Broad-Band Light (BBL)

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Individuals with sun-damaged skin, age spots, freckles, acne, rosacea, or visible blood vessels are good candidates for BBL. Candidates must have realistic expectations and relatively healthy skin.

While BBL is safe and effective for most people, some individuals may not be ideal candidates due to factors that could increase risks or impact results. Medical clearance may be required for certain conditions. Please consult with your healthcare provider if you are unsure. Precautions to consider: 

• Pregnancy - consult with your healthcare provider first.
• Patients who are undergoing treatment for skin cancer.
• Accutane - must wait at least 6 months.
• Compromised skin (dermatitis, sunburn, open wounds or sores, infection) in the treatment area.
• Autoimmune conditions that affect skin healing (like lupus or active vitiligo) - consult with your healthcare provider first.  
• History of keloids or poor wound healing.
• Patients with pacemakers, internal defibrillators, or a history of seizure disorders should avoid laser hair removal, depending on the area being treated. 
• Tattoo in the treatment area - can cause significant color changes.
• Dark skin (fitzpatrick 5 & 6) - BBL works by targeting melanin (pigment) on the skin, therefore, we recommend other melanin skin safe treatments such as Moxi, Halo, Laser Genesis, or Microneedling depending on your skin concerns.

You may notice some improvement immediately, but the full results typically develop over several weeks as the skin heals and rejuvenates. For optimal results, a series of at least 3 BBL Forever Young treatments spaced a few weeks apart may be recommended. BBL Forever Clear typically requires at least 6 treatments spaced 2-3 weeks a apart.

The results from BBL can last several months or longer, depending on the individual’s skin type, condition, and skin care regimen.

BBL typically requires no significant downtime. Following the treatment, mild redness or swelling may occur, usually subsiding within a few hours. If you are treating brown spots, they will first get darker and will then lighten in about a week or two. This is normal and part of the process. Treated vessels may look somewhat smudgy or less defined for the first few days.

A handheld device passes over the target areas and emits light pulses. You may feel warm as the light is applied, but the treatment is fairly quick and generally well-tolerated. Light from the BBL can be harmful to eyes and wearing special safety eyewear is necessary at all times during the procedure.

• Avoid direct sun exposure, including tanning beds, and artificial tanning (spray tans, tanning lotions, etc.) for at least 2-4 weeks prior to treatment. Use SPF 30+ if sun exposure is unavoidable. You will not be able to receive a BBL if you are tanned.
• Shave any dark hair in the treatment area within 24 hours of your appointment (or add on a dermaplane!) Beards on those who do NOT wish to have hair loss in that area do not have to shave. The bearded area will be avoided during treatment since BBL can cause minimal hair reduction.
• Avoid skin irritants (products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide or acne medications, vitamin C if strong or acidic, hydroquinone, AHAs/BHAs, astringents, depilatories, waxing, etc.) or any other exfoliating products in the treatment area for at least 5 days prior to treatment.
• Avoid photosensitizing drugs and certain antibiotics for at least 5 days prior to each treatment as these may increase the risk of irritation. Consult with your healthcare provider before discontinuing.
• Wait at least 5–10 days after Botox or filler before receiving BBL. 
• If you have a history of herpes/cold sores in the treatment area, pre-treat with an antiviral a few days before and after treatment to reduce the risk of an outbreak. Please let us know if you need a prescription for a short course to take. 
• Remove reflective or metallic items, like jewelry, in the treatment area as these may cause injury or damage. If piercings cannot be removed, they will simply be avoided during treatment.

• Most people can return to their normal activities immediately, however, strenuous exercise, sweating, hot showers, heat, swimming, and sauna use should be limited for at least 3 days or until fully healed.
• Avoid direct sun exposure, including tanning beds, for 1-2 weeks following each treatment. Keep the area covered or apply a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) SPF 30+ to prevent hyperpigmentation.
• Avoid artificial tanning (spray tans, tanning lotions, etc.), skin irritants (products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide or acne medications, vitamin C if strong or acidic, hydroquinone, AHAs, BHAs, astringents, depilatories, waxing, etc.) or any other exfoliating products in the treatment area for at least 24-72 hours or until skin is fully healed.
• Makeup may be applied immediately after as long as skin integrity has not been compromised. 
• If redness in the face (vascularity) is treated with BBL, it is recommended to avoid alcohol, spicy foods, and caffeine for 24 hours post treatment.