Broadband light (BBL) therapy is the latest iteration of the beloved intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment and one of the most popular treatments at Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care. It is also called a photofacial, or Fotofacial, and is a helpful treatment for a variety of skin conditions. Zuzana Likar trains every staff member at our Medical Day Spa to her high standards, which ensures your BBL treatment will yield optimal results. Whether you struggle with acne, brown spots, sun damage, redness (including rosacea), or small superficial veins, BBL is a fantastic tool to improve your skin.
BBL is often grouped under the term “laser,” but it is actually an energy-based device. It can be used on the face, neck, chest, hands, back, legs, and scalp, and offers overall skin rejuvenation as well as the capability to treat specific concerns. The light from BBL gently heats up the skin. Next, the target (such as a brown spot) absorbs the heat. During this time, the skin cells start to create new collagen, which is a critical ingredient for youthful and healthy skin. The heat also minimizes the target to create a clearer and brighter appearance. BBL offers a two-pronged approach to better skin, tackling key issues while improving the overall appearance of the skin.
BBL Means Better Skin
Most clients require multiple BBL treatments for optimal results, but the exact number of treatments will vary person to person. It depends on numerous factors including how severe the skin issue is and how the body responds to the treatment. However, BBL is much gentler than lasers, which means you have virtually no downtime and can easily undergo one treatment per month. On average, most people require 4 – 6 initial sessions to get the results they want. A lot of people also opt for yearly “maintenance sessions” in order to sustain their results.
BBL is one of the most comfortable of the “laser” treatment options, and can help anyone improve their skin. However, it might not be the best tool for those who want a more aggressive approach. In this case, the Clear + Brilliant, CO2 Fractionated laser, Full CO2 Laser, or Fraxel Dual might be a better match. But did you know you can pair BBL with any of these lasers for even better results? BBL is so gentle that it’s a popular add-on treatment for more intensive procedures.
Why BBL is so Comfortable
Most clients describe the feeling of BBL as akin to a rubber band snapping against the skin. It also has its own cooling device to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible during your treatment. We also offer topical numbing agents and additional cooling devices, such as those produced by Zimmer, for those with sensitive skin or who simply want the best experience possible. Another option is Pro-Nox, which is a self-controlled mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen. Pro-Nox is available at Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care for many treatments, and while it doesn’t “numb” the feeling of BBL, it does make clients a little less aware of it. Pro-Nox wears off immediately (unlike traditional “laughing gas”), giving clients the flexibility of driving themselves home right after their treatment.
There is some “downtime” associated with BBL, given that the skin will look pink for up to 48 hours after the treatment. The vast majority of clients still feel perfectly fine going about their daily tasks with this sun-kissed look. However, if you are planning BBL for a special event, it’s a good idea to schedule your session at least three days in advance if you want all flushing to have subsided.
Discover the Gold Standard in Energy Treatments
BBL is one of the most effective tools for treating hyperpigmentation in both the energy-based and laser categories. However, if you’re more interested in treating wrinkles, a laser might be preferable. In most cases, clients have at least two issues they would like to address, which is why combining lasers and energy-based devices is the best approach for the ultimate results.
Some clients are also committed to their IPL treatments, but BBL is often dubbed IPL on steroids. If you’ve tried IPL and liked it, BBL will take your results to the next level. The CoolComfort Technology makes it a gentle experience and BBL has more customization possibilities to make every treatment one of a kind. Schedule your BBL appointment or consultation today by connecting with Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care. Complete the online form or call (650) 565 8683.