M22 Stellar Skin Resurfacing: How It Works and What to Expect

M22 Stellar skin resurfacing uses a device made by Lumenis that combines several light and laser technologies in one machine. The two used most for the face are intense pulsed light (IPL), which treats brown spots and redness, and a non-ablative fractional laser called ResurFX, which heats the deeper skin to prompt collagen without removing the surface. It is gentler than a CO2 laser, with less downtime and smaller changes per session.

This guide explains what the M22 Stellar does, how its two main treatments differ, and what to check before booking.

What the M22 Stellar is

The manufacturer describes the Stellar M22 as a platform with four technologies: IPL, the ResurFX fractional laser, and two Nd:YAG lasers used for blood vessels and dark tattoo ink. Having them in one device lets a provider treat pigment, redness and texture with the same system.

The two treatments used for M22 Stellar skin resurfacing

Intense pulsed light (IPL)

IPL is absorbed by melanin and by hemoglobin in blood. Lumenis describes it as heating excess melanin to fade sun spots and even skin tone, and targeting blood vessels to reduce redness. Our guide to the IPL laser facial covers who it suits.

ResurFX fractional laser

Lumenis describes ResurFX as “dermis-level fractional resurfacing” that works “without breaking the surface.” It delivers many tiny beams into the deeper skin and leaves the skin between them untouched. This is what “non-ablative fractional” means: the top layer is not removed.

The manufacturer cites a study of this laser in which patients had three treatments at four- or five-week intervals and showed a statistically significant improvement in a wrinkle score at three and six months.

How it compares with CO2 laser resurfacing

A CO2 laser removes the outer layer of skin. Cleveland Clinic says recovery from CO2 resurfacing takes up to two weeks and that redness can last months. A non-ablative laser leaves the surface intact, so recovery is shorter, and the manufacturer describes ResurFX as having “minimal downtime.”

The tradeoff is strength. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) describes laser resurfacing that removes skin as the most effective procedure for tightening loose skin, and says lasers that do not wound the surface usually need three to five treatments, with results appearing gradually over two to six months. See What is a CO2 facial laser?

What it is used for

Lumenis lists the uses of the platform as including sun damage and pigmentation, age spots, rosacea, skin texture, scars and stretch marks. These are the manufacturer’s descriptions. Ask your provider which technology they would use for your concern and what result is realistic.

Skin tone and safety

The two technologies carry different risks for darker skin.

IPL is absorbed by pigment, and published case reports describe burns and lasting pigment changes after IPL on darker skin, particularly with untrained operators. The manufacturer states that its settings allow treatment across all skin types, but the published cautions are a reason to ask about your provider’s experience with skin like yours.

For any laser or light treatment, the AAD says results “depend largely on the person performing your treatment,” and that sun protection afterwards helps prevent permanent scars.

What to tell your provider

The AAD advises mentioning the medicines you take, including isotretinoin, warfarin and aspirin, any tendency to cold sores, sensitivity to light, and whether you bruise easily.