BBL Photofacial in Richmond, VA

Name: Sciton BBL™ Photofacial
Brand: Matthew Bridges, MD
Rating: 5 (146 reviews)

Broadband light (BBL) therapy is a non-invasive laser treatment designed to improve and treat a variety of skin conditions caused by aging, sun damage, and genetics.

What is BBL?

This laser treatment uses light energy to deliver pulses of light into the upper levels of the skin. This stimulates collagen production, reduces melanin responsible for pigmented lesions (freckles and age spots), and can eliminate small blood vessels. BBL is mostly used to treat the face, neck, chest, and hands but can be used on any area of the skin. Franki, our master aesthetician and laser specialist, can customize a treatment plan specifically for your skin concerns.

What Skin Conditions Can be Treated with BBL?

Acne

Facial acne occurs when pores become clogged with oil and debris, resulting in redness and pimples. Acne can result in persistent redness, even after active lesions have resolved. The controlled heating of the sub-epidermal layers of the skin can treat overactive sebaceous glands, which will decrease active acne lesions. The wavelength will also minimize lingering redness from prior acne lesions.

Rosacea

This is a common skin condition that generally affects people over the age of 30. It causes redness of the cheeks, nose, chin, or forehead. If left untreated, this redness may progress to visible blood vessels and bumps or pimples on the skin. BBL uses pulsed light to heat and eliminate fine vessels that cause redness and rosacea.

Pigmented/Sun Damaged Skin

Prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays can result in premature aging of the skin, including discoloration, brown spots, and redness. Discoloration and redness related to sun damage can be drastically improved in the long term with just three BBL sessions spaced four weeks apart.

Vascular Lesions

These small blood vessels can occur due to aging or genetics. BBL treatment can heat and eliminate these pesky lesions.

Aging

BBL can also improve skin firmness and texture associated with aging. The treatment stimulates collagen by heating the tissue to promote more youthful, healthy-looking skin and diminish fine lines and wrinkles.

What to Expect During Your Treatment

BBL is a comfortable and quick treatment that will provide relatively quick results. Before the treatment begins, your skin will be cleansed, and protective eyewear will be placed over your eyes. A cooling gel will be applied to the treatment area. The proper filter and setting will be chosen for your specific needs. During the treatment, most patients say it feels warm and like that of a quick rubber band snap, but it typically isn’t painful. In total, the procedure only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.

Patient consultation

At Matthew Bridges, MD, Facial Plastic Surgery, our goal is to build confidence, create trust, and offer peace of mind to our patients.

These are some of the things we discuss at your consultation appointment:

We review your skin type and develop a customized treatment plan emphasizing the importance of maintenance.
We will discuss the specifics of the procedure and what to expect during and after.
BBL should be done in a series and requires 3-4 procedures per year to maintain results.
We will stress the importance of sun protection before and after treatments.
We will discuss any contraindications.
We review a comprehensive plan for home skincare maintenance, including specific products.

Are There Any Special Considerations With BBL?

Hyperpigmentation: Many patients who are treated with BBL for hyperpigmentation will benefit from a lightening cream such as ZO Skin Health Brightalive.
Melasma: Melasma is very challenging to address and should be treated with topical bleaching creams and gentle laser settings. We will discuss these challenges with patients to set realistic expectations.
Acne: It is best to use BBL in combination with topical or oral acne treatments simultaneously. You will likely need 1-2 sessions per week for a minimum of six sessions. Some patients may require a maintenance treatment within 3-6 months of the initial series of treatments.

Note: If BOTOX is being done on the same day, it’s best to do BBL first and then BOTOX. Ideally, fillers should not be administered on the same day.

How Many Treatments of BBL Will I Need?

Skin redness and pigmented lesions are commonly treated with a series of three BBL treatments spaced at least four weeks apart.

Chronic conditions like rosacea and acne will most likely require regular treatments for best results. Anti-aging concerns are best addressed with a few treatments per year.

What to expect after BBL Treatment

Intense burning, redness, warmth, and sunburned sensation are normal reactions following a BBL treatment. The discomfort and redness generally last 2-4 hours after the treatment. Cool compresses may help relieve the temporary discomfort.
Brown patches or spots will become darker and frequently feel scaly on your skin during the first few days. These areas will fall off within 1-2 weeks and leave new, healthy skin behind. Do not pick or scrub these spots, no matter how tempting!
For the first week following the treatment, keep your skin lubricated with a mild moisturizer, such as ZO Skin Health Hydrating Crème or Recovery Creme.
[Avoid skincare products containing Retin-A, Retinol, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid for one week. Makeup can be used after your BBL treatment if there is no blistering. When applying and removing makeup, treat the area with care, as it is still delicate and sensitive. If your skin is broken or blisters appear, notify our office. If the skin is broken or blisters appear, notify our office.]
Prolonged sun exposure should be avoided for at least four weeks before and after treatments. If you are going to be in the sun, apply a total sunblock, like ZO Skin Health Smart Tone, daily. Unprotected exposure to the sun may cause complications, such as permanent skin discoloration and severe blistering.

Matthew Bridges, MD, Facial Plastic Surgery is in the heart of Midlothian, Virginia, just off 288 and near ST. Francis Hospital. Give us a call or text us at 804.378.7443 to schedule your consultation for a BBL photofacial in Richmond, VA today!