Quick Summary
- SmoothGlo is a combination treatment (IPL + Sublative RF) done as a series of 3 sessions spaced 3-4 weeks apart, not a single one-time treatment.
- Each session builds on the last — IPL progressively addresses pigmentation and vascular concerns while Sublative RF accumulates collagen-building effects.
- Downtime is minimal: mild redness and warmth for a few hours, with possible light pinpoint marks resolving within 2-5 days.
- Results from the full series can last many months, and many patients choose one or two maintenance treatments per year to sustain and extend results.
- SmoothGlo is best suited for light-to-medium skin tones (Fitzpatrick I-IV) — your dermatologist will confirm candidacy during a consultation.
SmoothGlo is a corrective, regenerative treatment — its "how long does it last" question is really about a full treatment series and the maintenance that follows, not a single visit.
Understanding the SmoothGlo Protocol
SmoothGlo is a single, sequential treatment session that combines two technologies performed in a specific order in the same appointment (typically 45-60 minutes total): first IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), then Sublative RF (radiofrequency). The standard protocol is a series of 3 treatments spaced 3-4 weeks apart — each session builds on the previous one, with the IPL progressively addressing pigmentation and vascular concerns while the Sublative RF accumulates collagen-building effects over the series.
Downtime and Early Results
SmoothGlo is designed as a minimal-downtime treatment. Most patients experience mild redness and warmth for a few hours after the IPL step, and possibly light pinpoint marks from the Sublative RF that resolve within 2-5 days. Pigmented spots targeted by the IPL may temporarily darken and shed over 1-2 weeks — a normal, expected part of the clearing process, not a complication.
How Long Do Results Last After the Full Series?
Because SmoothGlo combines surface-level correction (IPL) with deeper collagen stimulation (Sublative RF), results tend to be meaningfully longer-lasting than single-mechanism treatments. After completing the initial 3-session series, many patients choose one or two maintenance treatments per year to sustain and extend their results as natural aging and new sun exposure continue in the background.
Is SmoothGlo Right for You?
SmoothGlo is best suited for adults with light to medium skin tones (Fitzpatrick I-IV) showing early to moderate signs of photoaging — sun spots, redness, uneven tone, fine lines, and mild skin laxity. The IPL component has limitations for very dark skin tones due to hyperpigmentation risk from broad-spectrum light, so your dermatologist will assess your skin type during a consultation to confirm candidacy.
Ready to start your SmoothGlo series?
Our board-certified dermatologists see patients at our Burien and Bellevue offices — same-week appointments are often available.
Schedule a ConsultationWhat to Expect
Your dermatologist will walk through the full 3-session protocol, realistic timeline for results, and a maintenance plan tailored to your skin's specific needs during your consultation.