BBL
Broadband Light
The next generation of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy.
Broadband Light BBL: The Power of Light for Beautiful Skin
Over the years, your skin is exposed to the sun, pollutants, environmental toxins, and sometimes harsh skin products. Add to this the natural effects of aging, and you start to develop dull, wrinkled, tired-looking skin, especially once you’re in your 40s and beyond. Sciton’s BroadBand Light or BBL laser is an in-office treatment that can restore a smoother, refreshed, more youthful appearance to your face. Best of all, it’s a non-invasive therapy with little to no downtime.
BBL is the next generation of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy and has been called the Swiss Army knife of cosmetic facial treatments. BBL uses short blasts of high-intensity light to target age spots, sun damage, and other skin conditions to improve skin tone and texture. It is a versatile multi-tasker that can help improve some of the most common signs of facial aging. Keep reading to learn more about this next-generation treatment that uses light to improve the tone and texture of your skin.
What is broadband light BBL treatment? How does it work?
Broadband light or BBL is a photorejuvenation treatment for the skin, meaning it uses light energy to reverse the signs of aging and sun damage. Broadband light is a new-generation intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy. The BBL device emits high-intensity light beams that penetrate the upper layers of the skin and generate heat. What this does is essentially causes controlled trauma to the skin cells. The damage prompts the body to kickstart the natural healing processes and generate healthy new cells in the skin.
When done by an experienced professional, BBL treatment does not wound or harm the skin but simply encourages the skin to heal itself. As a result of the BBL treatment, the body starts making more collagen and elastin, proteins that give the skin its smoothness and elasticity.
BroadBand Light therapy is FDA-approved for dermatology applications. It is an in-office treatment with minimal to no downtime that can give you clearer, smoother, more vibrant, and younger-looking skin.
What problems does BBL treat?
As noted, broadband light can tackle pretty much all the problems caused by aging and sun damage, especially age spots, sun spots, pigmentation, and uneven skin tone.
How many broadband light treatments will I need?
You will start to see an improvement in your skin after your first BBL treatment. The thermal energy generated by the light beams will help eliminate sun spots and age spots and reduce fine vessels, redness, and large pores in the skin. Your skin will feel and look smoother and refreshed. However, you will need additional BBL treatments to get the best results. The number of treatments varies from person to person, depending on the skin quality. Our expert team at Dermatology Center of Atlanta will develop a customized treatment plan for you based on your skin concerns and goals.
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What happens during the BBL procedure?
BBL treatments are performed in the office. The procedure itself is gentle, and most patients do not require a topical numbing cream, although this may be offered to you if you have a low pain threshold.
Your provider will give you eye shields or dark glasses to wear during the treatment to protect your eyes. They will clean your skin and then apply the BBL device to the target areas, administering short blasts of energy that are often compared to light snapping sensations.
What to expect after BBL therapy?
There can be some minor redness in the treated areas, which typically resolves in a few hours to days. If you have broadband light applied to age spots and sunspots (brown spots and red spots), do not be alarmed if you notice a slight darkening of the spots after the BBL treatment. This is an expected effect of the pigment coming to the surface. The spots will flake and fade over time. The “coffee ground” effect typically lasts for 3-5 days. It’s best not to schedule a broadband light treatment if you have an important event coming up in less than a week.
BBL is a non-invasive treatment with essentially no downtime. You can return to normal activities on the day of your procedure. You will need to be careful about avoiding direct sun exposure and using sunscreen, however, because your skin may be sensitive after broadband light therapy. But other than that, there is no special aftercare required.
Risks and side effects
Broadband light BBL is a comfortable, quick, and safe procedure when performed by licensed professionals. Your provider will see you in consultation and examine your skin before offering the treatment to you to make sure it is suitable for your skin type and can correct your skin concerns.
The most common side effect reported after BBL treatment is a slight reddening of the skin, like a mild sunburn. Some people also have mild swelling for a few days. These symptoms are typically short-lived and self-resolving. Staying out of the sun can help prevent any additional redness.
Are BBL photorejuvenation results permanent?
Unfortunately, no, BBL results are not permanent. Most patients require three or more treatments a year to maintain smoother, brighter, younger-looking skin. You can enjoy long-term benefits and reversal of the signs of aging as long as you return for regular broadband light treatments throughout the year.
Lastly, always choose a certified and experienced provider for your broadband light BBL therapy. The treatments can give you a more even skin tone and texture and a more luminous complexion, but the powerful light beam can damage your skin if not administered properly. We have years of experience here at Dermatology Center of Atlanta performing a multitude of different light and laser-based treatments. Contact us today to set up a consultation if you have any additional questions.
