„We discussed my skin concerns after analyzing the results from my facial skin photos and developed a plan outlining the next steps to address those concerns."
Sekar I. AURA 3D skin analysis with Alexandra
Fresha
Inventors of IPL · Developed by Lumenis IPL Photofacial · Pigmentation · Couperose · Acne · Zurich HB
Stellar M22™ IPL for hyperpigmentation, couperose and acne
Over 150 clinical studies. Over 30,000 systems worldwide. Developed by Lumenis — the company with over 60 years of pioneering experience in aesthetic medicine and the inventor of the original IPL system. The treatment of choice during the colder months.
5.0★ · 800+ reviews · V-NISSG · Over 150 studies · The inventors of IPL
Who is it for?
Does this sound familiar?
Stellar M22™ covers two very different topics. Read the points that apply to you — the rest are not relevant to you.
- You have Discoloration after acne or a dull complexion and you want a more even, calmer complexion.
- You have Couperose or redness in the face that does not go away on its own.
- You have active acne or want to even out your complexion after the summer.
- Your skin looks sallow and uneven — a sign of photoageing — but you don’t want to resort to invasive treatments just yet.
- You have stretch marks on your stomach, thighs, bottom or arms — following pregnancy, growth or weight changes.
- You have acne scars or uneven skin texture that you want to treat in specific areas.
Not suitable for use on freshly tanned skin or skin treated with self-tanning products, during pregnancy, or if there are active infections in the area. Furthermore, IPL is not suitable for very dark skin (Fitzpatrick types V–VI) or for melasma — in such cases, we will discuss alternative options.
What is Stellar M22™?
Two technologies, one device
Stellar M22™ is a treatment platform from Lumenis — the company that invented IPL. Two technologies operate side by side on a single device: IPL for skin tone (pigmentation, redness, couperose) and fractional ResurFX™-Lasers for skin texture (stretch marks, scars, skin texture).
We choose the treatment based on your skin type, not according to a set formula. Sometimes it’s just light therapy, sometimes just laser treatment — and in suitable cases, both in a single session.
Manufacturer: Lumenis →
Indications
What we treat with it
Two modules, two applications. IPL stays on the surface, whilst ResurFX™ penetrates deep into the skin.
IPL — Skin tone
- Discoloration after acne and uneven complexion — for a more even complexion
- Couperose and redness — fine, superficial dilated blood vessels on the face are visibly reduced over the course of the treatment
- Active acne — light treatment for inflamed areas
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) following acne
- Fine lines and photoageing — Photorejuvenation
- Pigmentation on the décolletage and hands
ResurFX™ — Skin texture
- Stretch marks on the stomach, thighs, buttocks, upper arms, knees, chest and back — the main indication
- Acne scars, scattered
- Uneven skin texture
Experience shows that fresh, reddish stretch marks respond better to treatment than old, white ones.
We do not use IPL for melasma — it can make the skin look worse. Gentler treatments such as BioRePeel® or PRX-T33® are the better choice in this case.
Technology & Differentiation
How the two modules work
IPL — intense pulsed light
Using interchangeable filters (XPL™, OPT®, MSP™) in the 515–1200 nm range, the light acts selectively on melanin and oxyhaemoglobin — that is, on the pigment and on the fine blood vessels responsible for redness and couperose. No radio frequency, no HIFU. Continuous cooling protects the skin’s surface.
More about it in the blog: What is the difference between BBL and IPL?
ResurFX™ — fractional laser (1565 nm)
Non-ablative, with CoolScan™ cooling. The laser creates tiny microzones in the skin that stimulate tissue regeneration. The skin between the microzones remains intact — hence the relatively short downtime.
What sets us apart
Lumenis invented IPL — we use the original, not a copy. And because both modules run on a single device, pigmentation and skin texture can be treated in a single session. Lumenis refers to the combination of IPL and Vivace® RF microneedling as SmoothGlo™ →.
Clinical trials of ResurFX™ have shown a visible improvement in the appearance and colour of stretch marks in the majority of patients treated. Your results will depend on your age and the type of stretch marks you have.
Combinations
Rarely on its own. How we integrate Stellar M22™.
The result comes from the combination of these factors. IPL targets the tone, whilst other treatments address the texture and regeneration — in the correct order.
Same session
- Vivace® RF Microneedling — IPL first, then Vivace®. Skin tone and texture in a single session (SmoothGlo™ principle).
- ResurFX™ — IPL for pigmentation, ResurFX™ for skin texture.
- NCTF® · PolyPhil™ · Dermadrop TDA® — Active ingredients that work in the light, when the skin is ready to absorb them.
Before that
- Volnewmer® RF · BTL Exilis® Face — Energy comes before light (golden rule: RF first).
After that / at a distance
- BioRePeel® · PRX-T33® — at least a week apart.
- HydraFacial™ — a two-week interval.
Typical plan: AURA 3D skin analysis → IPL for pigmentation and couperose → Vivace® for skin texture once healed → NCTF® for regeneration. Following each facial treatment, the following are included Dermalux™ LED, a face mask and SPF 50 as well.
Procedure
This is how your treatment will work
01
Preparation & Plan
We’ll take a close look at your skin — using the AURA 3D skin analysis if you’d like. We’ll then determine which treatment module is best for you, check for any contraindications and identify the treatment areas. Freshly tanned skin is not suitable for IPL.
02
Treatment
You’ll be given safety goggles, and the area will be cooled. IPL uses short bursts of light — a warm flick, nothing more. ResurFX™ passes over the area in a single pass, taking 15 to 30 minutes depending on the size of the area.
03
Results & Maintenance
Treated pigmented areas initially darken before flaking off; any redness subsides over the course of the treatment. For couperose, two to three IPL sessions per year help maintain the results. SPF 50 is essential during this phase.
Prices
What you can expect
Stellar M22™ ResurFX™
Small areas / individual zonesfrom CHF 200
Full faceCHF 600
Body areas, per sessionCHF 800–1,200
What works best for you depends on your skin type and condition. You can find a full overview at Prices page →
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Stellar M22™ IPL and ResurFX™?
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light and works on the skin’s surface to treat pigmentation, redness and couperose. ResurFX™ is a fractional laser that penetrates deeper into the skin to rebuild its structure — treating stretch marks, scars and uneven texture. Both treatments run on the same Lumenis device and can be combined in a single session.
For which skin types is Stellar M22™ IPL suitable?
IPL is suitable for fair to medium skin types (Fitzpatrick I–IV). IPL is not used on very dark skin (V–VI) because the light hits too much melanin in the skin itself. IPL is also not suitable for melasma — in this case, we will discuss other treatments.
Does the treatment hurt?
IPL feels like a brief, warm snap on the skin, similar to a rubber band. A built-in cooling system keeps the skin surface comfortable. ResurFX™ is slightly more intense, but each session lasts only 15 to 30 minutes.
How many sessions will I need?
For pigmentation and couperose, we usually plan a course of treatment comprising several sessions, often three. ResurFX™ for stretch marks or scars generally requires three to five sessions, spaced a few weeks apart. The exact number depends on the condition of your skin and will be determined during the skin analysis.
What happens to hyperpigmentation after treatment?
The treated areas will darken in the first few days before they start to flake. This is to be expected and is a sign that the skin is responding. After that, the skin’s appearance will gradually become more even. During this phase, you must use sun protection with SPF 50.
Can I combine IPL and ResurFX™ in a single session?
Yes. IPL for pigmentation and redness, combined with ResurFX™ for skin texture, can be carried out in a single session — so you can address both tone and texture at the same time. Whether this is right for you depends on your skin condition and the amount of downtime you’re willing to accept.
Under what circumstances is treatment not possible?
Treatment is not carried out on freshly tanned skin or skin treated with self-tanning products, during pregnancy, in the presence of active infections or herpes in the treatment area, or whilst taking certain photosensitising medications. A minimum interval of six months is required following isotretinoin treatment. IPL is also not suitable for Fitzpatrick skin types V–VI or melasma.
How long will the downtime last?
After IPL, the skin is usually only slightly reddened and is ready for everyday activities again on the same day or the next. After ResurFX™, expect the skin to feel slightly rough and be reddened for around four days.
How effective is ResurFX™ for stretch marks?
Clinical trials of ResurFX™ have shown a visible improvement in the appearance and colour of stretch marks in the majority of patients treated. Your results will depend on the age and type of the stretch marks — fresh, reddish stretch marks respond better than older, white ones.
Next step
Whether it’s skin tone or skin texture — we’ll find the right solution.
Come along for a free skin analysis. Together, we’ll see whether IPL, ResurFX™ or both are right for your skin — no pressure, just a clear plan.
alestetics® · Konradstrasse 1 · 8005 Zurich Central Station · Mon–Fri 10:00–19:30 · Sat 09:00–17:00
Medically reviewed by Alexandra Stroganova, Founder & Pre-Aging Expert · As of: October 2026
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„Laserbehandlung sehr angenehm, schnell und überaus kompetent! (Im Vergleich mit Erfahrungen in anderer Praxis einfach mega!) Ihre Angebote sind massgeschneidert auf Kunde und wohlwollend. Kann ich jedem nur empfehlen."
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Fresha„exilis w/ katia … great service, very thorough, and super friendly. nice results as well… had already icoon some days before ,-)"
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Fresha„Ich möchte mich bei katja bedanken das sie mich so freundlich und kompetent beraten hat. Ich kann sie nur weiterempfehlen. Immer freundlich und aufgestellt. So etwas sieht man heutzutage selten. Danke für alles😊"
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Fresha„Alex was pleasant to speak with and was able to answer all of my questions about my treatments and future treatments."
Craig T. Primelase® consultation with Alexandra
Fresha„Aleksandra was very professional, warm and friendly. I was given great advice for what I needed even though I booked a completely different treatment. All risks and considerations well explained and I never felt 'sold' too. Great consultation… I found my new treatment home."
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