What Stellar M22 IPL treats
Sun damage and age spots
Superficial brown pigmentation caused by sun exposure.
Facial redness and rosacea
Flushing, broken capillaries and persistent redness.
Uneven skin tone
Dull, congested complexions and uneven pigmentation.
Post-acne redness
Residual redness and improved overall skin clarity.
How IPL works
The Stellar M22's filtered light is tuned to target either pigment or blood vessels.
Pigment fragments are naturally cleared while treated vessels gradually fade.
A short course usually gives the most even, lasting result.
What to expect during treatment
IPL feels like a quick, warm snap against the skin, often compared to a light elastic band. Cooling is used throughout. Sessions are comfortable and typically take under an hour, depending on the area.
Downtime and aftercare
Downtime is minimal. Treated pigment may darken and "coffee-ground" before flaking away over a week or so; redness may settle within hours. Diligent sun protection is essential before and after treatment.
Minimal downtime
Most patients can return to their normal daily activities immediately after treatment, with only mild temporary skin reactions expected.
Mild redness
Redness may occur immediately after treatment and usually settles within a few hours.
Temporary darkening
Treated pigment may darken and "coffee-ground" before flaking away over a week or so.
Sun protection
Diligent sun protection is essential before and after treatment.
When will I see results?
Pigmentation often looks clearer within one to two weeks as treated spots lift away. Redness and vessel improvements build over a course of sessions.
Week 1 - 2
Ongoing improvements
Pigmentation and redness continue to fade, and overall skin tone and clarity improve.
Over a course of treatments
Long-term results
Results continue to develop as the skin’s clarity and evenness improve.
In the following months
Early improvements
Skin may look brighter and more even, with some pigmentation and redness appearing lighter.
Week 1-2
Early improvements
Skin may look brighter and more even, with some pigmentation and redness appearing lighter.
Over a course of treatments
Ongoing improvements
Pigmentation and redness continue to fade, and overall skin tone and clarity improve.
In the following months
Long-term results
Results continue to develop as the skin’s clarity and evenness improve.
Suitability and skin of colour
IPL is highly effective but is not suitable for every skin tone — used incorrectly on darker skin it carries a risk of pigment change. This is exactly why a dermatologist-led assessment matters. Where IPL is not the safest option, Dr Phillips will recommend an alternative such as the Q-switched Nd:YAG or Lutronic Derma V.
Before and after:
IPL results
Why choose Dr Derrick Phillips for IPL in London
Dr Phillips spent 12 years working within the NHS, including as a Consultant Dermatologist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, where he managed patients with complex inflammatory skin disease. He has particular expertise in the management of moderate-to-severe eczema, including biologic and systemic therapies, and contributed to published real-world outcomes for dupilumab in the British Journal of Dermatology (2020). He is also a chapter author of the Handbook of Systemic Drug Treatments in Dermatology (CRC Press) and has extensive experience diagnosing and treating eczema across diverse skin tones.
FAQs
What is the difference between IPL and laser?
IPL uses a broad spectrum of light; a laser uses a single focused wavelength. The right choice depends on the concern and your skin type, which Dr Phillips determines at consultation.
Is IPL safe for darker skin tones?
Not always. IPL carries a higher risk on darker skin, so careful assessment is essential — and Dr Phillips will recommend a safer alternative where appropriate.
How many IPL sessions will I need?
Most pigmentation and redness concerns benefit from a short course; the exact number is confirmed after assessment.
Is there downtime after IPL?
Minimal. Treated pigment may darken and flake over about a week, and any redness usually settles within hours.
Does IPL treat rosacea permanently?
IPL reduces redness and visible vessels effectively, but rosacea is a long-term condition that benefits from ongoing management rather than a one-off cure.