IPL | Laser Skin Resurfacing
Unprotected sun exposure, natural aging, and lifestyle factors can leave behind age spots, uneven skin tone, and stubborn acne scars. At Knoxville Center for Dermatology & Plastic Surgery, our experienced providers deliver cutting-edge laser skin resurfacing and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy. Whether you need gentle light-based skin rejuvenation or more targeted resurfacing, our team offers full-spectrum cosmetic dermatology and aesthetics.
Improves skin tone, fades age spots, smooths skin texture, and stimulates collagen production.
Intense pulsed light (IPL) broadband light and targeted laser beam technologies.
Ranges from minimal downtime (IPL photofacial) to 5–10 days (ablative laser resurfacing).
Treats sun-damaged skin, reduces acne scars, and enhances overall skin elasticity.
Laser skin resurfacing and intense pulsed light therapy are non-surgical cosmetic procedures designed to remove damaged outer layers of the skin and stimulate the growth of new collagen fibers. While patients often group them together under "laser therapy," these two modalities use different light technologies:
On the day of your treatment, our team ensures you remain safe and comfortable. For an IPL treatment, a cooling gel is applied to the treatment area, and protective eyewear is provided. The provider glides the IPL device over the skin, delivering pulses of light energy that target pigmentation and broken vessels in the surrounding tissue.
For ablative laser resurfacing, a topical numbing agent or local anesthesia is applied to keep you comfortable. The laser beam carefully targets non-responsive skin, sweeping across damaged outer layers to stimulate collagen production in the underlying skin. Once the pass is complete, soothing ointments and specialized dressings are applied to protect the delicate new skin.
Selective Waveband Technology (SWT®) IPL targets unwanted pigmentation and vascular concerns, including sun damage, redness, inflammatory acne, and rosacea. Treatment settings are customized to your skin type and individual concerns.
A non-ablative fractional laser treatment designed to improve skin texture, tone, and overall radiance. Customized treatment settings allow your Nordlys® provider to tailor the intensity to your individual skin concerns and desired results.
Our signature Light & Bright® treatment combines targeted light and laser technologies to address facial redness, unwanted pigmentation, and uneven skin texture. The result is a more even, refreshed, and radiant complexion.
IPL and Laser Resurfacing treat a wide range of common skin conditions across the face, neck, and chest:
IPL laser and resurfacing treatments are most commonly performed on the face, neck, chest, shoulders, and hands, where sun damage is most visible.
Laser treatments fundamentally refresh your skin, helping you achieve a smoother, more radiant complexion.
Improved Tone and Texture
Stimulating new collagen fibers firms the skin, smooths fine lines, and evens out skin color across treated areas.
Customizable Care Options
From gentle IPL photofacials to deeper ablative laser resurfacing, treatments can be tailored to match your specific skin concerns and schedule.
Ideal candidates are individuals in good overall health who are looking to improve fine lines, sun damage, or uneven skin texture. Because dark skin and certain skin types absorb light energy differently, provider expertise is critical to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Patients taking certain photosensitizing medications, those with active skin infections, or individuals who cannot avoid sun exposure during healing may need alternative options such as a chemical peel or a glycolic acid routine.
Recovery timelines depend on the intensity of your laser treatment. Following an IPL treatment, there is minimal downtime; you may experience mild redness similar to a light sunburn, and age spots may darken before sloughing off within a week.
For ablative laser resurfacing, treated skin will appear red and may weep or crust for 5 to 7 days as damaged outer layers peel away. Diligent sun protection, gentle cleansing, and keeping the area moist with the recommended ointment are critical for supporting proper healing and protecting delicate new skin.
You will notice initial improvements in skin tone and clarity as soon as the outer skin heals. Over the following 3 to 6 months, ongoing collagen production creates firmer, smoother skin with enhanced skin elasticity.
While light therapy cannot stop natural aging, maintaining a strict daily sunscreen routine and scheduling periodic maintenance sessions will preserve your smooth, refreshed results for years.
At Knoxville Center for Dermatology & Plastic Surgery, your laser skin resurfacing is backed by board-certified expertise. Having board-certified dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and credentialed providers collaborating under one roof helps ensure your laser treatment is performed safely and accurately for your unique skin type.
IPL uses broad-spectrum light energy to target pigment and redness beneath the skin with minimal downtime. Traditional laser skin resurfacing uses a concentrated laser beam to remove damaged outer skin layers and promote deeper collagen growth.
Topical numbing creams or local anesthesia are used during resurfacing procedures to ensure patient comfort. Most patients describe IPL sessions as feeling like a mild rubber band snap against the skin.
While single treatments provide visible improvements, most patients achieve optimal results with a series of 3 to 5 IPL sessions spaced about a month apart.
Yes. Laser treatments are frequently paired with cosmetic procedures such as Botox, dermal fillers, or surgical options such as a facelift or brow lift for comprehensive rejuvenation.
Costs depend on whether you undergo IPL therapy, non-ablative resurfacing, or full ablative laser treatment. Our team provides clear pricing details during your personal consultation.
