Dr. Horton
Emily Sespaniak NP
Danielle Bautista, MSN, ANP
What is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy?
Who Performs IPL Treatments at Our Practice?
What Can IPL Treat?
How Does the Treatment Work?
The IPL Experience, Step by Step
Recovery and Results
Frequently Asked Questions
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses broad-spectrum light energy to improve sun damage, redness, acne, and uneven skin tone. Our San Francisco practice now offers the Stellar M22 system by Lumenis, an FDA-cleared IPL platform. Emily Sespaniak, NP, and Danielle Bautista, MSN, ANP both perform IPL treatments, and tailor each session to your skin type and goals.
What is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy?
Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL, is a non-invasive photorejuvenation treatment that uses broad-spectrum light energy to address a range of skin concerns. Unlike lasers, which emit a single wavelength, IPL delivers multiple wavelengths absorbed by either pigment (melanin) or blood vessels (hemoglobin), depending on the target concern. This selective absorption stimulates collagen production and clears damaged skin cells to reveal healthier-looking skin beneath.
At our San Francisco practice, we use the Stellar M22 XPL system by Lumenis, an advanced IPL platform. This FDA-cleared technology is supported by clinical research demonstrating its safety and effectiveness for a wide range of skin types and conditions.
Who Performs IPL Treatments at Our Practice?
Our philosophy centers on three principles: educate, inform, and empower. We believe patients deserve detailed information, clear expectations, and the confidence to make decisions about their own care.
Emily Sespaniak, NP and Danielle Bautista, MSN, ANP perform all of our IPL and non-surgical aesthetic treatments under Dr. Horton’s direct supervision. Emily and Danielle bring advanced training in aesthetic medicine and a deep understanding of how light-based therapies interact with different skin types. They tailor every IPL treatment plan to your skin type, goals, and lifestyle, and take time to set realistic expectations. Their approach combines precision with artistry, so your results look natural.
Dr. Karen Horton established San Francisco Plastic Surgery in 2006 and oversees all treatments at the practice. Dr. Horton is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and her practice is built on unreasonable hospitality and individualized, patient-centered care.
Our all-female practice team extends that same individualized attention to every patient.
What Can IPL Treat?
The Stellar M22 XPL is versatile. Depending on the wavelength and settings we use, IPL can address:
Sun Damage and Pigmentation
Brown spots, age spots, and sun freckles fade as light energy is absorbed by melanin in the damaged cells. In one clinical study, IPL produced more than 80% clearance of vascular and pigmented lesions, with minimal and transient side effects.
“Through a series of IPL treatments [Emily] was able to minimize my redness and get rid of my sunspots. For the first time I’m going foundation free!! My skin looks great! Even my fiancé noticed.”
— J.P., Yelp Review
Facial Redness and Vascular Lesions
Visible blood vessels, broken capillaries, and rosacea respond to the red and near-infrared wavelengths the Stellar M22 delivers. In a randomized controlled trial, IPL produced significant skin rejuvenation and reduced visible redness with a favorable safety profile.
— Clayton Johnson, Google Review
Acne and Acne Scars
IPL targets the bacteria responsible for active acne while stimulating collagen remodeling to improve the appearance of acne scars. Lumenis clinical data on the Stellar M22 shows an 85% reduction in inflammatory acne lesions after a course of treatment.
Facial Hair Removal
The broad-spectrum light targets melanin in hair follicles for long-lasting smoothness. IPL works best on dark hair and lighter skin, though the Stellar M22 safely treats a range of skin tones.
Skin Rejuvenation and Texture Improvement
IPL stimulates the body’s natural collagen production, improving texture, tightening loose skin, and restoring radiance. Lumenis clinical data on the Stellar M22 shows up to 90% improvement in facial tightening after a series of treatments.
Stretch Marks and Scars
By promoting collagen remodeling and new skin formation, IPL can reduce the visibility of stretch marks and superficial scars.
Pigmented Lesions
Including freckles, melasma, and benign spots, safely treated even on darker skin tones.
Skin Toning and Overall Radiance
IPL creates a more even, glowing complexion by addressing multiple concerns simultaneously.
Dark Tattoo Removal
Suitable for dark-colored tattoos that have been professionally applied.
Deep Vascular Lesions and Leg Veins
The multi-wavelength technology reaches deeper blood vessels for comprehensive vein treatment.
How Does the Treatment Work?
IPL works through a process called selective photothermolysis: the light targets specific structures, pigment or blood vessels, while leaving surrounding tissue unharmed.
Light Absorption
When we deliver broad-spectrum light pulses to your skin, melanin (in brown spots, freckles, and hair) or hemoglobin (in blood vessels) absorbs the light. Darker pigmentation and red vessels absorb more light energy than the surrounding healthy tissue.
Thermal Injury and Removal
The absorbed light converts to heat, which damages the targeted cells. Over the following days and weeks, your body’s natural healing response removes these damaged cells, revealing clearer skin underneath.
Collagen Stimulation
Beyond targeting pigment and vessels, IPL heat stimulates fibroblasts in the dermis to produce new collagen. This remodeling improves skin texture, firmness, and radiance.
The Stellar M22’s technology lets us customize wavelength, pulse duration, and intensity for your specific concern and skin type, maximizing results and minimizing discomfort.
The IPL Experience, Step by Step
Step 1: Consultation and Skin Assessment
During your consultation with Emily or Danielle, we evaluate your skin, discuss your goals, and create a personalized treatment plan. We explain what to expect and answer your questions.
Step 2: Pre-Treatment Preparation
Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for at least two weeks before your appointment. Stop using retinoid products a few days prior. Arrive with clean skin, free of makeup or sunscreen.
Step 3: The Treatment Session
We apply a cool gel to protect your skin and enhance light delivery. You will wear protective eyewear. As your provider delivers the light pulses, you may feel gentle warmth or a light snapping sensation. Most sessions take 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the treatment area.
Step 4: Immediate Aftercare
We apply a soothing gel and may recommend a calming skincare product. You can return to your daily activities right away. Mild redness or slight swelling may occur but typically resolves within several hours to a day.
Recovery and Results
One of the greatest advantages of IPL is the minimal downtime. Lumenis clinical data on the Stellar M22 shows that 95% of patients return to normal activities immediately after treatment, with redness or swelling resolving within 24 hours. You can apply makeup after treatment, though we recommend letting your skin breathe for a few hours first.
What to Expect in the Days Following Treatment
Treated areas may appear slightly darker or develop a light crust as pigmented cells shed, which is a normal part of healing. This typically lasts a few days to a week. Sun protection with SPF 30 or higher is essential during this time, since treated skin is more sensitive to UV exposure.
When Will You See Results?
Many patients notice improvement after their first treatment, though most conditions benefit from a series of sessions spaced three to four weeks apart. A standard course is often five treatments, though this varies based on your specific goals.
Long-Term Outcomes
Results continue to improve for several weeks as collagen remodeling occurs. Most patients enjoy improvements for six months to a year, at which point maintenance treatments can extend the results. Consistent sun protection between and after treatments helps prevent new sun damage and maximize longevity.
Before & After
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients benefit from a series of three to five treatments spaced three to four weeks apart. Mild sun spots may improve significantly after two to three sessions, while deeper redness or acne may require more. During your consultation, we recommend a customized treatment plan based on your skin type and goals.
The Stellar M22 is FDA-cleared and studied for use across a wide range of skin types, from fair to rich skin tones. Certain conditions and skin types may need different treatment protocols. During your assessment, we evaluate your skin to confirm IPL is appropriate and customize settings for safety and results.
Most patients describe the sensation as a gentle snapping or warmth. Lumenis clinical data on the Stellar M22 shows 90% of patients rate treatments as comfortable or very comfortable. We apply a cooling gel before treatment and can adjust settings for your comfort.
Yes. IPL pairs well with other non-surgical treatments like BOTOX®, dermal fillers, and microneedling. Many patients combine IPL with our other skin rejuvenation services to address multiple concerns. Emily or Danielle will discuss combination options during your consultation.
You’ll find us in Pacific Heights, San Francisco. Our practice is staffed by a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon and an experienced aesthetic nurse practitioners with advanced training in light-based therapies. We combine the Stellar M22 with personalized, patient-centered care that prioritizes your comfort, education, and natural-looking results.
Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for at least two weeks prior. Stop using retinoids or other potentially irritating products a few days before treatment. Arrive with clean skin, free of makeup, sunscreen, and skincare products. Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours after treatment. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily, especially after IPL, to protect your healing skin and prolong results.
Contact Us
Ready to experience the Stellar M22? Schedule a consultation with Emily Sespaniak, NP, or Danielle Bautista, MSN, ANP to discuss your skin concerns and create a personalized treatment plan.
Our practice serves patients throughout San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area. During your consultation, we’ll answer your questions and make sure you feel informed and confident about your IPL journey.
