PL does not damage the skin surface, unlike dermabrasion and laser resurfacing. Therefore, there is virtually no recovery time. Treatments take approximately 30-45 minutes. Patients can apply makeup before leaving the office and return to work the same day. There is also minimal pain with IPL, unlike laser or radiofrequency resurfacing which both require topical anesthetic. Also, with IPL, a larger area can be treated at one time than with laser treatment.