M22™ Stellar IPL

M22™ IPL uses selected ranges of intense pulsed light to target melanin or haemoglobin in the skin. This can help improve certain dark spots, redness, visible blood vessels and uneven skin tone.

IPL releases a broad spectrum of light energy. During treatment, the provider selects the appropriate filter, pulse duration and energy level based on the skin concern being treated.

For pigmentation concerns, the light energy is mainly absorbed by melanin. This causes the targeted pigment to gradually break down or clear through the skin’s natural renewal process.

For redness and vascular concerns, the light is absorbed by haemoglobin within the blood vessels. This can help reduce the appearance of facial redness and visible small blood vessels.

The M22™ IPL handpiece can be used with different ExpertFilters™ and light-guide sizes. OPT™ technology helps control the distribution of energy throughout each pulse, while SapphireCool™ contact cooling helps protect the skin’s surface and improve comfort.

Simply put, M22™ IPL does not use the same light setting for every concern. The filter and treatment parameters are selected according to pigmentation, redness, acne and the individual condition of the skin.

Common treatment goals include freckles, sunspots, uneven skin tone, dullness, facial redness, rosacea-related redness, visible small blood vessels and certain types of inflammatory acne.

M22™ IPL may be assessed for concerns such as:

Freckles, sunspots and certain age spots
Certain benign pigmentation concerns
Uneven skin tone and dullness caused by sun exposure
Facial redness and rosacea-related redness
Visible capillaries or small blood vessels
Certain types of inflammatory acne and acne-related redness
Mild fine lines and signs of sun damage
Overall skin tone and radiance

The face is the most common treatment area. Depending on the concern, the neck, chest, hands and other areas affected by sun damage, pigmentation or visible blood vessels may also be treated.

The M22™ IPL handpiece can be used with different ExpertFilters™ for different concerns:

515 nm filter: Mainly used for superficial pigmentation, including freckles, sunspots and dull skin tone.
560 nm filter: Commonly used for pigmentation, mild redness and uneven skin tone.
590 nm filter: Commonly used for facial redness, visible capillaries and some deeper pigmentation.
615 nm filter: May be used for deeper pigmentation and vascular concerns, as well as certain hair-removal treatments.
640 nm filter: Mainly used for darker and coarser hair.
695 nm filter: Commonly used for deeper hair follicles or selected darker skin tones.
755 nm filter: Mainly targets deeper hair follicles and may be selected for certain skin and hair types.
Acne filter: Designed to target inflammatory acne and acne-related redness.
Vascular filter: Designed for visible capillaries, persistent redness and other superficial vascular concerns.

Not every spot, area of redness or acne concern should be treated with the same filter. Before treatment, the provider should determine whether the concern is mainly related to pigmentation, blood vessels, inflammation or skin structure, and then select an appropriate treatment mode.

Some clients may notice early changes in skin tone or pigmentation after one treatment. However, more widespread pigmentation, redness, acne or sun damage usually requires a series of treatments. Results may last for a period of time, but they are not permanent.

There is no single treatment number that is suitable for everyone.

Small, superficial freckles or sunspots may begin to change after one session. More widespread pigmentation, ongoing facial redness, rosacea-related redness or recurring inflammatory acne usually requires several treatments.

After pigmentation treatment, dark spots may temporarily become darker before gradually fading or forming small, light crusts over the following days. Redness and vascular concerns usually improve gradually as the blood vessels and inflammation respond to treatment. The full result may not be visible immediately after the session.

The number of treatments needed may depend on:

Whether the main concern is pigmentation, redness, visible blood vessels or acne
The size, depth and severity of the concern
Skin tone and the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Recent sun exposure and skin sensitivity
The filter, pulse duration and energy settings used
How the skin responds after each session
The level of improvement the client hopes to achieve

Results can last for a period of time, but sun exposure, natural ageing, hormonal changes, rosacea flare-ups and acne recurrence may continue to affect the skin.

Previously treated sunspots may not immediately return, but new pigmentation can develop with continued sun exposure. Maintenance treatments should be based on the client’s results and current skin condition rather than following the same fixed schedule for everyone.

During treatment, you may feel warmth, mild stinging or a sensation similar to a light rubber-band snap. Most IPL treatments do not need numbing cream, although comfort can vary by treatment area and individual sensitivity.

During M22™ IPL treatment, a clear coupling gel is usually applied to the skin. The cooled light-guide is then placed against the treatment area.

Each pulse may feel like a brief flash of heat, a mild sting or a light snapping sensation.

The experience may vary depending on the treatment:

Full-face treatments for skin tone and radiance are usually relatively comfortable
Darker or more concentrated spots may feel more noticeable
Areas with thinner skin or more prominent bone structure, such as the nose, upper lip and cheekbones, may be more sensitive
Vascular and acne settings may produce different levels of warmth

Numbing cream is not usually required. Because numbing products may affect blood-vessel response or make it more difficult to observe the skin during treatment, they should only be used when recommended by the provider.

Clients should not apply unapproved numbing products or take pain medication without professional guidance.

If you experience persistent burning, sharp pain or a noticeably different sensation in one area, tell the provider immediately. A more painful treatment does not necessarily produce a better result.

The treatment itself usually takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes. The total appointment time may be longer because it also includes consultation, photography, cleansing, parameter selection and aftercare instructions.

The treatment time depends on the size and location of the treatment area, the filters being used and whether more than one skin concern is being addressed.

A complete appointment may include:

Health and skin assessment
Review of recent sun exposure and previous treatments
Before-treatment photography
Cleansing of the treatment area
Professional eye protection
Application of a clear coupling gel
A test spot when appropriate
The IPL treatment
Post-treatment assessment and aftercare instructions

The IPL portion generally takes around 15 to 30 minutes.

Treating a small localized spot may take less time. Treating the full face, neck or chest, or using different filters for both pigmentation and redness, will usually take longer.

Clients should allow more time for the appointment than the treatment time alone.

Most clients can return to normal daily activities relatively quickly. However, temporary redness, warmth, mild swelling, darkening of pigmentation or small crusts may occur.

M22™ IPL is generally considered a treatment with a relatively short recovery period. However, a short recovery period does not mean the skin will have no visible reaction.

Possible reactions vary according to the treatment goal:

Full-face photorejuvenation: Temporary redness, warmth or mild dryness
Pigmentation treatment: Dark spots may temporarily become darker before fading or forming light crusts
Redness and vascular treatment: Temporary swelling, redness or darkening of visible vessels
Acne treatment: Temporary redness, dryness or a short-term increase in the visibility of acne
Higher-intensity treatment: Mild swelling, purplish-red spots or localized crusting

Most mild redness gradually settles. The recovery time will depend on the client’s skin tone, treatment filter, energy level, treatment area and individual response.

Clients with an upcoming wedding, photoshoot, major event or close-up appearance should leave enough recovery time rather than assuming that the skin will look completely normal immediately after treatment.

Not every IPL mode is suitable for every skin tone. Clients with deeper skin tones, recent tanning or a history of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation require a more careful assessment.

Some IPL energy is absorbed by melanin. When the skin is naturally deeper in tone or has recently been tanned, the melanin in the skin’s surface may absorb more energy. This can increase the risk of burns, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or loss of pigment.

M22™ treatments can be customized using different ExpertFilters™, pulse durations, divided pulses and energy settings. Some Stellar M22 modes also use multiple sub-pulses, allowing the skin time to cool between pulses.

However, being suitable for a range of skin tones does not mean that:

Every filter is suitable for every skin tone
Every client can be treated with the same energy
Recently tanned or sunburned skin can be treated immediately
Deeper skin tones have no risk of pigmentation changes

Before treatment, the provider should assess the client’s skin tone, recent sun exposure, history of pigmentation changes, type of skin concern and level of sensitivity.

A small test spot may be recommended when appropriate, or another treatment may be considered if IPL is not the safest option.

M22™ IPL may improve certain freckles, sunspots, age spots and sun-related uneven pigmentation. However, the spots must first be confirmed as appropriate benign pigmentation concerns.

M22™ IPL light energy can be absorbed by melanin, helping to improve certain superficial and sun-related pigmentation concerns, including:

Freckles
Sunspots
Certain age spots
Uneven pigmentation caused by sun damage
Certain types of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

After treatment, the spots may temporarily become darker before gradually fading or forming small, light crusts. This is often a temporary response to the light energy.

Clients should not scratch, rub or remove the darkened pigment or crusts.

Not every dark spot is ordinary pigmentation. Any lesion that has recently changed in shape, colour or size should receive an appropriate medical assessment before cosmetic light treatment.

Moles, deeper pigmentation, melasma and mixed pigmentation concerns should not automatically be treated in the same way as freckles or sunspots.

Certain types of facial redness, rosacea-related redness and visible small blood vessels may improve with M22™ IPL after professional assessment. However, IPL cannot permanently cure every case of rosacea.

Certain IPL wavelengths are absorbed by haemoglobin within blood vessels. This can help make targeted vessels smaller or less visible.

M22™ IPL may be assessed for:

Widespread facial redness
Rosacea-related redness
Visible blood vessels around the nose and cheeks
Certain facial capillaries or telangiectasia
Sun-damaged skin with both redness and pigmentation

Rosacea is a chronic condition that may flare repeatedly. Common triggers can include heat, alcohol, spicy food, sun exposure, stress and irritating skincare products.

IPL may improve the appearance of redness and visible blood vessels, but it cannot guarantee a permanent cure.

If the skin is experiencing significant burning, active inflammation, pustules or severe barrier damage, the inflammation may need to be controlled before IPL treatment is considered.

Certain types of inflammatory acne and acne-related redness may be treated with the M22™ Acne filter. However, IPL is not suitable for every type of acne.

M22™ IPL includes a treatment mode designed for acne. The light energy targets factors associated with acne inflammation and may help reduce certain acne-related bacteria, inflammation and redness.

Common treatment goals may include:

Recurring red and inflamed pimples
Mild to moderate inflammatory acne
Redness around active breakouts
Acne marks and uneven skin tone occurring at the same time

M22™ IPL does not replace a complete acne-management plan.

Blackheads, whiteheads, hormonal acne, deep cysts, severe nodular acne or acne that is actively causing scarring may require prescription medication, topical products or other medical treatment.

IPL should not be performed directly over broken skin, draining lesions, severe cysts or active infection. The acne type and severity should be assessed before treatment.

Some clients with melasma may be considered for M22™ IPL after professional assessment. However, melasma is easily affected by light, heat and inflammation, and it often returns. M22™ IPL should not be presented as a one-time or permanent cure.

Melasma is a complex and recurring pigmentation condition. It may be influenced by ultraviolet exposure, visible light, hormones, genetics, inflammation and damage to the skin barrier.

Even when pigmentation improves after treatment, melasma may darken again if the triggers remain.

Some clients may be suitable for a gentle and personalized M22™ IPL treatment plan, particularly when melasma occurs together with superficial pigmentation, sunspots, uneven skin tone or facial redness.

However, possible responses include:

Temporary darkening of pigmentation
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Improvement followed by recurrence
Darkening caused by sun exposure or hormonal changes

Before treatment, the provider should assess:

Whether the pigmentation is truly melasma
Whether the melasma is currently active
The client’s skin tone and risk of hyperpigmentation
Recent tanning, sunburn or skin sensitivity
Previous reactions to IPL or laser treatments

If the melasma has recently become darker, the skin is inflamed or sensitive, or the client previously developed pigmentation after light treatment, it may be more appropriate to begin with sun protection, topical products and skin-barrier care.

M22™ IPL may be one part of an overall melasma-management plan, but permanent removal cannot be guaranteed. Consistent broad-spectrum sun protection is still necessary. A tinted sunscreen containing iron oxides may also be recommended to help reduce visible-light exposure.

M22™ IPL may help improve mild fine lines, uneven skin tone and signs of sun damage. However, its effect on enlarged pores, depressed acne scars or significant skin unevenness is usually limited.

M22™ IPL mainly targets pigment and blood vessels in the skin. It is therefore more suitable for improving:

Sunspots, dullness and uneven skin tone
Skin with both redness and pigmentation
Mild signs of sun damage
Certain fine lines and overall skin radiance

When pigmentation and redness are reduced, the skin may appear smoother and more even. Pores and fine lines may also look less noticeable.

However, enlarged pores, depressed acne scars and significant textural irregularities are usually related to collagen loss and structural changes within the skin. M22™ IPL has a more limited effect on these deeper structural concerns.

If the main goal is to improve skin tone, sunspots, redness and mild fine lines, M22™ IPL may be suitable. If the main concern is enlarged pores or depressed acne scars, the scar type and depth should first be assessed before selecting a more appropriate treatment plan.

M22™ IPL uses a broad range of intense pulsed light and is often used to improve both pigmentation and redness. Picosecond lasers use extremely short pulses at specific wavelengths and are generally more focused on pigmentation, tattoos or selected texture concerns.

M22™ IPL and picosecond lasers use different forms of light energy.

M22™ IPL

Uses a broad range of light wavelengths
Uses different filters to change the treatment range
Mainly targets melanin and haemoglobin
Commonly used for sunspots, uneven skin tone, redness, visible blood vessels and certain types of acne

Picosecond laser

Uses specific laser wavelengths
Delivers extremely short pulses
Mainly uses rapid photoacoustic or photomechanical effects to target pigment
Depending on the device and handpiece, may be used for pigmentation, tattoos, pores, fine lines or acne scars

If a client has both brown spots and facial redness, M22™ IPL may be considered for a more combined approach. If the main concern is a specific pigment condition, tattoo or texture concern that requires a picosecond fractional mode, a picosecond laser may be more appropriate.

Neither treatment is automatically better. The choice should depend on skin tone, the type and depth of the concern, treatment goals and acceptable recovery time.

Yes, but not every treatment should be performed on the same day. The order and timing should be planned according to the treatment area, skin response and recovery.

Different treatments address different concerns and tissue levels. For example:

M22™ IPL mainly targets certain pigmentation, redness, visible blood vessels and inflammatory acne
Picosecond lasers mainly target selected pigmentation, tattoos and texture concerns
Radiofrequency microneedling is often used for pores, acne scars and dermal remodelling
Botulinum toxin is mainly used for certain dynamic wrinkles
Dermal fillers are mainly used to restore volume and improve facial contours

Being able to combine treatments does not mean that more treatments or shorter intervals will produce better results.

The provider should consider:

Whether the treatments affect the same area
Whether the skin still has redness, crusting or inflammation
The type, location and timing of any injectable treatment
Whether the client is prone to pigmentation or slow recovery
The amount of recovery time the client can accept

If you have recently received laser treatment, picosecond laser, radiofrequency microneedling, chemical peels, botulinum toxin, dermal fillers or thread treatments, provide the approximate date and treatment area before your M22™ IPL appointment.

Please disclose your current health conditions, medications, allergies, recent sun exposure, active skin concerns and any recent injections, surgery or other aesthetic treatments.

Before receiving M22™ IPL, tell the provider if any of the following applies to you:

You are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding
The treatment area has an open wound, infection, eczema, dermatitis or severe inflammation
You have a history of cold sores or herpes simplex
You have a history of keloids, hypertrophic scars or abnormal wound healing
You are using medication or herbal products that may cause photosensitivity
You are taking anticoagulant medication or have a bleeding disorder
You currently use or recently used oral isotretinoin
You recently had strong sun exposure, sunburn, tanning-bed exposure or intentional tanning
You have melasma or previously developed hyperpigmentation after light treatment
The treatment area contains a tattoo, permanent makeup, implant or suspicious pigmented lesion
You recently received laser treatment, injections, threads, surgery, microneedling or a chemical peel
You have epilepsy, a photosensitive condition or another important medical condition
You are planning treatment near the eyes and have a history of eye surgery or eye disease

These situations do not always mean that treatment is impossible. However, they may affect whether treatment is appropriate, which filter and energy level should be used, whether a test spot is needed and how recovery should be managed.

Do not stop any prescription medication without medical guidance. When necessary, speak with the prescribing physician before treatment.

After treatment, cleanse and moisturize gently. Avoid rubbing, picking, sun exposure and high-heat environments, and use broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly.

General aftercare may include:

Use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer
Avoid washing the treatment area with hot water
Do not scratch, rub or remove small crusts
Temporarily stop scrubs, exfoliating acids, retinoids and irritating brightening products
Avoid saunas, steam rooms and hot yoga while the skin is still red or warm
Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning beds and intentional tanning
Use broad-spectrum sunscreen and physical protection such as a hat
After pigmentation treatment, do not pick at darkened spots or crusts

The timing for returning to makeup, exercise and active skincare products should depend on the treatment intensity and the skin’s recovery.

If the skin still has significant burning, swelling, broken areas or crusting, continue to avoid irritating products and activities that cause heavy sweating.

Sun protection after treatment does more than protect sensitive skin. It also helps reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and the development of new pigmentation.

The cost depends on the treatment area, treatment size, filters used, skin concern and recommended number of sessions. A specific plan and price should be explained after the skin assessment and before treatment.

Different M22™ IPL treatments may require different treatment times and settings, for example:

Localized freckles or sunspots
Full-face pigmentation and uneven skin tone
Facial redness and visible small blood vessels
Rosacea-related redness
Inflammatory acne and acne-related redness
Face, neck or chest treatment

For this reason, one fixed price cannot represent every M22™ treatment.

When requesting a quote, it is helpful to confirm whether the price includes:

The exact treatment area and size
Whether the treatment uses IPL or another M22™ module
Whether more than one filter is required
Localised or full-face treatment
The recommended number of sessions and treatment intervals
Pre-treatment assessment and photography
Post-treatment care and follow-up
Any additional treatments included in the plan

Treatment decisions should not be based only on the lowest price or the number of flashes used. Correct assessment of the concern, filter selection, energy settings and provider experience are also important factors in treatment quality.

You can use the provider-search function on the official Lumenis patient website and confirm the device name, clinic address, treatment module and provider information when you arrive.

Before booking, you may use the Lumenis patient website or the Aesthetipedia “Find a Provider” or “Find a Center” function to search for nearby Lumenis treatment providers.

When reviewing the listing or visiting the clinic, check:

The clinic’s official name
The exact address of the location providing treatment
Whether the device is M22™ or Stellar M22™
Whether the treatment is IPL or another M22™ module
Whether the provider has received relevant training
Whether a health and skin assessment is completed before treatment
Whether the selected filter is appropriate for the concern being treated

In Canada, you may also search Health Canada’s Medical Devices Active Licence Listing to confirm whether the device holds an active medical-device licence. The Lumenis M22 System and Stellar M22 are currently listed under active licences.

However, appearing in an official provider search does not independently guarantee every device, filter or treatment detail used on site.

If a clinic does not appear in the search results, this does not automatically mean that the equipment is not authentic. The clinic may be listed under a different registered name or address. You may confirm the official business name and contact Lumenis Canada for further information.

Contact the treatment provider promptly if you experience worsening pain, significant blistering or burns, signs of infection, unusual swelling, major pigmentation changes or eye symptoms.

Temporary redness, mild swelling, warmth, dryness or temporary darkening of spots may be part of the normal recovery process and should gradually improve.

However, symptoms should not simply be monitored at home if they are getting worse, spreading or significantly affecting daily activities.

Contact the treatment provider promptly if you experience:

Pain or burning that continues to worsen
Significant blistering, burns or widespread broken skin
Swelling that continues to spread or becomes noticeably uneven
Pus, an unusual odour, local heat or other signs of infection
Rapid darkening, obvious whitening or unusual changes in skin colour
Crusting that does not heal
Noticeable scarring, hard lumps, indentations or changes in skin texture
Suspected cold-sore or herpes recurrence
A widespread rash or significant allergic reaction
Eye pain, sensitivity to light, persistent tearing or vision changes after treatment near the eyes

If you develop difficulty breathing, significant swelling of the face or throat, sudden vision changes or another rapidly worsening symptom, seek emergency medical care immediately rather than waiting for the clinic to respond.

When contacting the provider, send clear photographs if possible and record when the symptoms began, how quickly they changed, the level of pain and any skincare products or medication used afterward.

Do not puncture blisters, remove crusts or strongly massage the treatment area. Lumenis safety information lists possible risks such as redness, swelling, scarring and changes in pigmentation.