BBL^™: More Powerful Than Typical IPL

Collagen is the protein that provides structure and strength to your skin. Each year, our skin loses a small percentage of collagen, causing it to become thinner, weaker, and more susceptible to the effects of aging. The skin is also damaged by external factors like sun exposure, pollution, gravity, and harmful skin care products. Skin issues can often make people feel self-conscious about their appearance.

BBL^™ is a gentle, non-invasive, light-based treatment that that enhances and brightens the complexion while increasing the production of collagen in the body to rejuvenate the skin from the inside out. BBL^™ uses light to correct concerns on the skin and has many benefits, including promoting the regrowth of healthy skin, improving firmness and elasticity, and enhancing pigmentation. It is not the same thing as a laser treatment, but it does target many of the same issues that are commonly treated with lasers. Unlike lasers, which give off a single, focused wavelength of light, IPL treatments emit multiple pulses of high-intensity light so they are highly versatile and can address a wide variety of skin concerns with the same device. BBL^™ can be effective on various skin tones and types.

BBL^™ can be used to reduce the appearance of freckles, acne scars, other types of scars, fine lines, wrinkles, loose skin, dilated pores, birthmarks, melasma, age spots, and other pigmented lesions, as well as small red bumps known as cherry angiomas, visible veins known as telangiectasias, and a chronic skin redness known as rosacea.

The BBL^™ device can also treat acne by killing the bacteria that cause pimples and other flareups, then reducing existing inflammation and encouraging natural healing. BBL^™ is mainly used on the face, neck, chest, arms, and hands, though it can also be safely used on other areas of the body.

Patients who have minor skin imperfections such as dark spots, blotchiness, uneven skin, or chronic skin conditions like rosacea are usually the best candidates for BBL^™ IPL. It’s not recommended for patients who have had Accutane within the last six months or women who are pregnant. There is an increased risk of hypopigmentation on darker skin tones with BBL^™. It may not be advisable to get this treatment if you are sensitive to light, have recently tanned or used self-tanner, have severe scarring, have keloid scar tissue, or have a skin resurfacing disorder.

During your consultation, we will examine your skin and let you know what to expect. It’s important to tell us about any skin conditions you may have, such as inflammatory acne, which could affect your healing. Prior to your BBL^™ treatment, steps should be taken to prepare the skin. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight and tanning beds for four to six weeks as a tan will increase the risk of burns, blisters, and hyperpigmentation. Self-tanner creams should also not be used for two weeks before. Cosmetic procedures such as waxing and chemical peels should be avoided. Additionally, patients should discontinue acids or active products such as retinol, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid. Do not take blood thinning medications for one week before.

As with many light-based treatments, BBL^™ works by sending energy into the skin in the form of light. This energy is converted into heat when it encounters certain cells, such as pigmented cells that are darker than the cells around them. Pigmented or damaged skin cells that absorb this light are removed, while superficial vascular lesions are closed off. The energy and heat from BBL^™ also prompt the creation of new collagen, which helps skin to be smooth and resilient. This can be especially effective on skin that features sun damage, shows signs of aging, or both.

A topical anesthetic or cooling gel may be applied before the start of the treatment. A BBL™ treatment can be completed in as little as 10 to 15 minutes, but the length of the session will depend on how many areas are being treated and how large they are. Note that multiple treatment sessions may be necessary in order to achieve the best results.

Though the treatment involves light and heat, the BBL^™ device is designed to minimize discomfort. Many patients find that they are comfortable throughout their BBL^™ session. Anyone concerned about how it will feel can discuss their options during their initial consultation.

Patients will be able to resume their normal activities after BBL^™. Recovery is fast, and because the light doesn’t damage the outer layers of skin, there are fewer side effects in comparison to laser skin resurfacing treatments. Expect the treated skin to look red for several hours after a BBL^™ session, with the coloring and related sensations similar to a sunburn potentially lasting for one or two days.

Once these effects clear naturally on their own, many patients notice a positive visible change— often within just a few days. Lesions treated with BBL^™ should begin to clear after a week or two. Surface spots will flake away, while visible veins will collapse and be absorbed into the body, taking their distinctive redness with them. Taking care of your skin before and after your treatments helps you to maximize results from this procedure. After having BBL^™, patients should avoid exfoliants, topical acne products, and scented skin care products. Be diligent about applying SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, limiting sun exposure, and wearing protective clothing after this procedure.

Learn more about laser vein treatments, laser hair removal, and laser skin resurfacing by clicking these links to visit pages dedicated to those treatments. Cosmetic Surgery Institute also pairs lasers with microneedling and offers other laser treatments.

Though not based on laser and light technology, Ultherapy is an effective treatment that makes use of sound waves to address skin laxity.

All of these treatments pair well with injectables, such as BOTOX^® and dermal fillers, for a customizable total face rejuvenation. Injectables diminish the appearance of facial wrinkles.