Published by: Sara Razavi
Introduction
Sun exposure, aging, redness, and pigmentation can gradually change the appearance of our skin, leaving the complexion looking uneven, dull, or discolored. Broadband Light (BBL) therapy is a non-invasive light-based treatment designed to target many of these common skin concerns and restore a brighter, clearer, and more even-looking complexion.
BBL treatments can be customized based on each patient’s skin concerns and treatment goals, making them a versatile option for improving visible sun damage, redness, pigmentation, and overall skin quality.
What Is BBL Light Therapy?
Broadband Light (BBL) is an advanced light-based treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to target unwanted pigment and redness within the skin.
The light energy is absorbed by targeted areas of pigment and visible blood vessels, allowing the body to gradually clear the treated areas. Over time, this can create a more even and refreshed appearance without the downtime associated with more aggressive resurfacing procedures.
What Can BBL Treat?
BBL can be used to improve a variety of skin concerns, including:
- Sun damage and sun spots
- Brown spots and uneven pigmentation
- Redness and visible blood vessels
- Rosacea-related redness
- Uneven skin tone
- Signs of photo damage
- Overall dull or uneven-looking skin
Because BBL settings can be customized, each treatment can be tailored to the patient’s individual skin concerns.
More Than Skin Deep: Research on BBL and Skin Aging
Interestingly, research suggests that the benefits of BBL may extend beyond improvements visible on the surface of the skin.
A pilot study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology examined the molecular effects of BBL on aged human skin. Researchers compared untreated younger skin with treated and untreated skin from older participants. Following a series of three monthly BBL treatments, researchers found that the gene-expression pattern of treated aged skin shifted to more closely resemble that of younger skin.
Of the age-associated RNA transcripts identified in the study, 1,293 demonstrated what researchers described as a “rejuvenated” expression pattern following BBL treatment.
These findings suggest that BBL may influence certain molecular characteristics associated with skin aging in addition to improving visible signs of photo damage. Because this research was conducted as a small pilot study, additional research is needed to further understand these molecular effects and their long-term significance.
Source: Chang ALS, Bitter PH Jr, Qu K, et al. Rejuvenation of Gene Expression Pattern of Aged Human Skin by Broadband Light Treatment: A Pilot Study. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2013;133(2):394–402. doi:10.1038/jid.2012.287.
What Areas Can Be Treated?
BBL can be performed on several areas where sun damage, redness, and pigmentation commonly develop, including:
- Face
- Neck
- Chest
- Hands
- Arms
- Shoulders
- Other areas affected by visible sun damage or discoloration
Your treatment plan can be customized depending on the areas you would like to address.
What to Expect During a BBL Treatment?
Before treatment, your skin will be evaluated and the BBL settings will be selected based on your skin type and specific concerns.
BBL treatments typically do not require topical numbing and are relatively quick, with appointments often taking approximately 45 minutes depending on the treatment area.
During treatment, you may feel warmth or a quick snapping sensation as the light energy is delivered to the skin. Most patients tolerate the procedure well.
What Is Recovery Like?
One of the benefits of BBL is its minimal downtime. Patients may experience temporary redness or warmth immediately following treatment.
Pigmented areas may temporarily appear darker after treatment before gradually fading or flaking away as the skin renews itself.
Because the skin can be more sensitive following BBL, protecting the treated area from sun exposure is especially important.
BBL Post-Treatment Care?
Following treatment, proper skincare and sun protection can help support your results.
Your provider may recommend:
- Using a gentle cleanser and moisturizer
- Avoiding exfoliating products and retinoids for approximately one week or as directed
- Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and reapplying throughout the day
- Avoiding prolonged or direct sun exposure while the skin heals
- Avoiding excessive heat and activities that may irritate the treated skin immediately following treatment
Always follow the specific post-treatment instructions provided by your aesthetician.
How Many BBL Treatments Will I Need?
While some patients notice improvements after their first BBL treatment, a series of treatments is often recommended for optimal correction.
Depending on your skin concerns and treatment goals, a minimum series of approximately three treatments spaced four to six weeks apart may be recommended.
Because pigmentation, redness, and sun damage can continue to develop over time, maintenance treatments can also help preserve your results.
How Often Should I Have BBL for Maintenance?
After completing an initial treatment series, maintenance BBL treatments may be recommended every three to six months depending on your skin, lifestyle, sun exposure, and individual treatment goals.
Consistent skincare and daily sun protection are also important for maintaining your results between treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BBL Painful?
Most patients describe the treatment as warm with a brief snapping sensation as the light is delivered. Discomfort is generally minimal and topical numbing is typically not necessary.
Is There Downtime After BBL?
BBL generally requires minimal downtime. Some redness, warmth, or darkening of pigmented areas may occur temporarily following treatment.
When Will I See Results?
Improvements may become noticeable following the first treatment as targeted pigmentation and redness begin to fade. Results can continue to improve with a series of treatments.
Can BBL Help With Rosacea and Redness?
BBL can be used to target visible redness and vascular concerns. Your aesthetician will evaluate your skin to determine whether BBL is appropriate for your specific concerns.
Can BBL Be Used on Darker Skin Tones?
BBL may not be appropriate for every skin tone because light-based treatments interact with melanin in the skin. A professional skin evaluation is important to determine whether BBL can be performed safely or whether another treatment would be a better option.
Can BBL Treat Areas Other Than the Face?
Yes. BBL can be used on several areas commonly affected by sun exposure and discoloration, including the neck, chest, hands, arms, and shoulders.
Is BBL Right for You?
If you are concerned about sun damage, pigmentation, redness, or an uneven complexion, BBL may be an option for improving the overall appearance and quality of your skin.
Every patient’s skin is different, which is why a personalized consultation is important. Your aesthetician can evaluate your skin, discuss your concerns, and create a treatment plan based on your individual goals.
Schedule a consultation at Advanced Aesthetics Lopez Plastic Surgery & L Med Spa to learn whether BBL is right for you.
