IPL Photofacial in San Francisco
Compare IPL Photofacial providers in San Francisco across SF proper, Oakland, the Peninsula, and neighboring areas, with typical local pricing and public Google ratings for each one. See the range before you call.
Enter a 5-digit ZIP code to sort providers by distance.
IPL Photofacial in San Francisco typically costs $420-$1,120 per session.
Haight-Ashbury · 94117
Glogau Wrinkle Scale
★ 4.9 · 459 Google reviews
350 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94117
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Lafayette · 94549
Sanctuaire MD
★ 4.9 · 309 Google reviews
3587 Mount Diablo Blvd, Lafayette, CA, 94549
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Pleasant Hill · 94523
SkinScience Medical Spa
★ 4.9 · 249 Google reviews
140 Gregory Ln #290, Pleasant Hill, CA, 94523
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Union Square · 94108
Serenity Aesthetics & Wellness
★ 4.5 · 317 Google reviews
126 Post St 2nd floor, San Francisco, CA, 94108
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Nob Hill · 94109
Recharge Medical
★ 4.8 · 169 Google reviews
1456 California St, San Francisco, CA 94109
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Marina District · 94123
ParlourRx
★ 5.0 · 127 Google reviews
2030 Union St Suite 300C, San Francisco, CA 94123
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West Portal · 94127
Ivy En Rose Medical Spa
★ 4.9 · 63 Google reviews
323 W Portal Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94127
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Civic Center · 94102
Dr. Sheena Kong Med Spa
★ 4.5 · 43 Google reviews
490 Post St STE 1150, San Francisco, CA, 94102
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Mill Valley · 94941
Inner Image
★ 4.8 · 23 Google reviews
141 Camino Alto #1, Mill Valley, CA 94941
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This page lists 9 IPL Photofacial providers across Haight-Ashbury, Lafayette, Pleasant Hill, Union Square and nearby areas. All 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
$900‑$2,100
Series of 5 sessions
For more significant sun damage
$1,500‑$3,500
Face + neck
Extended treatment area
$400‑$900
Last updated September 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.