Inner Richmond · 94118
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Aaron Chen, DO
3838 California St RM 610, San Francisco, CA, 94118
$420-$630/session
Estimated pricing
IPL Photofacial in San Francisco
Compare IPL Photofacial providers in San Francisco with transparent pricing from verified providers across SF proper, Oakland, the Peninsula, and neighboring areas. View real prices, from real providers that fit within your budget before booking an appointment.
Enter a 5-digit ZIP code to sort providers by distance.
IPL Photofacial in San Francisco typically costs $420-$1,120 per treatment ($420-$630 per session).
Top IPL Photofacial providers in San Francisco
Orinda · 94563
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Adrianna J. Browne, M.D.
8 Cam Encinas #115, Orinda, CA, 94563
$420-$630/session
Estimated pricing
San Rafael · 94901
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Advanced Medical & Surgical Dermatology
712 D St D, San Rafael, CA, 94901
$420-$630/session
Estimated pricing
Mill Valley · 94941
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Aesthetic Dermatology and Skin Cancer: Stefan Lowenstein, M.D.
535 Miller Ave, Mill Valley, CA, 94941
$420-$630/session
Estimated pricing
Walnut Creek · 94596
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Afshin Parhiscar, MD
1844 San Miguel Dr #109, Walnut Creek, CA, 94596
$420-$630/session
Estimated pricing
Mission District · 94110
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Aileen Chang
1001 Potrero Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94110
$420-$630/session
Estimated pricing
San Francisco · 94143
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Aileen Chang
505 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94143
$420-$630/session
Estimated pricing
Redwood City · 94063
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Albert Sean Chiou, MD, MBA
450 Broadway Pavilion B 4th Floor, Redwood City, CA, 94063
$420-$630/session
Estimated pricing
Nob Hill · 94109
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Albert W. Chow, M.D.
1 Daniel Burnham Ct ste 368c, San Francisco, CA, 94109
$420-$630/session
Estimated pricing
This page lists 9 IPL Photofacial providers across Inner Richmond, Orinda, San Rafael, Mill Valley and nearby areas. 6 of them have public Google ratings shown above.
Pricing shown is estimated based on San Francisco regional averages unless marked "Provider verified." Ratings and review counts are public Google ratings.
Always confirm pricing directly with the provider.
What is an IPL Photofacial?
IPL (intense pulsed light) photofacial uses broad-spectrum light to target and break down pigmentation, redness, and sun damage in the skin. It is one of the most popular treatments for sun spots, freckles, rosacea, broken capillaries, and overall skin tone unevenness.
Treatment takes 20 to 40 minutes. A series of 3 to 5 sessions spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart is typically recommended for best results, followed by annual maintenance. After treatment, pigmented spots temporarily darken (the "coffee ground" effect) before flaking off within 7 to 10 days.
BBL (BroadBand Light) by Sciton is a widely used and highly regarded IPL device. BBL HERO is the high-powered version for faster treatments. The underlying technology is the same — targeted light energy — but device quality and settings vary between clinics.
How much does an IPL Photofacial cost in San Francisco?
IPL photofacial in San Francisco typically costs between $420 and $1,120 per session. Most patients complete 3 to 5 sessions for full correction.
Single session (face)
Full face treatment
$300-$700
Series of 3 sessions
Most common starter package
$800-$1,800
Series of 5 sessions
For more significant sun damage
$1,200-$3,000
Face + neck
Extended treatment area
$400-$900
Last updated June 2026. Estimates reflect San Francisco regional averages and Get Clear Beauty provider data — read how we estimate prices.
What to ask your provider
- What IPL device do you use — BBL, BBL HERO, or another system? How does your device compare?
- Am I a good candidate for IPL given my skin tone? (IPL is not safe for darker skin tones)
- How many sessions do you recommend for my specific concerns?
- What does aftercare look like — downtime, sun sensitivity, skincare restrictions?
- How much will my spots darken before they resolve?
- What happens if the spots don't fully clear after the recommended series?
Frequently asked questions
How much does IPL photofacial cost in San Francisco?
IPL photofacial in San Francisco typically runs $420 to $1,120 per session. Most patients need 3 to 5 sessions for optimal results. the San Francisco Bay Area carries some of the highest commercial rents and most in-demand practitioners in the country, pushing rates above the national median.
How many IPL sessions do I need?
Most patients need 3 to 5 sessions spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart. Lighter sun damage may clear in 2 to 3 sessions. More significant discoloration, rosacea, or vascular lesions may require 5 or more. Annual maintenance is typically recommended.
Is IPL safe for all skin tones?
No. IPL is generally safe for skin tones Fitzpatrick I through III (light to medium). Darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV through VI) are at risk for hyperpigmentation or burns because the device targets melanin, which is more abundant in darker skin. Consult a provider experienced in treating your skin tone.
What is the difference between IPL and laser treatment?
IPL uses a broad spectrum of light wavelengths; lasers use a single wavelength. IPL treats multiple concerns (pigmentation, redness, texture) in one pass but is generally less intense than targeted laser treatments. For focused resurfacing, a laser like Fraxel or Halo may be more appropriate.
Where can I find IPL Photofacial near me?
Get Clear Beauty lists verified IPL Photofacial providers with prices posted up front across SF proper, Oakland, the Peninsula, and neighboring areas. Search by ZIP code to find the closest providers to your location and compare prices before you book.
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