M22

About this treatment

M22 IPL photofacial is the multi-wavelength light therapy at our Sunnyvale clinic that targets rosacea, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and broken capillaries for Bay Area patients seeking clearer, more even skin. Unlike lasers that use a single wavelength, IPL delivers multiple wavelengths simultaneously, allowing it to treat multiple chromophores (pigment and hemoglobin) in a single session for comprehensive skin rejuvenation.

FAQ

How does the treatment work?

Your treatment begins with a thorough skin assessment to identify your specific concerns and select the appropriate IPL filters and settings. After cleansing, a clear cooling gel is applied to the treatment area. The IPL handpiece is placed against the skin and delivers precise pulses of light. The built-in cooling system protects the epidermis while the light energy penetrates to the targeted structures beneath. Our clinician systematically covers the entire treatment area, adjusting settings as needed for different zones. A series of 3-5 treatments spaced 3-4 weeks apart typically produces optimal results.

What is the science behind it?

IPL works through the principle of selective photothermolysis. The broad-spectrum light (typically 500-1200nm) is selectively absorbed by chromophores in the skin — melanin in pigmented lesions and oxyhemoglobin in blood vessels. When melanin absorbs the light energy, it heats up and fragments, allowing the body's immune system to clear the pigment debris. When hemoglobin in dilated blood vessels absorbs the energy, the vessel walls coagulate and collapse, redirecting blood flow to deeper, invisible vessels. Cutoff filters allow the clinician to select specific wavelength ranges to target different concerns in the same session.

What is the visit like?

An IPL session feels like a series of warm, rubber-band-like snaps on the skin. Most patients find it very tolerable without any anesthesia. Each pulse treats a large area, so a full-face treatment can be completed in just 20-30 minutes. Immediately after, you may notice mild redness and a warm sensation similar to a mild sunburn. Dark spots may temporarily darken and form tiny micro-crusts before flaking off over 5-7 days, revealing clearer, more even-toned skin beneath.

Risk notice

All cosmetic procedures carry risk: allergic reactions, infection, irreversible changes, suboptimal outcomes. Discuss your health history and expectations with the doctor in person.

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