BBL / IPL / FotoFacial
Broadband light therapy, also known as BBL, is the latest generation of intense pulsed light therapy (IPL). Alto known as a Fotofacial or photofacial, BBL is one of the most popular laser treatments at Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care. It can help with a number of skin conditions, including:
- Rosacea
- Acne
- Facial redness
- Brown spots
- Sun damage
- Small facial vein removal
BBL is not only great laser for treatment of diffuse redness on face, neck and chest as well as age spots, but it also excels in delivering dermal skin rejuvenation as well as clearing facial skin of active acne.
Light energy is delivered by the BBL device, which heats up the top layer of the skin gently. This heat is then absorbed by the targeted site, whether that’s brown spots or an unwanted visible vein. During this process, the skin cells begin to regenerate new collagen. Collagen production is crucial for skin to look young, plump, and healthy. At the same time, the hyperpigmentation is minimized so that it looks smoother and more uniform in those struggling with brown spots and sun damage. Redness is eliminated as BBL targets those fine vessels causing those bright hues.
Real Patient Before/After Photo*
How BBL Works
BBL can be used on many parts of the body such as the face and neck, chest, arms and hands, back, legs, and even the scalp. Depending on the severity of the condition and the size of the site, you may require multiple treatments for optimal results. BBL is a much gentler option than many other lasers on the market, which means it has a dramatically reduced downtime. However, many patients do achieve the best results with more treatments, each spaced about 4 weeks apart.
BBL Results and Recovery
Yearly maintenance sessions may be recommended depending on the type of skin condition. Patients who are interested in more aggressive laser treatments or who are older and require more intensive treatments might be candidates for more intensive lasers such as Clear + Brilliant, Fraxel Dual, CO2 Fractionated, or the Full CO2 Laser. Each of these modalities can be also combined with BBL at the same visit to maximize the final results.
BBL Treatment
BBL Recovery and results
BBL is considered one of the most naturally comfortable laser treatments, often described as a rubber band snapping with every light pulse. It has a built-in cooling device to help make every treatment as comfortable as possible. However, there are still many ways to increase comfort, such as using a topical numbing cream and using Zimmer cooling devices during the BBL treatment. We also offer Pro-Nox for many of our treatments, including BBL. Pro-Nox is a safe, patient-operated device that delivers a combination of oxygen and nitrous oxide. You are in control of how much gas is delivered and when. The effects of Pro-Nox wear off almost instantly, so patients are perfectly safe and capable of driving themselves after their appointment.
After a BBL session, it is common for skin to be warm and slightly flushed for 24 – 48 hours, as if you had spent a little too much time in the sun. However, this is so mild that most people feel fine enough to continue their daily tasks immediately after the treatment.
Broadband Light (BBL) Before and After Photos*
Individual results may vary, please schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss your aesthetic goals and we’ll put together a custom treatment plan that’s right for your skin.
Real Patient Before / After Photos*
FAQs About Treating Veins
Your exact post-care treatment plan will be discussed with you during your consultation and at your appointment(s). However, it is generally recommended to avoid direct sun exposure for two to three weeks after BBL or most other laser and energy treatments. Skin can be especially sensitive to UV rays after your treatment, not to mention that you want to preserve the results you achieve!
BBL is a gold standard for treating hyperpigmentation, but there are other lasers that might be better suited for treating wrinkles. Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care is more than a MediSpa for numerous reasons, starting with the fact that we offer one of the largest collections of laser technologies in the area. As a laser skin center, we offer a suite of options to best treat a wide variety of skin conditions. It is very common for a patient to get the best result from a combination of treatments, such as BBL for hyperpigmentation followed with a Clear + Brilliant or Fraxel Dual treatment for wrinkles and other early signs of aging.
BBL is sometimes described as IPL on steroids. Not only is BBL one of the most powerful IPLs available today, it is also one of the most comfortable systems due to its CoolComfort Technology. This translates to increased comfort and better efficacy, when compared toother systems. BBL also has more customization options allowing it to be personalized to you and your needs.