What Is BroadBand Light (BBL™) Therapy?
BroadBand Light Therapy is a versatile treatment offered at the Dermlounge that delivers pulses of light energy to the skin. We proudly use the most advanced version available: BBL® HERO™ (High Energy Rapid Output™), which offers faster, more powerful, and more comfortable treatments compared to traditional BBL. The square-wave energy delivery system increases the consistency and efficiency of this treatment compared to other laser treatments used to treat the same skin conditions.
BBL HERO is designed to treat the entire body quickly and effectively, making it ideal for larger areas like the chest, back, arms, and legs in addition to the face. With BBL, our aesthetician can complete treatment sessions in less time while also providing a more comfortable experience for our patients.
What Can BBL Therapy Treat?
BBL uses innovative light technology that can be customized to treat a wide range of common skin concerns, including:
- Age spots
- Freckles
- Acne
- Vascular lesions, such as rosacea
- Unwanted hair
Popular treatment areas include the face, neck, chest, shoulders, and hands.
A module can also be used with the BBL system that allows our aesthetician to focus infrared light below the surface of the skin. This treatment expansion, known as SkinTyte™, can stimulate new collagen production below the skin for a firmer, more toned, and youthful appearance.
Photos courtesy of Sciton®
How Does BBL Therapy Work?
BBL Therapy delivers pulses of photothermal energy to the skin. By heating the skin, the collagen at the target site becomes stimulated, leading to renewal of the skin’s surface. As a result, pigmentation can become more even, texture can be improved, and small blood vessels that are often the source of unwanted redness can be eliminated. BBL HERO™ technology builds on this process by delivering higher-speed pulses and greater energy output, allowing for faster treatments and more dramatic results in fewer sessions.
Many patients begin to see visible improvements in skin clarity and tone within about 1 to 2 weeks following treatment. For concerns like sun damage and freckles, dark spots may initially darken before flaking off or fading. The skin’s appearance continues to improve with each session, and optimal results are typically achieved after a full series of 3 to 5 treatments spaced a few weeks apart.
Over time, the natural collagen stimulation can also enhance skin firmness and elasticity, especially when BBL is paired with SkinTyte. These progressive improvements help patients achieve a more youthful, radiant complexion without surgery or downtime.
Who Is a Good Candidate for BBL Therapy?
BBL Therapy is ideal for men and women seeking a non-invasive way to improve the tone, texture, and overall clarity of their skin. Good candidates typically have concerns such as sun damage, age spots, freckles, redness from rosacea, visible blood vessels, acne, or unwanted hair. The treatment is gentle and effective on most areas of the body, including the face, neck, chest, hands, and shoulders.
Patients with lighter skin tones (Fitzpatrick types I–IV) tend to respond best to BBL treatments, as the technology targets pigmentation differences in the skin. Individuals should be in generally good health, free of active infections or open wounds in the treatment area, and not currently taking medications that increase light sensitivity. Those who are pregnant, have certain skin conditions, or are prone to keloid scarring may not be candidates.
During your consultation, our experienced aesthetician will evaluate your skin type, medical history, and cosmetic goals to determine if BBL Therapy is right for you. A personalized treatment plan can then be created to address your unique concerns and help you achieve a brighter, more youthful-looking complexion.
Are There Any Side Effects to BBL Therapy?
Since BBL Therapy is non-invasive and the treatment is gentle on skin, there is no associated downtime. Some patients may experience mild discomfort during treatment, though a topical numbing agent can be applied to the treatment area prior to your BBL Therapy session. Depending upon the size of the treatment area, the procedure can take up to a half hour to complete.
Some patients will experience temporary redness or swelling after treatment. These side effects are mild when they occur and should resolve quickly. Dark spots may also appear darker immediately after treatment before improvements can be seen. In rare cases, patients may develop a painless bruise. Sun exposure should be limited for about one month after each treatment.
BBL vs. IPL
BBL (BroadBand Light) and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) are both light-based treatments designed to improve skin tone, reduce discoloration, and address common signs of aging. However, BBL is widely considered a more advanced, precise, and customizable form of IPL technology.
Here’s how BBL compares to traditional IPL:
- More Consistent Energy Delivery: BBL uses a square-wave energy delivery system that allows for greater control and consistency during treatment, leading to more even results.
- Faster and More Comfortable Treatments: Dual-lamp technology and advanced cooling features help reduce discomfort and shorten treatment times.
- Enhanced Customization: BBL devices can be finely tuned to target specific skin concerns, making it a versatile option for treating a range of pigmentation issues, redness, acne, and more.
- Specialized Treatment Options: BBL technology powers advanced skin rejuvenation treatments for concerns like discoloration, sun damage, and signs of aging, as well as SkinTyte™ for non-surgical skin firming—capabilities not available with traditional IPL.
While both technologies are effective, BBL offers a more refined experience with greater comfort and efficiency. At Dermlounge, we use BBL because it provides enhanced results for patients seeking clearer, healthier, and more youthful-looking skin. During your consultation, our team will help determine if BBL is the right fit for your goals.
How Much Does BBL Therapy Cost?
The cost of BBL Therapy will depend upon the location and size of the treatment area as well as the total number of treatment sessions needed to achieve your goals. Each treatment plan is customized to meet the individual’s needs. Most patients undergo 3-5 treatments, which are spaced about 2-4 weeks apart.
At the end of your consultation, you will be given a quote for the total price of your custom treatment plan. Patients who could benefit from a low monthly installment plan may take advantage of our financing options. To learn more about the financing options available at the Dermlounge, one of our knowledgeable staff members would be happy to answer any questions you have and help you get started.
Schedule Your BBL Therapy Consultation
For more information about BroadBand Light therapy, including how the treatment can help you treat your cosmetic concerns, please contact us to schedule a consultation.