M22 IPL photofacial uses intense pulsed light (IPL) at multiple wavelengths to treat the skin — different wavelengths target different chromophores, allowing simultaneous improvement of many superficial skin concerns, making it one of the most popular ‘entry-level light-based rejuvenation’ treatments in Korean aesthetic medicine. Common indications include: (1) Enlarged pores, rough skin texture. (2) Facial redness, broken capillaries, sensitive flushed skin. (3) Superficial freckles, sun spots, age spots and other pigmentation. (4) Overall skin dullness, sallowness, uneven tone. (5) Photoageing-related fine lines and texture degradation. (6) T-zone oiliness, clogged pores. M22 IPL treats multiple skin concerns — ‘pores + redness + spots + dullness’ — in one session, making it the ideal ‘egg-skin’ device for total skin-quality upgrade. Rappoel Dermatology near Gangnam Station, Seoul, provides M22 IPL photofacial treatment.
Technical Principles of M22 IPL
- Multi-wavelength pulsed light: M22 emits non-laser pulsed light at 500-1200nm — different filters select different wavelengths, each targeting different chromophores (melanin, oxyhemoglobin, water molecules)
- Selective photothermolysis: The pulsed light penetrates the skin and is absorbed by melanin or blood vessels, converting to heat that destroys pigment spots, coagulates micro-vessels, and stimulates collagen regeneration — without damaging surrounding normal tissue
- M22 device advantages: Compared to traditional IPL, M22 offers (1) OPT (Optimal Pulse Technology): uniform and stable energy output, reducing burn risk; (2) AOPT (Advanced OPT): adjustable per-pulse energy and duration for precise treatment of different concerns; (3) 9 wavelength filters covering a wide range of indications
- Simultaneous multi-concern treatment: One session can target pigmentation, vessels, and skin texture together — this is the unique advantage over single-wavelength lasers (such as Q-switched Nd:YAG or pulsed dye laser)
- Gentle and non-invasive: No anesthesia needed, no epidermal damage, no downtime or only brief mild redness for a few hours; it’s one of the most popular ‘lunchtime aesthetic’ options
Filter Selection Strategy by Skin Concern
- Pigmentation spots (freckles, sun spots): 515nm or 560nm filter — peak melanin absorption, precisely breaks up superficial spots
- Rosacea and flushing: 590nm or vascular filter — peak oxyhemoglobin absorption, coagulates dilated micro-vessels, reduces redness
- Enlarged pores and oiliness: Acne filter (dual-mode 400-600nm + 800-1200nm) — suppresses sebaceous gland secretion, kills acne bacteria, treats acne and pores
- Photoageing and fine lines: 640nm or 695nm filter — deeper penetration, stimulates dermal collagen regeneration, improves fine lines and skin texture
- Overall skin-tone upgrade: 560nm or 590nm filter for ‘whole-face superficial treatment’ — evens skin tone, brightens, improves dullness
- Combination skin concerns: Patients with multiple concerns (e.g., spots + redness + pores simultaneously) can switch 2-3 filters within one session to treat different zones precisely
Rappoel M22 IPL Protocol
- Consultation (10 min): Analyze skin tone, texture, pores, spots, and vessels by type and depth → decide the filter combination and energy parameters → discuss the expected outcome
- Cleansing (5 min): Remove makeup and cleanse thoroughly → no anesthesia needed (M22 cooling system reduces discomfort)
- Gel application (1 min): Apply cooling gel to the treatment zone to aid light conduction and protect the epidermis
- M22 light therapy (15-25 min): Switch filters by need → treat whole face or specific zones → physician fully controls energy and skin response
- Soothing and calming (10 min): Ice compress or calming mask → post-treatment calming and moisturizing
- Post-care instructions (3 min): Sun protection is critical → avoid acids and whitening ingredients for 3 days → enhance moisturizing → reassess next session in 3-4 weeks
M22 IPL photofacial takes about 30-40 minutes total, with no downtime or only brief mild redness for 1-2 hours, no wounds, immediate makeup allowed. A series of 3-5 sessions (monthly) is recommended for optimal results; each session shows about 20-30% skin-quality improvement. Located 3 minutes from Gangnam Station Exit 10, with seamless English and Chinese consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is M22 IPL different from pico laser? Which should I choose?
Differences between the two light-based treatments: (1) Light source — M22 is pulsed light (multi-wavelength); pico laser is single-wavelength laser light. (2) Treatment depth — M22 works at the superficial layer (epidermis to shallow dermis); pico laser can reach deeper layers (epidermis to deep dermis). (3) Indication differences — (a) superficial freckles, sun spots, rosacea redness, overall uneven tone, enlarged pores: M22 is first-line; (b) deep pigmentation (Hori’s nevus, nevus of Ota), deep pigmented acne scars, tattoos: pico laser is more suitable; (c) both present: treat in stages or do different zones on the same day. (4) Pain — M22 feels like a light rubber-band snap, most need no anesthesia; pico laser is usually painless though some types (e.g., honeycomb lens pico) cause mild discomfort. (5) Downtime — M22 has almost no downtime, immediate makeup allowed; pico laser occasionally has brief redness or mild crusting. (6) Price — M22 is usually cheaper, pico laser more expensive. (7) Which to choose — ‘overall tone brightening and evenness’: M22; ‘precise single-spot removal’: pico; mixed concerns: Rappoel plans the best combination at consultation.
Does M22 IPL hurt? Is anesthesia needed?
Pain and anesthesia: (1) Treatment sensation — most people describe it as ‘a warm rubber-band snap’ or ‘a flash on the face’ with a momentary stinging heat; the device has a built-in cooling system that lowers temperature during the session, making the overall sensation tolerable. (2) Energy and pain — treatment parameters adjust to skin tone and condition; darker skin or higher energy feels more intense; physicians adjust to personal tolerance. (3) Anesthesia need — the vast majority of patients need no anesthesia; the very pain-sensitive can request topical anesthetic cream, but this adds 15-20 minutes of pretreatment waiting time. (4) Difference between filters — pigment filters (shorter wavelength) feel more intense; longer wavelengths (vessels, fine lines) feel gentler. (5) Treatment time — whole face about 15-25 minutes, plus post-treatment ice mask about 30-40 minutes total. (6) Post-treatment sensation — mild warmth and redness in the treatment zone fades in 1-2 hours; most can go straight to work afterward. (7) Rappoel prioritizes patient comfort — full-time monitoring of skin response, real-time energy adjustment, ensuring safety with minimal discomfort.
How many M22 sessions do I need? How long do results last?
Treatment plan and duration: (1) Single-session effect — each treatment shows visible even-tone improvement, pore refinement, and spot lightening; but single-session effect is limited. (2) Recommended course — a complete course of 3-5 sessions, spaced 3-4 weeks apart; the skin renewal cycle is about 28 days, and waiting for skin recovery between sessions lets the effect accumulate. (3) Effect curve — after the 1st session, see preliminary improvement in 1-2 weeks; the 2nd-3rd sessions show more obvious change; the full 5-session course delivers the most significant result. (4) Improvement per session — each session improves about 20-30% of skin-quality concerns (spot lightening, pore tightening, redness reduction, tone brightening). (5) Maintenance — after the complete course, results last 6-12 months; thereafter, maintenance sessions every 3-6 months can extend the effect. (6) ‘Does it work in one session?’ — yes, but limited; wanting ‘one major change’ suggests combining with pico laser or other treatments; wanting ‘accumulated improvement’ works well with M22 alone for the egg-skin look. (7) Rappoel takes photos before each session so you can see the objective progress.
Can M22 improve acne scars, active acne, and red acne marks?
Acne-related concerns: (1) Active inflammatory acne — M22’s acne filter (blue-light wavelength) kills acne bacteria, suppresses sebaceous gland secretion, reduces inflammation; effective for mild-to-moderate acne. (2) Red acne marks (post-acne erythema) — M22’s vascular filter coagulates dilated micro-vessels; visible fading after 1-2 sessions; 60-80% improvement after 3-5 sessions. (3) Pigment acne marks (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) — M22’s 560nm filter works on superficial melanin, combined with brightening ingredients for enhanced lightening. (4) Atrophic (depressed) acne scars — M22 cannot directly treat depressions, but improves the ‘tone around scars’ for a more even overall look; depressions need pico laser, fractional laser, or subcision. (5) Severe cystic acne — M22 has limited effect; oral medication (e.g., isotretinoin, antibiotics) is primary, with light therapy as support. (6) Best combinations — mild-to-moderate acne: ‘several M22 sessions + chemical peels’; red acne marks: ‘M22 vascular + pulsed dye laser’; mixed scars: ‘M22 skin-quality upgrade + pico laser for depressions’. (7) Rappoel plans by acne-scar type and stage to avoid one-time over-treatment.
Does M22 have side effects? Can it cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation?
Side effects and PIH risk: (1) Normal post-treatment response — 1-2 hours: mild redness and warmth (like a mild sunburn); 2-3 days: in a few cases, superficial spots ‘temporarily darken’ (precursor to flaking), naturally shed in 1-2 weeks — this is a good sign showing pigment was properly targeted. (2) PIH risk — patients with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV-V) may experience post-treatment hyperpigmentation, usually fading in 3-6 months; high sun protection significantly reduces risk. (3) Blisters and burns — very rare, mostly from energy too high or operator error; an ‘operator issue’ rather than device issue, prevented by experienced physicians and authentic equipment. (4) Temporary dryness and peeling — a few patients have mild dryness for 3-5 days after treatment; enhanced moisturizing helps. (5) Reactive tone shifts — some patients have short-term tone changes within 1 week (slightly darker or lighter than baseline), part of the skin readjustment, stabilizing within 2 weeks. (6) Sun protection is critical — inadequate post-treatment sun protection is the #1 cause of PIH; Rappoel emphasizes daily SPF 50+ PA+++ in post-care. (7) Skin tone suitability — M22 suits Fitzpatrick I-IV skin tones; darker skin (V-VI) needs careful evaluation (Nd:YAG or pico laser is safer).
Who is suitable for M22? Who is not?
Suitable: (1) enlarged pores and rough skin texture; (2) superficial freckles, sun spots, age spots and other pigmentation; (3) facial redness, broken capillaries, sensitive flushed skin; (4) overall skin dullness, sallowness, uneven tone; (5) mild-to-moderate photoageing and fine lines; (6) T-zone oiliness and clogged pores; (7) wanting ‘overall skin-quality upgrade’ rather than targeting a single concern; (8) office workers — no downtime, complete treatment in a lunch break. Unsuitable or needing evaluation: (1) pregnancy and breastfeeding (postpone); (2) active sunburn, inflammation, or skin lesions at the treatment site; (3) photosensitivity or photosensitizing medications (e.g., isotretinoin, tetracyclines) — must stop at least one week before; (4) darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick V-VI) — M22 risk is higher, Nd:YAG or pico laser is preferred; (5) keloid or hypertrophic scar tendency; (6) recent overexposure to sun or use of tanning products in the past month — wait for skin stability; (7) expecting dramatic change in one session — Rappoel explains M22 is a ‘multiple-session accumulation’ treatment, requiring realistic expectations.
How should I take care of my skin after M22? Can I wash my face and wear makeup normally?
Post-treatment care: (1) Washing — gently wash with a mild non-soap cleanser 6 hours after treatment; normal washing resumes after 24 hours. (2) Makeup — makeup is fine right after treatment (as there are no wounds), but mineral-based makeup is preferred for less irritation. (3) Moisturizing — enhanced moisturizing for the first 3 days with gentle products (ceramides, hyaluronic acid); avoid acid or retinoid irritants. (4) Sun protection — THE most critical step: avoid direct sun for the first 3 days; then daily SPF 50+ PA+++ with hat and umbrella outdoors; sun protection is the cornerstone of avoiding PIH and maintaining results. (5) Brightening products — avoid brightening or acid ingredients for 1 week after treatment; resume after 2 weeks based on skin condition. (6) Avoid — no sauna, oven, hot yoga for 1 week; no exfoliation or scrubbing; no aggressive rubbing of the treatment zone. (7) Lifestyle — plenty of water, sufficient sleep, no staying up late; normal diet, avoid excessive photosensitizing foods (celery, basil). (8) Follow-up — return for review in 3-4 weeks to assess skin progress and decide the next session.
Can M22 be combined with other aesthetic treatments? What’s the best combination?
Combination strategies: (1) M22 + skin booster — M22 improves tone and pores, skin booster deeply hydrates; same day possible, M22 first (no wounds) then skin booster. (2) M22 + pico laser — M22 handles superficial tone issues, pico laser handles deep spots and acne scars; recommend same day on different zones or 2 weeks apart. (3) M22 + chemical peel — M22 and peels are a classic skin-quality combo; M22 first (2 weeks later) then peel, to avoid consecutive irritation. (4) M22 + botox — same day possible, physician orders the sequence: usually M22 first (no wounds) then botox injection. (5) M22 + HA filler or collagen stimulator — M22 first (improves tone) then filler injection (plumping); same day possible but attention to hygiene needed. (6) M22 + Ultherapy or Thermage — both non-invasive, can be same day or 1-2 weeks apart; effects compound. (7) M22 + thread lift — usually M22 first for skin quality, then thread lift 2-4 weeks later for structural lift. (8) Rappoel plans a custom ‘total skin-quality upgrade’ program for each patient, ordered by problem priority to avoid one-time over-irritation.
Can M22 help with rosacea? Can sensitive skin undergo M22?
Sensitive skin and rosacea: (1) Rosacea stable phase — M22’s vascular filter is a classic treatment for rosacea flushing and broken capillaries; each session visibly reduces erythema, and most patients see 50-70% improvement after the full 3-5 session course. (2) Rosacea acute flare — NOT suitable for immediate M22 treatment; need to control inflammation first with medication (topical metronidazole, oral antibiotics, topical retinoids, etc.); after skin stabilization, low-energy M22 can be used. (3) Sensitive skin — most can undergo M22 but with lower energy and more sessions; recommend a small-area test shot first, observe 24-48 hours reaction before deciding on full-face treatment. (4) Why M22 helps rosacea — M22 light is absorbed by hemoglobin in vessels, coagulating dilated micro-vessels, fundamentally reducing flushing; (a) lasts longer than topical anti-redness creams; (b) multiple sessions visibly reduce micro-vessel count. (5) Notes — M22 for rosacea-prone skin should be performed by experienced physicians, avoiding energy that is too high; post-treatment, avoid irritating ingredients. (6) Supporting plan — Rappoel’s rosacea-skin program centers on ‘M22 vascular treatment + sensitive-skin care guidance + at-home regimen,’ combined with pulsed dye laser for stubborn vessels when needed. (7) Home regimen — avoid known triggers (alcohol, spicy food, temperature changes, sun exposure, stress); use sensitive-skin specialty skincare.
How is M22 priced? Is it more expensive than pulsed dye laser or pico laser?
Cost comparison and value: (1) M22 pricing — usually per ‘full-face session’ or ‘per zone’; Korean market pricing for full-face treatment is typically 30-50% cheaper than pico laser. (2) Pulsed dye laser — single wavelength (595nm) specialized for vascular issues; similar price to M22 or slightly higher, but with deeper penetration and greater specificity. (3) Pico laser — single-wavelength laser (532nm/730nm/1064nm depending on the device), strongest for pigmentation (spots, acne scars, tattoos); highest price. (4) The ‘most economical’ choice — there is no absolute answer, depends on need: (a) overall uneven tone, pores, superficial spots — M22 is most economical; (b) severe rosacea or vessel issues — pulsed dye laser is more precise; (c) deep spots or acne scars — pico laser; (d) mixed concerns — staged treatment: M22 skin-quality upgrade first, then add laser for residual issues. (5) Course cost — a full 3-5 session M22 course total cost is usually cheaper than a single pico laser session; long-term ROI is higher. (6) Rappoel’s principle — at consultation, recommend the most economical treatment order by problem priority, without pushing all courses at once. (7) For specific pricing and packages, book a free consultation to plan the best scheme based on your skin condition.
Pores, redness, dullness, and spots making you afraid of bare skin? Rappoel M22 IPL photofacial — improves multiple skin concerns in one session for a clear, bright, even egg-skin complexion!
📍 77, Seocho-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea
🕐 Mon–Fri 10:00–19:00 · Sat 10:00–17:00
💬 WeChat Main: rappoelkr | WeChat Backup: rappoelkr2 | LINE: rappoelkr
Scan to connect with us
WeChat (Main)
WeChat (Backup)
LINE