BBL Photofacial

What Is a BBL Photofacial?

An intense pulsed light (IPL) or broadband light (BBL) photofacial is a treatment that improves your skin’s quality using bright flashes of light. While BBL is often mistaken for a laser treatment, intense pulsed light isn’t the same type of light as a laser. Lasers use one wavelength of light at a time in a dense beam, while BBL uses scattered light in a variety of wavelengths.

At Amélie, our highly trained specialists offer BBL photofacials using Forever Young BBL, the most powerful IPL device on the market and the gold standard for reversing signs of aging. We customize each treatment based on your unique skin condition and needs.

How Do BBL Photofacials Work?

BBL uses a multi-pass approach to address signs of aging at all levels of the skin. The light reaches the second layer of your skin while leaving the surface completely unharmed. Pigmented cells within your skin absorb the light, convert it to heat, and disintegrate. You can also target and disable pigmented hair follicles with BBL to prevent hair growth. 

What Do Photofacials Treat?

BBL photofacials reduce or eliminate an array of common skin conditions. The team at Amélie might recommend adding a BBL photofacial to your treatment plan if you have concerns about:

• Age spots
• Sun spots
• Birthmarks
• Freckles
• Hyperpigmentation
• Broken blood vessels
• Varicose veins
• Rosacea
• Unwanted or excessive facial or body hair

You can have the treatment done on any area of your body, but the most common are the face, neck, chest, décolleté, and hands.

Our clients love combining their BBL photofacials with HALO™ laser skin resurfacing to stimulate extra collagen production and smooth out any fine lines or wrinkles. It’s the ultimate skin-rejuvenating combo!

Do BBL Photofacials Hurt?

BBL photofacials are very easy to undergo and involve minimal discomfort. Some people say each pulse feels like a flash of heat or snap of a rubber band. The whole process is quick, with appointments typically only taking about 30 minutes.

How Should I Prepare for My BBL Photofacial?

Before your series of BBL photofacials, start with a consultation with a member of the Amélie team. Together, you’ll identify the features you want to target with your photofacial and discuss skin conditions that might impede the treatment. If your provider decides that you’re a good candidate for a BBL photofacial, they’ll give you instructions to follow as you prepare.

In the weeks leading up to your procedure, you should avoid:

• Tanning in the sun
• Tanning beds
• Chemical peels and other harsh skin treatments
• Waxing
• Dermal fillers
• Ibuprofen, aspirin, and other blood thinners

Following these steps minimizes your chances of getting side effects like skin irritation.

What Is Recovery Like After a BBL Photofacial?

There is little to no downtime after a BBL photofacial. You can wear makeup and get back to your normal activities right away.

How Many BBL Photofacials Will I Need?

Depending on the extent of your skin discoloration, pigmented spots, and other features, the team may recommend that you get anywhere between 3 and 6 BBL treatments to see your best results. Getting multiple treatments with a month of healing between each of them gives you the best chance at achieving flawless, hairless, or even-toned skin.