BroadBand Light (BBL)
What is BBL?
Broadband light therapy (or BBL) is a procedure where light energy gently heats up the upper layers of skin, targeting brown spots, redness, freckles, uneven skin tone, and acne.
How does it work?
BBL uses light energy to deliver heat and can treat multiple layers of the skin, whereas a laser is programmed to go to a fixed depth. The heat absorbed by the targeted areas (brown spots, redness, freckles and acne) will stimulate your skin cells to regenerate new collagen. This process will restore your skin to its natural beauty with a noticeable vibrancy. BBL is similar to IPL (Intense Pulsed Light).
What can I Expect?
Since BBL specifically targets brown spots, redness, freckles, uneven skin tone, and acne, there are different expected results. Your brown spots and freckles will flake up and fall off like coffee grounds; your redness might be more red for up to a week, disappear immediately or turn purple or “dusky”; the acne treatment might leave you pink for the day of treatment, but it will overall reduce sebaceous oil production, reduce inflammation, and help even out the skin tone.
How Many Treatments are Necessary?
The number of treatments needed varies depending on your desired results. To target reds and browns, a series of 3 treatments is generally recommended. Treatments are spaced four to six weeks apart.
How Long will My Results Last?
There are many different elements that can contribute to how long your results may last. Skin care regimen, sun exposure, and other lifestyle choices are some of the most common factors. We will discuss with you at your appointment how long your results are expected to last, how you can help them last longer, and even talk in-depth about your skincare regimen to protect the investment you are making in your skin.
What will Happen During the Procedure?
Your eyes will be protected with metal goggles. You may briefly feel a warm or “rubber band snap” sensation as the light is absorbed by the targeted areas (brown spots, capillaries, freckles). BBL is a tolerable treatment and should last about 20-45 minutes depending on the area(s) to treat. The sapphire crystal handpiece will be moved across the skin to cover all areas to be treated.
How Long will it Take to Recover?
This is a noninvasive procedure with virtually no downtime. In most cases, you are able to return to work, apply makeup, and resume most of your normal activities immediately. The dark spots will turn darker and flake up and off like coffee grounds; this process can take 7-21 days depending on the area of the body being treated. It is very important that you DO NOT PICK at the brown spots or exfoliate them off with acids or a cleanser with scrubbing beads.
Which Aftercare Products Do I Need?
We will go over aftercare with you in the office, as it is tailored to your specific needs. We do recommend “taking it easy” with skincare until all of your spots have flaked off. We recommend using a gentle cleanser and gentle moisturizer.