Intense Pulsed Light (abbreviated IPL) describes the use of intense pulses of light targeting various layers of the skin. This enables effective treatment of a broad spectrum of conditions, including vascular and pigmented lesions, skin aging treatments and hair removal. The Lumenis Stellar IPL works by delivering filtered light pulses that target either melanin (for pigmentation) or hemoglobin (for redness and blood vessels) in the skin, breaking them down while leaving the surrounding tissue unharmed. This process triggers the body's natural healing response leading to a more even skin tone and texture. The Stellar M22 also includes advanced features like Optimal Pulse Technology (OPT™), which allows for customization based on skin type, and integrated cooling to ensure patient safety and comfort.  

Broad spectrum pulsed light is transmitted through a continuously cooled applicator, gently placed over the skin. Filters in the handpiece change the range of wavelengths, optimizing it for different conditions and skin types. The light penetrates the tissue and is absorbed by either the redness(blood chromophores when treating vascular lesions and melanin, when treating pigment and age spot lesions).  The body’s natural processes then clear the lesion debris, giving the skin a more even and youthful appearance.Targeting discoloration and vessels:

The Optilight M22 IPL effectively treats over 30 skin conditions alone, including:

Rosacea~Sun damage~Sun Spots~Pigmentation~Acne~Scarring~Enlarged Pores~Vascular Lesions~Vessels...

Optilight M22 IPL Can Drastically Help with...

-Skin Rejuvenation – a gentle, non-invasive treatment for the appearance of rosacea and redness/flushing

-Rosacea- targets the tiny blood vessels and inflammation that cause facial redness and flushing. By reducing dilated vessels and calming underlying inflammation, it helps control rosacea flare-ups and even smooths skin tone. Over time, patients notice fewer breakouts, less facial redness, and healthier-looking skin. An added benefit is that it can also improve texture and minimize sun damage, giving the complexion an overall clearer, more even appearance.

-Ocular Rosacea- For many patients, rosacea isn’t just skin-deep — it also affects the eyelids and oil glands, a condition known as ocular rosacea, which often contributes to dry, irritated, even waterey eyes. OptiLight(The only IPL FDA approved to treat dry eyes) treats both the facial and eyelid areas. This makes it one of the only rosacea treatments that effectively treats rosacea-related dry eye symptoms.

-Pigmentation – non-invasive treatment to improve the appearance of all kinds of pigmentation, including sunspots/freckles, age-spots, hyperpigmentation.

-Acne – a gentle IPL treatment that addresses both P. Acne bacteria, drastically improving the appearance of acne. IPL can also reduce the inflammation and redness that is often present with acne. It can also address inflammatory acne by targeting both p.acnes bacteria and the pigmentation and redness of the skin.

-Lesions – non-invasive treatment for veins, broken capillaries, angioma.

In many practices—including advanced aesthetic centers like ours—IPL is often paired with other modalities (such as ResurFX or Opus Plasma) to maximize results for pigmentation, texture, and collagen remodeling, offering a comprehensive approach to skin rejuvenation.

OptiLight IPL is ideal for individuals looking to treat both the underlying causes of dry eye disease and improve overall skin clarity and tone. Because the OptiLight M22 system uses advanced wavelength filters and precision pulse technology, it allows for safer, more customizable treatments across a wider range of skin types than many traditional IPL systems. While very dark skin tones still require evaluation on a case-by-case basis, most fair to moderately pigmented skin types (Fitzpatrick I–V) can be safely treated. The adjustable filters make it especially versatile for those with redness, rosacea, sun damage, or uneven pigmentation—offering both ocular and aesthetic benefits with exceptional precision and comfort.

During an OptiLight IPL treatment, you can expect a quick, comfortable, and non-invasive procedure. Protective eye shields will be placed over your eyes, and a cooling gel is applied to the skin. As the pulses of light are delivered, most patients describe the sensation as a quick, gentle snap or flash of warmth, but discomfort is minimal and well tolerated. The treatment typically takes 15–30 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated—such as the cheeks, nose, or periocular region for dry eye and rosacea.

After treatment, you may notice mild redness or warmth in the treated areas, similar to a light sunburn. This usually resolves within a few hours to a day. Some patients may see temporary darkening of pigmentation spots as they rise to the surface—this is a normal part of the skin’s renewal process, and these spots typically flake or fade within about a week. Most people can return to normal activities immediately, though we recommend avoiding direct sun exposure and using broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to protect your results.

Over the following days and weeks, you can expect clearer, more even skin tone, reduced redness, and for many patients with dry eye or ocular rosacea, relief of irritation and improved comfort. For best outcomes, a series of sessions is often recommended, with results building over time.