Bbl Ultra

Austin, TX

 

 
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Before and Afters

*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.

The doctors at the Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery in Austin, Texas, offer Broadband Light (BBL) treatments with Nano Whisper-3G Erbium Laser (ULTRA PEEL) treatments for individuals in Austin and Sunset Valley, Texas. Whereas, the BBL treatment removes freckles and brown spots, the ULTRA PEEL treatment removes the outermost layers of the skin to provide the patient with a smooth glow.

Following a BBL ULTRA PEEL treatment, patients see that their dark spots are lighter, and their fine lines and wrinkles are less visible.

Most skin areas can be treated. Popular treatment areas include the face and neck. However, some people choose to treat their chest and hands. Patients can discuss their desires with the medical professionals at the Buckingham Center.

BBL ULTRA PEEL treatments can be performed on the face, neck, chest and back of the hands to address:

  • Mild wrinkles
  • Fine lines
  • Sun damage (e.g., freckles)
  • Pigment irregularities
  • A decrease in collagen production

Our medical professionals believe that successful treatments and facial plastic surgery results stem from the development and maintenance of a good rapport between the patient, the medical professionals and 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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BBL Pre-Treatment Instructions

  1. 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, acne and hair removal.
  2. Multiple treatments are usually needed to achieve the desired results. Patients typically have from 2 to 4 treatments, which are spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Stop using Retin-A, Renova, Differin, for one week prior to treatment.
  6. Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds and sunless tanning lotions for 2 weeks prior to and throughout the course of your BBL treatments.

It is important that your skin remain its natural color without any tanning.

In order to avoid tanning, a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sun block with an SPF of 30 must be applied 15 minutes prior to casual sun exposure. Prolonged sun exposure requires applications of sunblock every 2 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.

  1. 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 into 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 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 over production 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Vitamin E or Aloe Vera applied to the treatment area may provide a soothing effect. Post treatment discomfort is typically minimal but if the area is very uncomfortable, oral pain relievers (e.g., Extra Strength Tylenol or Advil), 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 antibiotic ointment 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 antibiotic ointment 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 sun block 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 2 to 4 weeks apart.

Frequently Asked BBL ULTRA Peel Questions

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 ULTRA PEEL with other aesthetic procedures to further personalize your treatment.

WILL IT BE UNCOMFORTABLE?

BBL ULTRA PEEL is a very tolerable treatment that requires, at most, a topical anesthetic, which is applied between 45 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 that felt with a sunburn.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO RECOVER?

Depending on the depth of treatment, most patients feel comfortable enough to return to work within a couple of days, an attribute that has given rise to the BBL ULTRA PEEL’s nickname, the weekend peel. Typically, on day 2 the patient’s skin will begin to peel. Peeling usually lasts 2 or 3 days. However, redness may persist up to 7 days. Patients can use makeup to camouflage the redness.

WHAT AFTERCARE DO I NEED?

You may be given skin care products and instructions on how to use them. Your skin will be sensitive to ultraviolet light after the procedure, 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 improvement in tone, texture and color evenness once the skin heals in approximately one week. Nice 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 will 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, the doctor may recommend other treatments that can address wrinkles better. 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 good modality to keep the skin healthy and prevent 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 used inappropriately. While mild superficial burns can occur in rare instances even in the best of 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, which allows for excellent results, but safety and judgment must always prevail. Choosing an experienced medical professional to perform your BBL ULTRA PEEL 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 2 or 3 treatments to get maximum improvement, but the recovery time following each treatment is minimal. Ongoing skincare and some protection will minimize recurrences, but studies have shown that a BBL treatment twice a year greatly improves skin and reduces the signs of aging.

IS BBL A GOOD CHOICE FOR TREATING MELASMA?

Melasma is hard. BBL will improve melasma in some patients, but the treatments need to be very gentle, or the condition may worsen. We often prefer to use Fraxel laser, targeted chemical peels and topical agents when addressing melasma.

WHAT IS MATRIX FRACTIONATED CO2 LASER RESURFACING?

The Matrix Fractionated CO2 laser system is used to resurface the skin and improve acne scars, as well as fine to moderate wrinkles, age spots, sun damage, uneven pigmentation and texture irregularities. During a Matrix Fractionated CO2 laser treatment, pulsing and pixelating lasers slightly damage the skin beneath the surface, which triggers the production of collagen. When compared to other traditional CO2 lasers, the Matrix Fractionated Laser system allows for a much gentler treatment with less pain, less downtime, and fewer side effects.

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