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BroadBand Light Therapy for Youthful Skin

BroadBand Light (BBL™) technology uses the power of intense pulsed light to deliver exceptional results using photorejuvenation therapy. Our aesthetic nurse providers at the Buckingham Center can treat a broad range of skin conditions caused by aging and sun exposure using this intense pulsed light device. Sciton’s BBL® (Broadband Light) and BBL HERO (High Energy Rapid Output) is rooted in science and has set the new standard for effectively treating aged and photodamaged skin.

Broadband light (BBL) laser therapy in Austin can make skin look clearer, firmer, more even, and more youthful. It can help improve many conditions associated with aging including hyperpigmentation (sunspots), redness, facial vessels, loss of elasticity, and can also effectively treat acne and rosacea. Our aesthetic nurses who perform this treatment are expertly trained by the exceptionally skilled Facial Plastic Surgeon’s at the Buckingham Center, ensuring they are equipped with comprehensive knowledge of facial anatomy, excellent patient care, and skills for delivering outstanding results.

Broadband Light Before & Afters

*Each patient is unique, and individual results may vary.

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What Is BBL Hero®?

With BBL HERO®, Sciton’s JOULE® Platform has introduced the most innovative BBL device ever, with flash lamp technology, interchangeable filters, finesse adapters, and a cool comfort system. 

BBL HERO® has proven to be the world’s most powerful IPL device by delivering exceptional results through innovations in its speed, peak power, cooling, and efficiency to treat more patients effectively in less time. The device works four times more efficiently in its rate, three times in power, and two times in cooling to help with comfort level more than any other IPL machine in the world. . This BBL HERO can be used separately and in addition to the original static BBL, depending on each individual’s treatment plan. BBL HERO helps to provide increased patient comfort in treatment to areas of the body such as the arms, legs, and back. 

The BBL Difference

This standalone system is designed to treat larger areas of the body, such as the back, arms, and thighs, in two to five minutes. What makes this device so unique is the combination of several powerful technologies from Sciton’s JOULE Platform, such as Forever Young, Forever Body, and SkinTyte. The technology used in BBL HERO® includes the following:

  • Sapphire crystals and sensors are integrated with thermoelectric monitors to maintain the temperature between zero to thirty degrees centigrade. It also offers precise temperature adjustment to every degree with the COOL COMFORT™ technology, making it more comfortable than the original BBL treatment.
  • With its large spot size, highest repetition rate, finesse adapters, and smart filters, BBL HERO® is the fastest of any other IPL technology. The speed of the light treatment allows the patient to get two to three times the normal amount of light when using the static BBL, which creates brighter skin with better results.
  • BBL HERO® is equipped with intuitive software and a consistent energy delivery system for excellent outcomes.

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How Does BBL HERO® Work?

BBL works by delivering intense pulsed light energy to the dermal layer of the skin. The heat energy absorbed by the targeted areas stimulates the skin cells to regenerate elastin and collagen and improve the skin. The technology used in BBL HERO® is four times faster, three times more effective, and two times more comfortable than traditional IPL technology. The broad-spectrum blasts of high-energy light are delivered through a handheld device. The process is gentle and non-ablative in providing high-energy rapid broadband light to the treatment areas.

The procedure involves a low risk of side effects and complications. There is minimal to no downtime associated with the procedure, and treatment on average lasts approximately thirty minutes. The Buckingham Center providers have extensive knowledge and training in using BBL and BBL HERO® and can recommend the appropriate treatment plan to optimize results while minimizing risks. The treatment itself will be performed by our proficient Buckingham Center aesthetic nurses.

BBL For Neck and Chest Rejuvenation

Broadband Light (BBL) is a cutting-edge, non-invasive treatment that targets common signs of aging and sun damage on the delicate skin on the neck and chest. BBL can dramatically restore younger-looking skin by reducing the appearance of sun damage, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, and broken capillaries. There is minimal discomfort associated with BBL Photofacial treatments, as well as optional topical numbing, ensuring a gentle treatment and optimal results for patients seeking to restore a youthful and radiant look to their chest area.

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Who Is An Ideal Candidate For BBL HERO®?

BBL laser treatments in Austin at Buckingham Center for Plastic Surgery are appropriate for most skin types and tones. Unlike many older skin rejuvenation devices, the BBL HERO® system offers several wavelengths that are much safer for darker skin types. BBL HERO® can help treat a wide variety of skin conditions and concerns, including:

  • Sun-damaged skin
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Acne
  • Pigmented lesions
  • Age spots
  • Vascular lesions such as telangiectasias and rosacea

There are certain health conditions that could increase treatment risks, and the physicians will discuss that during your consultation. Pregnant and nursing mothers are not eligible for BBL HERO® but can choose to pursue the treatment at a later date.

Your provider will go over your medical history and conduct an exam before scheduling your first BBL or BBL HERO® session. It’s important to come to your consultation with your goals, expectations, and questions for the procedure.

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What Should You Expect From Your BBL HERO® Treatment?

Before

The goal of BBL HERO® treatment is to reduce pigmentation, redness, and visible vessels while promoting healthier skin and slowing the aging process. This non-invasive procedure typically requires no anesthesia due to its integrated cooling technology, though some patients may choose to use a topical numbing cream for added comfort.

During

As the device is passed over the skin, high-energy broadband light targets the melanin to treat pigmented areas. Initially, these spots will darken after the session. The light also works on redness by heating and sealing the vessels, which will later be reabsorbed by the body.

After

Over the next two weeks, the darker pigmented areas will shed, replaced by fresh skin cells. The treated vessels and redness will also gradually fade. Some conditions, like vascularities and pigmentation, may require multiple treatments for optimal results

Recovery And Results From BBL HERO®

BBL HERO® is a short treatment with very minimal side effects and a low risk of complications. Patients may experience mild discoloration and sensitivity after the treatment, as explained above. Results, which include a more even skin tone, a smoother complexion, a lightening of pigment, and a decrease in overall redness, will begin to emerge about two weeks after the first treatment. 

The number of treatments and the gap between each treatment varies from person to person and depends on their skin condition and aesthetic goals. Patients should expect to need one to four sessions of BBL HERO® spaced a few weeks apart. Treating vascular lesions may require more sessions and additional specialized treatments with our expert providers.

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Risks And Complications

BBL HERO® is a great choice for any patients interested in improving their overall quality of skin. It is a gentle treatment; however, a few mild side effects may occur.

  • Swelling and redness may appear after the treatment. The redness typically subsides within a few hours. The swelling typically lasts for 24-48 hours.
  • The patient must be diligent in protecting the skin using SPF following this treatment. Hyperpigmentation is a type of skin damage that can occur when the sensitive post-procedure skin is exposed to damaging rays.
  • As with any treatment that is heat-based, there is a possibility of a burn. Our aesthetic nurses are meticulously trained to use the BBL safely with the correct settings for your skin type. If you feel like there was a burn, please call the office.
  • Risks of more serious side effects are low and will be reviewed with you in detail prior to beginning the procedure.

Your BBL Laser Consultation

Our medical professionals believe that successful treatments and facial plastic surgery results stem from developing and maintaining a good rapport between the patient, the medical professionals, and the staff during the consultation, as well as future appointments. Each consultation includes a complete facial analysis to determine the best procedure to bring about the patient’s desired results. In addition, all questions relating to the patient’s specific concerns are addressed. Prospective patients are encouraged to call the office to schedule an appointment at their earliest convenience.

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Why Choose The Buckingham Center for BBL Laser in Austin, TX?

The Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery serves Austin and all surrounding areas and is committed to providing excellent results for patients in a safe and warm environment. 

Our providers are dedicated to ensuring that each patient understands their options and gets a customized treatment plan designed to meet their needs. With over two decades of experience in Austin, our facial rejuvenation specialists use a science-driven approach for results aligned with your aesthetic desires.

Our commitment extends beyond treatment, fostering enduring connections in a supportive and friendly atmosphere from your first consultation to achieving your aesthetic goals.

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BBL Pre-Treatment Instructions and Expectations

  • BBL is used to reduce the appearance of age spots, small facial veins (i.e., telangiectasias), rosacea, solar lentigines (i.e., freckles), brown spots, poikiloderma, skin laxity, and acne.
  • Multiple treatments are usually needed to achieve the desired results. Patients typically have from two to four treatments, which are spaced around four weeks apart.
  • The BBL light pulse is frequently described as feeling like a rubber band being snapped against the skin. Most patients are able to tolerate this sensation for the short duration of their treatment.
  • Treated lesions may appear darker during the initial stages of treatment. This is a positive sign that the treatments are effective. They will fade and flake off at a later stage.
  • Stop using Retin-A, Renova, and Differin for one week prior to treatment.
  • Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and sunless tanning lotions for two weeks prior to, throughout, and after the course of your BBL treatments.
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Your Skin Must Remain Its Natural Color Without Any Tanning

To avoid tanning, a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunblock with an SPF of 30 must be applied 15 minutes before casual sun exposure. Prolonged sun exposure requires the application of sunblock every two hours. Sunblock must be reapplied after swimming. If sun exposure is unavoidable, more treatment sessions may be needed to achieve the desired results because lower settings must be used to protect sun-exposed skin. To avoid complications, patients who have developed a tan due to sun exposure may need to reschedule their treatment.

Please inform us if you have any history of HSV-1 (aka cold sores, fever blisters, oral herpes). Patients prone to cold sores may be prescribed Valtrex prior to treatment. Like sunlight, laser light may cause a cold sore to develop, which could lead to complications that are more serious. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us without hesitation.

BBL Post-Treatment Instructions

The natural extrinsic consequences of aging on the skin include sun-related complications, freckles, age spots, redness caused by broken capillaries, and rosacea. Some skin defect consequences may arise from intrinsic hormonal factors that create an overproduction of melanin (e.g., melasma) or due to hereditary factors that produce additional vessels. Phototherapy involves the reduction of these signs of aging and skin defects using non-invasive pulses of BroadBand Light (BBL).

If brown spots are the target, BBL penetrates the skin to reach the melanocytes. The particles of the cells left behind will peel or slough off within 7 to 14 days. If redness is the target, blood vessels in the deeper layers of the skin absorb the light and the heat created by the light, which damages the vessels. The vessels are shut down, and the body absorbs the destroyed vessel remnants. Until sensitivity has completely subsided, avoid all the following:

  • Use of scented lotions or soaps, exfoliant creams (Retin-A, glycolic/salicylic and alpha-hydroxy acids), acne creams or gels, loofa sponges, and aggressive scrubbing
  • Hot or cold water – wash with tepid water
  • Shaving
  • Swimming pools and spas with multiple chemicals/chlorine
  • Activities that cause excessive perspiration

Post-Treatment Care and Considerations

  • A cold compress or an ice pack can be used to provide comfort if the treated area is especially warm. These compresses are usually only needed during the first 24 hours following treatment. 
  • The skin may appear red and swollen. There may be a mild sunburn sensation. This is a normal reaction. It can last from a few hours to several days after treatment. 
    Applying an ice pack for the first 24 hours will help minimize swelling.
  • Post-treatment discomfort is typically minimal, but if the area is very uncomfortable, oral pain relievers (e.g., Extra Strength Tylenol) may be used. 
  • Freckles and sunspots may turn slightly darker initially and then flake off within 7 to 14 days. This is a desired and normal reaction.
  • There may be erythema (redness) and slight edema (swelling) around the treated vessels. Often, they are lighter in appearance and look somewhat smudgy or less defined. 
    Makeup may be applied immediately after the treatment as long as skin integrity has not been compromised.
  • In the unusual case of crusting of the skin in the treated area, apply an ointment, such as aquaphor, twice a day to the affected areas. Do not pick at these areas, as this may result in infection or scarring.
  • If the skin is broken or a blister appears, apply an ointment such as aquaphor and contact the office immediately. Keep the affected area moist and avoid direct sunlight.
  • Strictly avoid any sun exposure to the treated area for a minimum of 7 days after the procedure. The treated area is more prone to sunburn and pigmentation changes. Keep the area covered and use a sunblock with a protection factor of 30+, and reapply every 2 hours.
  • Delayed blistering secondary to sun exposure has been noted up to 72 hours post-treatment.
    If in the middle of a series of PhotoTherapy treatments, sun exposure should be avoided between treatments and a sunblock should be used on a daily basis.
  • Subsequent treatments are based upon your clinician’s recommendation and are typically spaced two to four weeks apart.
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Broadband Light FAQs

How many treatments will I need?

Will it be uncomfortable?

What should I expect immediately after the treatment?

What aftercare do I need?

When should I expect results?

Does BBL tighten the skin at all?

Can a BBL burn my skin?

Is BBL laser appropriate for pigmentation concerns?

Is BBL a good choice for treating melasma?

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments depends on your skin’s condition and desired results. The Buckingham Center’s clinical staff can personalize a plan based on your specific needs and may choose to combine BBL with other aesthetic procedures to further personalize your treatment.

Will it be uncomfortable?

BBL is a very tolerable treatment that requires, at most, a topical anesthetic, which is applied between 30 and 60 minutes before treatment begins.

What should I expect immediately after the treatment?

After the treatment, pigmented spots will turn darker, and you will experience mild redness and warmth, similar to a sunburn.

What aftercare do I need?

You may be given skin care products and instructions on how to use them. After the procedure, your skin will be sensitive to ultraviolet light, so you must avoid direct sun exposure until fully healed. It is recommended that you always use a sunblock with an SPF of at least 30 to prevent sun damage and premature aging of your skin.

When should I expect results?

Most patients notice an improvement approximately 2-4 weeks after treatment. Results can be obtained in just one treatment. However, the number of treatments varies from patient to patient.

Does BBL tighten the skin at all?

BBL treatments can improve dermal thickness and cellular architecture. The patient may notice some improvement in skin tone and texture as a result. However, BBL treatments can help prevent wrinkle development but cannot significantly improve wrinkles that have already formed. Nonetheless, your provider may recommend BBL in addition to more corrective treatments that build collagen and elastin in the skin or soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. BBL is an exceptional treatment for reducing broken capillaries, as well as the brown spots caused by aging and sun damage. It is also a great modality for prevention, keeping the skin healthy and reducing significant wrinkle formation. Think of BBL as repairing these issues, then helping to keep skin healthy to slow the aging process.

Can a BBL burn my skin?

Certainly, BBL can cause burns, but only if misused. At the same time, mild superficial burns can occur in rare instances, even in the best hands. However, severe burns should always be able to be avoided. If mild superficial burns should result from a BBL treatment, a patient would experience slight blistering and peeling, both of which are easily treatable. BBL is a very powerful device that allows for excellent results, but safety and judgment must always prevail. Choosing an experienced medical professional to perform your BBL is the best way to avoid a complication.

Is BBL laser appropriate for pigmentation concerns?

BBL is an excellent treatment for brown spots on the face. It usually requires two to four treatments to get maximum improvement, but the recovery time following each treatment is minimal. An at home medical grade skincare regimen and sun protection will minimize recurrences, but studies have shown that a BBL treatment every 3-4 months greatly improves skin quality and reduces the signs of aging.

Is BBL a good choice for treating melasma?

Melasma is a difficult skin condition to treat. BBL can improve melasma in some patients, but the treatments are typically performed in addition to other lasers that are safe to treat Melasma or the condition may worsen. We often prefer to use Moxi laser and topical agents when addressing melasma.

Schedule A Consultation In Austin Today

Get detailed information about BBL and BBL HERO® at the Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery by filling out our online consultation form. Our team will get back to you immediately. Or, call the Buckingham Center in Austin, TX, today at 512-401-2500 to schedule your initial consultation.

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