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BBL™ Photofacial

BBL™ Photofacial

BBL™ Photofacial

Tired of dull-looking or damaged skin? BBL™ photofacial from Gainesville Dermatology Aesthetic Center is a fast-acting light therapy treatment that provides immediate results and little-to-no downtime. This therapy is an FDA-approved treatment that uses short surges of high-intensity light to restore dull and damaged skin to a firmer, more even, and more youthful condition. BBL™ light therapy comprises the most powerful cosmetic light technology available and offers many benefits to patients of many skin types and stages of life.

Contact our Gainesville dermatologists to learn more about our available skin treatments and to schedule an appointment for BBL™ photofacial treatments.

What Is BBL™ Photofacial?

BroadBand Light (BBL™) therapy is a safe, non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatment used to transform the appearance of the skin through the treatment of sun damage, uneven skin texture, skin tone issues, fine lines, wrinkles, and a number of other apparent skin conditions that can make the skin appear tired, dull, and aged. The non-invasive nature of each BBL skin treatment makes this procedure a relatively quick experience for optimal skin rejuvenation results. Photodamage, or sun damage, results from accumulated exposure to ultraviolet light. This causes negative cellular changes in the body, which encourage further negative cell changes. BBL™ is designed to target and combat the effects of external aging and help patients maintain all the essential properties of younger-looking skin. BBL™ photofacial treatments can treat several skin conditions, including the following.

  • Sun damage
  • Broken facial vessels
  • Rosy Cheeks
  • Rosacea
  • Dullness
  • Fine lines
  • Wrinkles
  • Acne scars
  • Surgical scars
  • Stretch marks
  • Loose skin
  • Pigmented lesions
  • Vascular lesions
  • Uneven skin texture

How Does BBL™ Photofacial Work?

BroadBand Light therapy uses the power of light energy to heat the uppermost skin layers gently. This heating process encourages collagen production and cell regeneration, which produces a more youthful, radiant, and glowing appearance to the skin. Following treatments with BBL™, the skin is restored to a firmer, fuller, and smoother state. The same non-invasive light wave energy used to help the body generate new collagen can help shrink fine blood vessels causing facial redness and reduce pigmented skin lesions associated with sun damage. Each BBL™ treatment typically takes just 15 minutes to perform.

BBL™ Vs. IPL

Often confused with other laser and light-energy therapies, BBL™ photofacials use non-invasive light waves in a broad light spectrum to target and treat skin problems. In contrast with other treatments, BBL™ can target and treat a larger skin area than lasers. IPL, or intense pulsed light therapy, is light therapy used to treat wrinkles, pigmented skin spots, and remove unwanted hair from the skin. IPL and BBL™ use non-invasive light waves to treat the skin and remove certain imperfections.

Neither type of treatment requires the use of injections or incisions to complete. Instead, IPL treatments use a handheld device that is passed over the skin and delivers pulses of broad-spectrum light deep into the skin’s layers. IPL uses different light waves to stimulate collagen. BBL™ offers specialized, high-intensity light to heat the skin, stimulating collagen production, and is the only treatment that can change the expression of cells and genetic factors associated with extrinsic (external) aging. As such, BBL™ offers practitioners greater control over each patient’s treatment and allows them to easily personalize the treatment.

Does BBL™ Photofacial Hurt?

In addition to being non-invasive, treatments with Broadband Light technology create a comfortable experience for the patient. The majority of patients express the cooling features of the BBL™ machine allow for minimal discomfort. For patients with sensitive skin, your skin specialist may apply a topical numbing cream to the treatment area before the start of the procedure.

Who Can Have BBL™ Treatments?

BBL™ photofacial treatments are ideal for those seeking to remediate common skin problems, such as sun damage, fine lines, wrinkles, broken skin vessels, pigmented skin lesions, and other visible skin issues. Among the numerous benefits of treatments using BBL™ light technology, this procedure can be individualized to each patient based on their skin type, skin concerns, and aesthetic skin goals, among other factors unique to them. BBL™ is safe for patients with any skin tone and is safe to use on darker skin tones. For more information or to schedule an appointment with our skin care specialist, contact Gainesville Dermatology Aesthetic Center.

How To Prepare For A BBL™ Photofacial

Each patient has unique skin concerns and needs. As such, preparation recommendations for your BBL™ photofacial session will be provided to you prior to your procedure day, so you can achieve the highest degree of results during and following your treatment. In general, however, pre-treatment guidelines for our BBL™ photofacial may include the following. Discuss your health and skin concerns or requirements with our dermatologists and skin care team prior to your treatment day. We can provide you with personalized skin care recommendations to help you maximize your photofacial results.

  • Schedule your appointment a minimum of two weeks before any special events
  • Notify your provider of any history of cold sores before your treatment
  • Patients may not receive treatment if they have an active rash in the area to be treated
  • Discontinue use of photo-sensitizing medications and products at least 72 hours before your procedure
  • Do not sun tan or use tanning beds or self-tanner products two weeks before treatment
  • Avoid the use of Accutane at least six months prior to treatment
  • Do not use or undergo IPL/BBL™ procedures and waxing for at least seven days before BBL™ treatments
  • Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding should obtain clearance from their OB/GYN prior to undergoing treatments with BBL™

How Many BBL Treatments Will I Need?

Many of our patients report noticeable results following their first BBL™ photofacial treatment. Treatment plan recommendations may vary from patient to patient based on their skin and health requirements and preferences. In general, it is recommended that patients undergo BBL™ photofacial treatments between two and four sessions each year to achieve and maintain optional procedure outcomes. To identify the number of treatments you will require, contact Gainesville Dermatology Aesthetic Center today to book an appointment.

BBL™ Results

BBL™ photofacial treatments provide visible improvements to dull, problematic skin, leaving it more radiant and hydrated with each session. Each patient’s skin may react differently to the procedure. In general, results can be seen almost immediately and span two weeks after the session, with a cumulative effect with repeated sessions. Skin pigmentation in the treated area will initially darken and improve around 10 days after the treatment. Any present redness will improve over the next several days following the treatment. Facial vessels improve during and over the next several days following treatment. BBL™ light treatments can correct areas of skin with visible pigmentation issues, such as sunspots and freckles, improve redness, reduce the appearance of capillaries, improve pore size, and reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also improve the skin conditions with acne by killing underlying bacteria in the skin, decreasing oil production, and minimizing inflammation and redness. For more BBL™ laser before and after information, please contact our dermatology office.

How Often Should I Get A BBL™ Photofacial?

Results from your BBL™ photofacial treatment are permanent. We recommend pursuing diligent lifestyle measures and a dermatologist-recommended skincare routine to help maintain your results after each treatment. The frequency at which a patient should undergo additional BBL™ light treatments following their initial treatment will depend on different factors unique to that patient and their skin. In most cases, BBL™ treatments provide patients with the best results when performed in a series. Usually, three or more treatments may be recommended, with one month between sessions. Following the completion of this series, a treatment plan of two or three sessions per year may be recommended to sustain the desired treatment results.

BBL™ Photofacial Aftercare

Following your BBL™ photofacial, your skin may appear and feel as though you have a mild sunburn. Any redness can be covered with makeup immediately after the procedure, and you may return to your usual activities immediately following your treatment. The non-invasive nature of this treatment offers the benefit of little-to-no downtime for most patients, making it an efficient and effective option for patients seeking to improve the appearance and health of their skin without a significant amount of healing and downtime following their procedure. Patients are provided with specific post-treatment instructions during their appointment. In general, post-treatment guidelines for BBL™ photofacial treatments may include the following.

  • Bruising, swelling, sensitivity, and redness may be present in the skin after treatment
  • Avoid picking at, scratching, or handling your skin in a rough manner
  • Avoid sun tanning (both natural and via machine) and prolonged exposure to sunlight
  • Avoid excessive heat, such as saunas, hot tubs, and hot baths, for multiple days
  • Resume your regular skincare routine immediately after treatment
  • Do not resume use of chemical and physical exfoliants until advised by your provider
  • If exposed to the sun, always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 35+ and reapply every 2 hours or more frequently
  • Maintain contact with your skin specialist and notify them of any changes or concerns

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