main St #201
Natick, MA 01760
Phone: (508) 827-2615
Monday–Friday: 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Essential Dermatology
246 Maple Street
Marlborough, MA 01752
Phone: (508) 827-2615
2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the Month: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
The IPL (intense pulsed light) Photofacial is a laser treatment to reduce redness and excess pigmentation for a more even skin tone. These concerns cause many to feel self-conscious, are frustrating to deal with, and are hard to cover up. The IPL Photofacial at Essential Dermatology in Natick, MA, is a great way to feel more confident about your skin with minimal downtime. Our advanced Lumenis Stellar IPL™ device offers increased treatment safety and comfort.
How Does the IPL Photofacial Work?
When melanin cells are produced and become localized, they create discoloration and moles. Vascular changes can cause capillaries and veins to become closer to the skin and highly visible. The IPL Photofacial treatment heats up the pigmentation in melanin and red blood cells but doesn’t harm the skin’s surface or surrounding tissues. After the light energy breaks up the melanin and red blood cells, the body naturally flushes them away, leaving the skin more clear and radiant.
What Can IPL Treat?
Women and men choose these highly versatile treatments to address any combination of the following concerns on exposed areas such as the face, chest, hands, and legs:
- Excess pigmentation such as freckles, sun spots, and age spots
- Redness such as rosacea, hemangiomas, and broken capillaries
- Leg veins and facial veins
- Acne bacteria as well as the excess pigmentation and redness caused by acne
- Stretch marks
- Hypertrophic scars
- Hyperpigmentation
What Are IPL Treatments Like?
After cleansing the skin and applying a cooling gel, Dr. Krathen places the IPL handpiece against the skin and releases a quick pulse of light. Each pulse may create slight discomfort similar to a mild rubber band snap. The Lumenis Stellar IPL device includes cooling technology that minimizes discomfort and increases safety during treatments. Dr. Krathen moves the handpiece along the skin until it is completely treated. After completing the treatment, he wipes away the gel and applies a soothing serum or sunscreen.
After your treatment, it is important to continually protect your skin from the sun to prevent any further damage. Dr. Krathen can suggest daily sunscreen and skincare products to help keep your skin healthy.
How Many IPL Photofacial Treatments Will I Need?
Most patients need 2 to 4 IPL treatment sessions spaced about one month apart to get the best results.

Meet Dr. Michael Krathen
Dr. Michael Krathen is a board-certified dermatologist with more than a decade of medical training and experience. A specialist in both medical and cosmetic dermatology, he uses expertise, collaboration, and compassion to help people of all ages discover their healthiest and most radiant skin.
Meet Dr. KrathenSchedule a Consultation
The IPL Photofacial is a great laser treatment to help with your dermatological concerns. It is minimally invasive, quick, and relatively painless. To get started on your treatment options today, call our office at (508) 827-2615 or request a consultation by filling out our online form. To book an appointment, schedule your visit as a new patient using our online scheduler or as an existing patient using the Mass General Brigham Patient Gateway.
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