ShareIf you’ve been researching skin rejuvenation treatments, you’ve probably come across terms like IPL, BBL, and now XPL. These are all photorejuvenation treatments that use light energy to improve pigmentation, redness and signs of ageing. At Geelong Veins Skin & Laser, we’ve invested in the latest Lumenis Stellar M22™ with XPL (Expert Pulse Light) technology because we believe it represents the next generation of light-based skin treatments, offering greater precision, enhanced patient comfort and more personalised treatments. So what’s the difference?
First, what is IPL or Photorejuvenation?
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), also known as Photorejuvenation, is a well-established technology that has been used in skin and laser clinics in Geelong for decades to treat:
- Sun damage
- Age spots
- Pigmentation
- Rosacea
- Broken capillaries
- Acne
- Skin rejuvenation
Unlike a laser, IPL uses a broad spectrum of light wavelengths. Different filters allow practitioners to target various skin concerns using the same device. While IPL has an excellent track record, not all IPL systems are built with the same technology. The quality of the device, its energy delivery, cooling systems and pulse control all make a significant difference to both safety and results.
What is BBL?
BBL® (BroadBand Light) has been one of our most loved treatments at GVSL.
BBL® is the Sciton branded version of IPL technology. It uses intense pulsed light in much the same way as traditional IPL but incorporates proprietary engineering developed by its manufacturer. Like other premium IPL platforms, it can effectively treat pigmentation, vascular lesions and signs of ageing. Many people mistakenly believe BBL is an entirely different treatment from IPL—but in reality, it belongs to the same family of light-based technologies.
Introducing XPL – The Next Evolution
The latest advancement from Lumenis, the original inventors of IPL technology, is XPL (Expert Pulse Light). Rather than reinventing IPL, XPL refines it by improving how light energy is delivered into the skin.
The result is:
- More consistent energy delivery
- Greater treatment precision
- Enhanced patient comfort
- Faster treatment times
- Improved versatility across different skin concerns
- Better treatment customisation
XPL is featured exclusively on the new Stellar M22™, Lumenis’ newest multi-application platform designed to treat over 30 skin conditions.
How is XPL Different to IPL and BBL?
- More Intelligent Energy Delivery
Older IPL systems can experience fluctuations in the energy delivered throughout each pulse. XPL uses advanced pulse control to deliver light more consistently across every treatment pulse, allowing practitioners to deliver predictable treatments while helping protect surrounding tissue.
- Multiple Sequential Pulsing (MSP™)
One of XPL’s biggest advancements is Multiple Sequential Pulsing (MSP™). Instead of delivering one large burst of energy, XPL can divide the treatment into rapid micro-pulses.
This allows:
- Better protection of the skin surface
- Reduced heat build-up
- Greater comfort during treatment
- More controlled delivery of energy to the target
This is particularly useful when treating redness, vascular lesions and patients with more sensitive skin.
- One Handpiece. Multiple Treatments.
The Stellar M22 XPL handpiece features:
- 8 Expert Filters
- 3 interchangeable light guides
- Computer-recognised filter selection
- Treatment flexibility for numerous skin conditions
Rather than requiring multiple handpieces, practitioners can quickly adapt treatments to suit each patient’s individual needs.
- Glide Mode
One exciting feature unique to the latest XPL platform is Glide Mode. Instead of treating one pulse at a time, the handpiece glides smoothly across larger treatment areas using rapid pulse repetition.
Benefits include:
- Faster body treatments
- More even coverage
- Improved patient comfort
- Greater treatment efficiency
What Can XPL Treat?
XPL can effectively address a wide range of skin concerns, including:
- Sun damage
- Pigmentation including solar lentigos, melasma, poikiloderma
- Freckles
- Age spots
- Rosacea
- Facial redness
- Broken capillaries
- Acne
- Uneven skin tone
- Skin rejuvenation and ageing
- Vascular lesions including venous lakes and birthmarks
Is XPL Better Than Traditional IPL?
Technology has advanced significantly since the first IPL devices were introduced. While traditional IPL remains an effective treatment option, modern systems such as the Lumenis Stellar M22 XPL incorporate refinements that improve treatment precision, practitioner control, comfort and efficiency. Rather than changing the underlying science of IPL, XPL enhances how that energy is delivered to achieve more consistent, personalised treatments.
Why Geelong Veins Skin & Laser Chose Stellar M22 XPL Treatments
At Geelong Veins Skin & Laser, we continually invest in technology backed by clinical evidence and trusted worldwide by leading medical practitioners. The Lumenis Stellar M22 platform enables us to offer customised treatments for pigmentation, vascular conditions, rosacea, acne and skin rejuvenation using one of the most advanced light-based systems currently available.
Every treatment begins with a comprehensive consultation so we can determine the most appropriate technology for your skin, concerns and goals, and perform a test patch for safety.
Ready to Experience the Next Generation of Skin Rejuvenation?
If you’re comparing IPL vs BBL treatment options, discover what the latest XPL technology can offer instead.
Book a consultation with the experienced dermal clinicians or nurses at Geelong Veins Skin & Laser and learn how a personalised treatment plan can help you achieve clearer, brighter and healthier-looking skin.
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