Broad Band Light (BBL)

BBL uses light energy to deliver heat and can treat multiple layers of the skin, whereas a laser is programmed to go to a fixed depth. The heat absorbed by the targeted areas (brown spots, redness, freckles and acne) will stimulate your skin cells to regenerate new collagen. This process will restore your skin to its natural beauty with a noticeable vibrancy. BBL is similar to IPL (Intense Pulsed Light).

Since BBL specifically targets brown spots, redness, freckles, uneven skin tone, and acne, there are different expected results. Your brown spots and freckles will flake up and off like coffee grounds; your redness might be more red for up to a week, disappear immediately or turn purple or “dusky”; the acne treatment might leave you pink for the day of treatment, but it will overall reduce sebaceous oil production, reduce inflammation, and help even out the skin tone.

The amount of treatments needed is based upon your concerns as a patient. In working with Dr. Finn and Kelly, a good treatment regimen will be decided to fit your specific needs. To target red and brown, one to three treatments are typically needed, spaced four weeks apart. For acne, we recommend six treatments, spaced one week apart.

There are many different elements that can contribute to how long your results may last. Skin care regimen, sun exposure, and other lifestyle influences are some of the most common factors. We will discuss with you at your appointment how long your results are expected to last, how you can help them last longer, and even talk in-depth about your skincare regimen to protect the investment you are making in your skin.

Your eyes will be protected with metal goggles. You may briefly feel a warm or “rubber band snap” sensation as the light is absorbed by the targeted areas (brown spots, capillaries, freckles). BBL is a tolerable treatment and should last about 20-45 minutes depending on the area(s) to treat. The sapphire crystal handpiece will be moved across the skin to cover all areas to be treated.

This is a noninvasive and gentle procedure with virtually no downtime. In most cases, you are able to return to work, apply makeup, and resume most of your normal activities immediately. The dark spots will turn darker and flake up and off like coffee grounds; this process can take 7-21 days depending on the area of the body being treated. It is very important that you DO NOT PICK at the brown spots or exfoliate them off with acids or a cleanser with scrubbing beads.

We will go over aftercare with you in the office, as it is tailored to your specific needs. We do recommend “taking it easy” with skincare until all of your spots have flaked off. We recommend using a gentle cleanser and gentle moisturizer with no acids or scrubbing beads.

Can Forever Young BBL really stop the clock on the appearance of aging skin?

Yes! This was proven in a long-term clinical study. Patients received three to four BBL treatments per year over the course of a decade. At the end of the study, doctors judged the patients to appear 11 years younger than their actual age. The patients actually looked younger at the end of the study than when the study began. You can see the results here: http://sciton.com/physicians/forever-young-bbl/

Which areas can be treated?

Any area of the body can be treated with Forever Young. The most common areas are also the most exposed areas because of the sun damage they can endure. Most patients ask for face, neck, back of the hands, chest and shoulders to be treated.

How many treatments will I need?

Each patient has different needs; therefore, the number of treatments varies. We will personalize a plan to fit your needs. Three to four treatments a year is generally recommended for optimal results.

Who is a good candidate?

Long-term effects have been proven in most skin types, including patients with olive undertones to darker skin types. This treatment can truly be tailored to any person and any skin type.

When should I start the treatments?

We can customize each treatment to fit everyone’s needs. Almost anyone can enjoy the benefits of this anti-aging and preventative treatment!

What can I expect during the procedure?

Your eyes will be protected with metal goggles. You may briefly feel a warm or “rubber band snap” sensation as the light is absorbed by the targeted areas. Your procedure will take 30-45 minutes. The sapphire crystal handpiece will be moved across the skin until the entire area has been treated.

How long will it take to recover?

This is a gentle and noninvasive procedure with virtually no downtime. We recommend that you return to work and resume most of your activities immediately. Makeup may be applied the very next day.

What should I expect after the treatment?

You may experience redness that should dissipate within a few hours. If you have any pigmented lesions, they will darken and flake off like coffee grounds over the next 7-21 days. The treated area will have less noticeable pores, feel smoother and pigmented lesions will fade. Results depend on where you are starting from and number of treatments you receive.

What aftercare products do I need?

It is important to follow the post-care instructions. You will be sensitive to UV light, so you MUST avoid direct sun exposure until you are completely healed. We recommend staying out of the sun to sustain your results. We will recommend sunscreens for you to use during the healing process and after you are finished healing.