BBL – Pulsed Light
Light therapy that regenerates the skin
Presentation
BBL: a new generation of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy
BBL (Broad Band Light) and IPL treatments are light therapies that target the superficial layers of the skin. They allow the cells to regenerate into a new, healthier, clearer and firmer layer. This new BBL generation from the SCITON laboratory offers a number of advantages, including the possibility of treating skin more quickly and with simpler aftercare. Fewer sessions will be needed to treat vascular or pigmentation problems on the face and body.
Procedure
How does BBL work?
The procedure involves depositing light energy in the form of pulsed light at different frequencies on the skin. This light acts on the multiple layers of the skin.
Depending on the frequency and mode used: HERO (High Energy Rapid Output), or Forever Young. BBL treatment is used to treat pigmentary lesions targeting the melanin that forms brown spots and the broken blood vessels that create redness and rosacea.
The imperfections are corrected and the body naturally eliminates the melanin pigments and capillary debris remaining after the BBL treatment. This procedure also stimulates the production of collagen, which tones the skin by reducing dilated pores and superficial fine lines.
The BBL machine has a number of different parameters which treat, in particular:
• Pigmentation spots (brown spots, freckles and age spots)
• Diffuse redness (rosacea, rosacea, angiomas, telangiectasias)
• Deep lesions
• Acne
• Scars
• Fine lines
Unlike a conventional IPL, the BBL is equipped with 2 lamps that emit pulsed light simultaneously. This means you can control the intensity of each movement to deliver the optimum amount of energy to the skin. This is more effective and also gentler on the skin.
Is the BBL suitable for all skin types?
The BBL HERO and Forever Young can treat all phototypes and skin types: thick, thin, combination or oily. It is equipped with a highly sophisticated cooling system that can be precisely adjusted (between 0°C and 30°C) according to the lesion to be treated, the colour of the skin and the patient’s sensitivity. This makes treatment more comfortable and reduces the risk of burns. It is also possible to treat darker skin types (phototype 5) safely.
However, patients with very dark complexions are not ideal candidates for this treatment because of the risk of hyperpigmentation.
Patients with permanent make-up tattoos should not receive BBL or IPL treatments in these areas, as the light energy can remove the tattoos.
BBL: a treatment for the face and body
All areas of the body can be treated with BBL. The most common areas are those that are most exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, back of the
hands, cleavage and shoulders. With the HERO, Forever Young Body and Forever Young+ modes, it is possible to glide over the skin, avoiding the juxtaposition of energy deposits and untreated areas of skin. The result is an even, optimised and faster treatment. This technology enables the BBL to treat large areas of the body (cleavage, legs, arms, back, etc.). The pulses are also broken down into 4 pulses/sec, which considerably reduces the feeling of overheating. Sessions are more comfortable than with conventional IPLs.
How does a session work?
It is important to avoid coming in for a BBL treatment with a preexisting tan. It is therefore essential to avoid the sun for 15 days before and 15 days after each session. The parameters will be personalised according to each patient’s needs and wishes. A session lasts approximately from 1 to 1 and a half hours. The skin may be slightly red for 1 to 2 days. There is no need for social isolation, and patients usually resume their daily activities immediately.
Results
Gradual results?
The results of BBL appear gradually, in particular with the synthesis of new collagen and elastin fibres. Damaged skin is regenerated with new tissue that appears healthier and rejuvenated. Improvements are gradually visible over the 2 to 5 weeks following each BBL treatment.
Dr Olivier CLAUDE recommends 2 to 4 sessions (depending on your wishes and needs) spaced at least 4 weeks apart. Then 1 to 2 sessions per year are usually sufficient for maintenance.
The benefits of BBL
BBL treatment is non-invasive and offers genuine synergy with injections, radiofrequency and surgery. The parameters’ precision enables targeted, personalised treatment. During the session, you may feel a sensation of heat or tingling, but there is no pain during or after the treatment. Side effects are minimal. The BBL’s primary objective is to treat redness and blemishes, giving the skin a new radiance. BBL also promotes the production of fibroblasts, improving skin tone and elasticity.