BroadBand Light
Dr. Brock Lanier, MD, FACS | OncoPlastic Surgery in Newport Beach
How It Works
BroadBand Light (BBL) is a non-invasive treatment that uses pulses of precise wavelengths of light to target specific skin concerns like brown spots, redness, and broken capillaries/spider veins. BBL also stimulates collagen production, resulting in improved skin texture and tone. It is sometimes also called as intense pulsed light (IPL).
BroadBand Light: at a glance
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It is considered a superficial treatment.
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Non-surgical, performed in the clinic.
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Usually 30-60+ minutes (depending on the size of the area being treated). Anesthesia is not required. The BBL devices incorporate a cooling mechanism to minimize discomfort and protect the skin.
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BroadBand Light (BBL) therapy, while generally safe and effective, does come with some potential risks and side effects:
Common Side Effects: redness and warmth, swelling, & pigment changes can last for a few days after treatment.
Infrequent and Uncommon Risks: burns, hair loss or reduction in the treated area, blisters and scabbing.
Rare but Significant Risks: scarring, persistent inflammation, uneven skin tones.
Permanent hair loss may occur in the area treated with BBL. BroadBand Light cannot be used in areas where hair growth is desired.
Due to these potential risks and complications, it is recommended to choose an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon.
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At home. No downtime. Some patients experience temporary side effects including redness and mild swelling. These typically last a few hours and subside within one day. The total recovery time for BBL is generally very short, allowing you to enjoy the benefits quickly.
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Wait until any redness or discomfort that develops completely goes away before resuming strenuous activities and exercises. It will be important to avoid direct sun exposure and wear sun protection.
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You may notice some improvement immediately after the first treatment, but the full results typically become apparent over several weeks. Most patients can benefit from a series of 2-3 treatments, spaced a few weeks apart, in order to achieve optimal results. The number of treatments will be determined by your specific needs and goals.
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Depending on a patient’s individual concerns, BBL can be combined with many other treatments including different laser resurfacing options, Botox, and fillers. Most patients can benefit from repeat treatments, about 4-6 weeks apart.
Keep in mind this is general information about a typical or usual experience. Individual experiences can vary.
Treatment Areas & Concerns
The most commonly treated areas are the face, neck, chest, & hands.
What are the benefits and risks?
BroadBand Light Benefits
BroadBand Light (BBL) is a very popular treatment option and offers an array of benefits.
Treats Multiple Skin Concerns. It effectively targets a wide range of issues, including:
Brown spots: Age spots, sun spots, freckles
Redness: Rosacea, broken capillaries, facial veins & spider veins
Fine lines and wrinkles: Stimulates collagen production for smoother skin
Acne: Can help reduce breakouts and improve acne scarring
Improved Skin Texture and Tone: BBL helps create a more even, youthful appearance by reducing pigmentation and improving skin clarity.
Versatility: Can be used on various areas of the body, including the face, neck, chest, and hands.
Minimal Downtime: Most patients can resume normal activities within a day after treatment.
BBL Risks
BroadBand Light (BBL) therapy, while generally safe and effective, does come with some potential risks and side effects:
Common Side Effects
Redness and warmth: Many patients experience a sensation similar to a mild sunburn, which typically lasts for a few hours but can persist for a few days in some cases.
Swelling: Mild puffiness, particularly under the eyes, may occur on the day after treatment.
Pigment changes: During the initial week post-treatment, pigment may surface on the skin, which is a normal part of the process.
Less Common Risks
Burns: There is a small risk of burns in the treated area, although this risk is reduced with modern BBL technology.
Hair reduction or loss: BBL treatment can result in reduced hair growth in the treated area.
Blisters & scabbing: These may occur, especially after stronger treatments for conditions like resistant rosacea.
Rare but Significant Risks
Scarring: While uncommon, scarring is a potential risk, particularly if the treatment is not performed correctly.
Persistent inflammation: In some cases, inflammation may last longer than expected.
Uneven skin tones: There's a risk of hyperpigmentation (darkening) or hypopigmentation (lightening) of the treated areas.
Important Considerations
Skin type: BBL is not recommended for naturally dark or artificially tanned skin due to increased risk of complications.
Cold sore outbreaks: BBL can trigger cold sores in susceptible individuals. If you have a history of cold sores, then medication can prevent a recurrence.
It's crucial to have BBL treatments performed by experienced profession - like a board-certified plastic surgeon, who can properly assess individual risk factors and adjust treatment parameters to minimize potential complications.
Who is it for?
BroadBand Light typically has no downtime and a short overall recovery (about 24 hours). It is an extremely popular option given the multiple benefits it provides. Good candidates are individuals who are in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and are looking to address issues like:
Fine lines and wrinkles
Uneven skin tone or texture including brown spots & red spots.
Acne
BBL is among the most popular options for both men and women in all age groups.
How is it performed?
It is performed in the comfort of the clinic.
The skin is cleaned. Anesthesia and numbing cream are not needed.
You'll be given protective eyewear to shield your eyes from the light. A cooling gel is usually applied to the treatment area.
The BBL device feels cold to touch and gently moves across the skin, emitting short pulses of light. You may feel a mild warming sensation during the treatment.
The cooling gel is removed, and your skin may be slightly red. Moisturizer and sunscreen is applied to protect the skin and minimize inflammation.
The entire procedure usually takes around 20-30 minutes, but can be longer if a larger area is being treated.
After your treatment…
Immediately after the treatment, your skin can feel warm and look slightly swollen. These effects are normal and usually subside within 24 hours.
Recovery & Results
At home recovery. No downtime. Some patients experience temporary side effects including redness and mild swelling. These typically last just a few hours and subside within one day.
You may notice some improvement immediately after the first treatment, but the full results typically become apparent over several weeks.
Most patients experience superior results by with a series of 2-3 treatments, spaced about 4-6 weeks apart. The number of treatments will be determined by your specific needs and goals.
