We often have patients calling to ask for IPL treatments and when we say, “Great, we offer BBL which is better than IPL”, there’s always a bit of confusion. BBL, in this case, does not stand for Brazilian Butt Lift. It stands for Broadband Light. There’s a difference between Broadband Light (BBL) and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL); IPL does not provide the same benefits to your skin that BBL does.
In the late 1990s, IPL photofacial treatments used bursts of light calibrated to treat problems like redness, scars, enlarged pores and some hyperpigmentation. While the treatment was sufficient to address those concerns, Sciton®, the leader in aesthetic technology, knew it could be better; enter the Broadband Light treatment.
BBL photofacials are effective at treating more epidermal concerns than IPL photofacials/treatments because of the high intensity of light, the broad range of light waves and the ability to garner more energy to deliver a faster, more precise treatment.
BBL treatments stimulate new collagen generation to reduce fine lines and tighten lax skin. They eliminate the appearance of age spots, brown spots, birthmarks, acne scarring, broken capillaries, blood vessels and more. BBL treatments not only diminish signs of aging, but they improve the health of the skin and can even be used to control chronic conditions like acne and rosacea.
Unlike IPL treatments, BBL is proven to slow, and even stop, the gene expression associated with aging. Regular treatments strengthen the structure and integrity of the skin, improving skin’s tone and texture. Treatments can also reverse damage from sun exposure. You can treat the face, neck, chest, hands— anywhere on the body with BBL.
BBL and IPL Treatments Are Light Treatments, Not Laser Treatments.
Both BBL and IPL treatments eliminate unwanted hair but with light, not laser. The difference between lights and lasers is that lights have many wavelengths, whereas the majority of lasers only have one. Many refer to IPL hair treatments as laser hair removal which is where the confusion between lights and lasers seems to be occurring because both lights and lasers can remove unwanted hair. A BBL hair removal treatment uses multiple wavelengths of light to target the melanin in hair follicles resulting in the removal of hair. It’s quicker and more comfortable than IPL and laser hair removal treatments. However, like all hair removal treatments patients need more than one session because hair grows in different stages.
From permanent hair removal to port wine stain removal, Sciton’s Broadband Light allows us to effectively address a range of concerns while keeping the treatment as minimally invasive as possible. In general, BBL treatments are more comfortable than traditional IPL treatments and laser treatments. There are no side effects, no downtime and there’s minimal to no discomfort during the treatment.
What is the Best BBL Treatment for Me?
The latest innovation in Sciton’s Broadband Light family is the BBL HERO, an acronym for High Energy Rapid Output. It’s a combination of Sciton’s top-performing technology developed to provide the best results coupled with an improved patient experience.
Aptly named, BBL HERO delivers three times the energy of IPL treatments making it four times faster. Plus, it has two times the cooling technology to improve the precision of each treatment. BBL HERO is perfect for patients who have limited time, but want fast results. In fact, BBL HERO is so efficient that it has halved the number of treatments that patients need to see results.
The efficiency and effectiveness of HERO gives patients and providers more options, allowing our experts to perform a combination of treatments in one appointment. We often recommend pairing the BBL HERO with Moxi™, a complementary laser treatment that’s designed to eliminate sun damage, brighten, and tighten the skin to prevent aging. Together BBL HERO and Moxi offer corrective and preventative skin care.
Are You a Candidate for BBL HERO?
Your provider will assess your skin and health history to determine if you’re a candidate for BBL HERO. While BBL treatments are safe for some skin types, it’s not recommended for darker skin types or those struggling with certain skin conditions like melasma.
When you’re looking for a provider, do your research. Ask questions about the technology they’ve invested in, visit their office to get a feel for their team, and ask to see before and after photos of their work. Ideally you’re looking for a practice that invests in ongoing training for their team. They have the most advanced, proven technology to care for your skin and you’re comfortable and confident in their team of providers.
If you’re local to Washington State and ready for healthier skin, schedule a complimentary consultation with one of RejuvenationMD’s providers to see if you’re a candidate for BBL HERO.
RejuvenationMD is the premier aesthetic skin treatment and wellness center in Washington’s North Sound. Our award-winning practice is home to 3 female physicians, an ARNP and a registered nurse, as well as a team of master estheticians and patient care coordinators. Learn more online at www.RejuvenationMDMedSpa.com or call RejuvenationMD in Bellingham 360-685-8408 or Burlington 360-982-2620 today.
