18.07.2021 – 11:53
Broadband (BBL) laser therapy, also known as a photofacial, is a generally safe and effective treatment for a variety of cosmetic skin concerns.
Dermatologists use this fairly gentle procedure to:
Treat skin conditions such as rosacea, spider veins and acne
Help minimize the appearance of sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles
Even out skin tone and texture
What is BBL used for?
BBL is a type of laser therapy used to enhance and brighten the face by treating skin concerns and stimulating the production of collagen in the body. Collagen is a protein that helps to give structure to the skin, among other things.
Usually, BBL therapy targets the face, neck, chest, arms and hands – although it is possible to treat all areas.
BBL treatments help improve the appearance of skin damaged by factors such as:
sun exposure
harmful skin care products
pollution
Dermatologists use BBL laser treatments for conditions such as:
rosacea
rash
vascular lesions
It increases the firmness, elasticity and pigmentation (coloring) of the skin. It can also increase the body’s self-healing ability to regenerate healthy skin.
BBL can also reduce the occurrence of:
sun damage
thin lines
wrinkles
wounds
large pores
dull skin
pigmented lesions (spots, age)
redness
uneven skin tone and structure
loose or sagging skin
melasma and hyperpigmentation
What exactly happens during BBL treatment?
During the initial consultation with BBL, a dermatologist will examine the skin to determine which areas to target. They will then create a treatment plan that includes multiple sessions of laser therapy.
BBL treatments usually last about 30 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area.
During the procedure, the doctor will place a cooling gel on the treatment area and possibly a local anesthetic.
You may experience tingling, throbbing and slight pain. The skin may feel a little warm and look a little red, swollen or like sunburn.
BBL treatments use a wide range of wavelengths to target the underlying layers of the skin. The skin absorbs this light energy, which stimulates collagen production and eliminates pigmented (darker) skin cells.
You can expect to see noticeable changes in the skin within a few days or weeks of the first BBL treatment. As you continue the treatments, you will notice more significant changes.
Are there any possible side effects?
After BBL treatment, you may feel burning, redness and warmth that is similar to a sunburn. This discomfort usually lasts only a few hours, but can last for several days. To relieve swelling and discomfort, apply a cold compress to the affected area for 10 to 20 minutes.
In the week after the first treatment, you may notice that the pigment comes out on the surface of your skin. It is also common to experience redness and swelling. Dark spots can darken before fading over time, usually within 1 to 3 weeks.
After BBL, avoid:
Lip
current acne treatments
Aromatic products for skin care
When washing the affected area, use lukewarm water and avoid hot or cold water. Gently apply non-irritating skin care products and avoid scratches and friction.
Because skin melanin absorbs light energy in a BBL treatment, the procedure is safer for light-toned skin. People with darker skin tones that contain more melanin are more likely to experience burning, cracking or hyperpigmentation.
