Stellar M22 Platform Demonstrates High Patient Satisfaction and Uniform Results in New Study

A prospective study presented at the recent American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery Annual Conference in Savannah, Georgia, highlighted the potential of the Stellar M22 platform with XPL Glide Mode for improving photodamage and overall skin quality while maintaining a favorable safety profile across multiple skin types.¹ Isabella Camacho-Hubbard, MD, double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon and current cosmetics fellow at Dermatology Laser and Vein Specialist of the Carolinas, met with Dermatology Times to discuss the study findings, the evolving role of energy-based devices in “prejuvenation,” and how the technology is being incorporated into clinical practice.

Camacho-Hubbard explained that the Stellar M22 with XPL technology, developed by Lumenis, is an FDA-cleared multi-application platform capable of treating more than 30 indications across all Fitzpatrick skin types. The system integrates 4 technologies, including expert pulsed light (XPL), which features 8 wavelength ranges designed to deliver consistent energy throughout each pulse. According to Camacho-Hubbard, this enables treatment of vascular and pigmented lesions, erythema, photodamage, and uneven skin tone. The XPL Glide Mode evaluated in the study combines traditional stamping with continuous gliding movements, allowing for faster treatment of larger surface areas while aiming to improve treatment uniformity.

The prospective open-label study enrolled 20 predominantly female patients with a mean age of 47 years and Fitzpatrick skin types I through IV. Participants underwent 2 monthly treatment sessions using the Stellar M22 XPL system delivered at frequencies up to 4 Hz. The primary objective was to determine whether integrating Glide Mode into treatment protocols could improve both efficiency and clinical outcomes without compromising safety.

Results demonstrated high patient satisfaction after only 2 sessions. According to Camacho-Hubbard, 44% of participants rated their improvement as “excellent,” while 56% reported being “very satisfied.” One of the most clinically significant observations was the absence of visible striping, a known limitation associated with traditional stamping-only IPL protocols over broad treatment areas. She noted that Glide Mode appeared to provide more even and consistent coverage.

Safety outcomes were similarly favorable. Reported adverse effects were limited to mild-to-moderate discomfort and transient erythema resolving within 24 hours. No edema, purpura, or serious procedure-related adverse events were observed across the included skin types.

Camacho-Hubbard also emphasized the growing demand for “prejuvenation” and skin longevity treatments, noting that XPL Glide Mode aligns well with lower-intensity maintenance approaches focused on long-term skin quality optimization. In practice, she tailors treatment selection based on individual patient characteristics, skin type, and treatment goals, while using the platform’s standardized parameters as a starting point for customization.

“It’s very valuable to be able to address multiple indications with a single platform...I think my patients have been getting very nice results,” Camacho-Hubbard concluded.

Reference

1. Camacho-Hubbard, I. Evaluation of Stellar M22 XPL Repeat Mode: A Supportive Clinical Investigation for Skin Treatment Performance. Poster presented at the 2026 American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery Annual Conference. Savannah, Georgia. May 7-9, 2026.