BroadBand Light (BBL®)

What Is BBL?

A form of intense pulsed light (IPL), BBL is a treatment that uses light energy to rejuvenate the skin of adults with hyperpigmentation, redness, or sun damage on their neck, face, and body. This process is completely noninvasive and delivers noticeable improvements over a series of treatments.

How Does BBL Work?

BBL uses intense pulses of light energy to rejuvenate the skin without harming its surface by: 

• Heating up the pigment in visible blood vessels, causing the blood vessels to collapse and the body to gradually absorb them.
• Breaking the excess melanin in brown spots into tiny particles that are sloughed off with skin cells on the surface.   
• Setting off the skin’s natural healing process, which increases collagen production.  

As this takes effect, you should begin to see a healthier complexion with an improved tone and decreased redness and brown discoloration.

What Is BBL HERO?

Developed by Sciton, BBL HERO (for High Energy Rapid Output) enhances BBL treatments with a specialized larger handpiece that delivers the following improvements: 

• 4 times the speed—making it faster to treat large areas. It takes just 2 to 5 minutes to treat the back, arms, or legs. 
• 3 times the power—increasing the effectiveness of each pulse to reduce the number of passes needed over the skin. 
• 2 times cooler—making treatments more comfortable.

Which Is Better IPL or BBL?

While both treatments address the same concerns, BBL provides a better patient experience than IPL because treatments are: 

• Faster 
• More effective 
• More comfortable 

BBL treatments have been found to affect the skin at a cellular level to reverse the aging process.

How Much Does a BBL Photofacial Cost?

At our New Orleans plastic surgery practice and medspa, the cost of a BBL photorejuvenation treatment varies depending on the size and number of areas treated. We will provide you with a personalized estimate during your consultation.

What Is It Like to Get a BBL Photofacial?

A BBL photofacial can be performed in one of our office’s minor procedure rooms in around 20 to 30 minutes. To prepare for the photofacial, your aesthetician will cleanse your skin before protecting your eyes with goggles. Most people do not need any topical numbing to undergo the treatment comfortably. While some patients may have mild discomfort, it’s usually easy to tolerate, given the quick treatment time.

What Is Recovery Like After a BBL Photofacial?

Typically, no recovery period is needed after a photofacial, but you may leave our office with your complexion a little inflamed and red. This will go away naturally in about a day and may be covered with cosmetics if you prefer. Excess pigmentation such as sunspots will initially darken (called peppering) and look similar to pepper or coffee grounds before sloughing off within the first week or so.

How Should I Care for My Skin After a BBL Photofacial?

Our aestheticians will recommend an individualized skincare regimen to promote the best results. After 2 to 5 days, the irregularities under your skin will rise to the surface and start to flake away. You may notice your dark spots becoming darker before flaking off. It is critical to protect your skin with sunscreen at all times and not to pick at your skin while it heals.

What Results Can I Expect From a BBL Photofacial?

Once you have achieved your ideal results, they will likely last for several months. Some people choose to schedule touch-up treatments once or twice a year to maintain their ideal texture and coloration.

How Many BBL Treatments Will I Need?

While you will likely have visible improvements after your first treatment, your complexion will look its best after multiple sessions. We suggest most patients plan on 3 to 6 sessions, each scheduled about a month apart.