IPL Photofacial in Ottawa — Why Winter Is the Best Time to Book
IPL (intense pulsed light) targets red and brown pigment — rosacea flushing, broken capillaries and sun spots. It works best and safest on untanned skin, which makes October to April the ideal window in Ottawa. Our Cynosure Icon MaxG treatments start at $99 (nose or cheeks), Full Face $199, Face + Neck $299, with packages of three saving $48 or more. A series of 3 sessions, 3–4 weeks apart, is the standard protocol.
What does an IPL photofacial treat?
Diffuse redness and rosacea flushing, visible vessels around the nose and cheeks, sun spots and freckling, and uneven tone on the face, neck, chest and hands. It does not treat wrinkles or tighten skin — that is Laser Genesis or RF microneedling.
Why is winter better for IPL in Ottawa?
IPL cannot tell the difference between a sun spot and a tan — both absorb the light. Tanned skin means lower energy settings (weaker results) and higher risk of blistering. Pale winter skin lets your aesthetician treat at full effective settings. You also need to avoid sun for two weeks after each session, far easier in January than July.
How much does IPL cost in Ottawa?
Ottawa clinics charge roughly $150–$450 per session for the face. Our fixed Icon MaxG prices: Nose or Both Cheeks $99 · Nose + Cheeks $149 · Full Face $199 · Neck $149 · Both Hands $149 · Chest/Décolleté $199 · Face + Neck $299 · Face + Neck + Décolleté $399 · Spot treatment $99. Packages of three start at $249 and save $48–$98.
How many IPL sessions will I need?
Three sessions, 3–4 weeks apart, then one maintenance session a year. Redness often improves after the first session; sun spots darken for 7–10 days then flake away.
Does IPL hurt and is there downtime?
It feels like a quick elastic snap with warmth; a cooling gel and the Icon's contact cooling keep it comfortable. Expect mild redness for a few hours and darkened spots for about a week. You can wear make-up the next day.
Who should not have IPL?
Anyone with a recent tan or self-tanner, darker skin types (Fitzpatrick V–VI), active infection, pregnancy, or on photosensitizing medication such as isotretinoin. Our medical aesthetician assesses every client before the first pass.
Questions about your own plan? Karine offers a complimentary consultation.
Ottawa · Kanata · Carleton Place — 35+ years of RN experience across 100,000+ treatments.
Book a consultation →