BBL (broad band light) therapy, also known as photofacial or IPL (intense pulsed light), is a safe and effective treatment that uses concentrated light energy to treat various cosmetic skin conditions.
We dermatologists usually use this procedure for the following purposes:
- Rosacea, spider veins, treatment of skin diseases such as fine capillaries and acne
- Reducing the appearance of sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles
- Balancing of skin tone and texture
What is BBL used for?
BBL is a type of light therapy used to improve and brighten your skin by treating skin conditions and stimulating your body’s collagen production.
BBL treatment typically targets your face, neck, chest, arms and hands – but it is possible to treat all areas.
BBL treatments help to improve the appearance of skin damaged by factors such as
- Sun exposure
- Harmful skin care products
- Environmental pollution
We often use BBL laser treatments for the treatment of conditions such as
- Rosacea
- Acne (Pimple)
- Vascular lesions
- Sun Damage
- Solar Lentigo
- Freckles (Efelid)
- Sun Spots
- Fine Wrinkles
- Loss of Elasticity
- Age Spots
- Uneven Skin Tone
- Melasma
What exactly happens during BBL treatment?
During your initial BBL consultation, your skin will be examined by your physician to determine which areas will be targeted. A treatment plan will then be created that includes several treatment sessions.
BBL treatments usually take about 20-30 minutes , depending on the size of the treatment area.
During the procedure , your doctor will apply a cooling gel to the treatment area. You will wear protective shields or goggles to protect your eyes.
During the procedure, you may feel a sensation like rubber hitting your skin and a slight burning sensation. After the procedure, your skin may feel a little warm for the first 2 days and may appear slightly red, swollen or have a sunburn-like rash. After the procedure, a temporary darkening of the spots may occur, these dark areas will gradually lighten over the course of 2 weeks.
BBL treatments use a broad spectrum of wavelengths to target the underlying layers of your skin. Your skin absorbs this light energy, which promotes collagen production and eliminates pigmented (darkened) skin cells.
A few days or weeks after your first BBL treatment you can expect to notice the changes in your skin. As you continue treatments, you will notice more significant changes.
Preparation Before BBL Treatment
You need to prepare your skin before your BBL treatment. It is important that your skin is not tanned. For 4 to 6 weeks before and after each session avoid direct sunlight or solarium. ( Your dermatologist will never recommend you a solarium in your life anyway)
Avoid waxing, chemical peels, and products containing retinol, salicylic acid, or glycolic acid for at least 1 week before BBL.
Some medicines can cause hypersensitivity reactions to light, for this reason , be sure to share the medicines you are using with your doctor before the procedure.
If you have frequent cold sores your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication a few days before or after the session.
After BBL, you can return home from your appointment on your own and resume your daily activities. Try to avoid anything that causes sweating or flushing for at least 48 hours following BBL treatment. This includes exercise, high temperatures and saunas. Avoid consuming alcohol and spicy foods.
Is BBL an Effective Treatment Method?
You can expect to see noticeable changes in your skin within a few days. Blemishes and blood vessels usually begin to diminish within a few weeks
Your skin is smoother within 2 weeks after your first treatment feel and look more even and radiant. You may notice less discolouration, fine lines and pores.
Your physician performing the procedure will recommend how many sessions of BBL treatment you will need on average. The number of treatments may vary according to the following factors
- Existing skin type (light-medium-dark skin)
- Skin condition ( extent and severity of the condition complained of )
- Desired outcomes
Generally, you may need an average of 3-4 sessions of BBL treatment 3-4 weeks apart.
After that, dermatologists generally recommend at least two treatments per year to maintain and improve your results.
