Exploring BBL Laser Technology: The Future of Skin Treatment

Have you experienced skin damage or early signs of aging thanks to sun exposure? Did you know it is now possible for dermatological specialists to help repair some of that sun-damaged skin?

BroadBand Light laser therapy (BBL for short) is an exciting, innovative technology that may be just what you're looking for in the world of skin treatment.

Just What Is BBL Skin Treatment, Anyway?

To put it simply, BBL technology is a cosmetic procedure that uses a high-intensity, pulsating light to treat skin in a precise, safe, and non-invasive manner. By utilizing a series of short blasts of light across a spectrum of varying wavelengths, BBL can potentially affect your skin cells.

The intention of BBL skin treatment is to cut down on the appearance of an assortment of skin problems. This includes a wide range of premature signs of aging skin (such as uneven skin texture, dull skin tone, poor complexion, age spots, and even fine lines or wrinkles), as well as other conditions such as rosacea or redness.

BBL is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure, meaning that it is a generally low-risk procedure that doesn't require a medical professional to make any cuts into your skin. For many people, BBL skin treatment offers few risks and a great potential for reward in terms of looking younger and maintaining healthier skin.

What Sun Damage Looks Like

A common source of skin issues, including many of the signs of prematurely aged-looking skin, is overexposure to sunlight. If your skin is exposed to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays for long periods without adequate protection (such as long-sleeved clothing, shade, and sunscreen with a high enough SPF), it can experience noticeable damage.

Every person's skin is different, meaning that each individual's sun damage might look a bit different. In general, however, sun damage is typified by freckles, sun spots, a leathery-rough texture in the affected area, or uneven skin tone.

Excessive sun exposure can also potentially exacerbate other skin problems, such as rosacea. Out-of-control rosacea and similar ailments can make your skin look perpetually flushed or reddened.

How BBL Skin Treatment Works

As we mentioned above, BBL phototherapy technology shoots various wavelengths of light in laser form into your skin. These lasers pass safely through the epidermis (i.e. your skin's outermost layer) in order to target specific skin cells.

These pulsating lasers are meant to create a safe amount of heat within the cell that encourages and stimulates skin cell regeneration and collagen production. The idea is that as each cell regenerates, it can naturally heal the parts of your skin that have become damaged. At the same time, increased collagen production "firms up" your overall skin appearance, giving you healthier-looking skin.

The beauty of BBL skin therapy is that it is precise enough to target the specific areas of your damaged skin cells where pigmentation and other imperfections are a concern. The other great thing about the technology is that the procedure encourages your body to heal itself and produce improvements in skin tone naturally. This fights against the appearance of skin aging in a safe way.

Which Skin Types Is BBL Meant for?

As we've already discussed, BBL laser technology is great for patients who have experienced a fair amount of sun damage or whose skin otherwise demonstrates common signs of premature aging.

With that being said, some skin types aren't as well-suited to receiving the treatment. For instance, patients with darker skin tones may experience hyperpigmentation (i.e. certain patches of skin becoming darker than the rest of the epidermis) because their skin absorbs more light in general. Chemical peels may be a safer option for these individuals.

People with fairer skin tones, on the other hand, typically have fewer safety concerns and a more realistic expectation of positive outcomes when it comes to phototherapy treatment, including BBL skin treatment.

Ultimately, the advice of a dermatological professional will be beneficial for helping you determine if BBL treatment is right for you.

Which Areas Can BBL Laser Treatment Treat?

Areas commonly treated by BBL skin treatment include those parts of the body that receive the greatest amount of UV exposure from sunlight. These include the face, neck, arms, hands, back, shoulders, and chest. Basically, if it's a part of your body that's exposed when you're wearing a tank top, you can expect to be able to receive BBL laser treatment.

However, full-body treatments with BBL laser technology are also possible. You can seek BBL treatment virtually anywhere on your body where you have experienced acne scars, rosacea, vascular lesions, or other pigmentation issues. Skilled dermatological specialists can create a custom plan suited to your specific skin treatment needs.

Biggest Benefits of BBL Skin Treatment

One of the best parts about BBL laser technology is its ability to address a great variety of common skin concerns. From rosacea and fine lines to brown spots and general discoloration, BBL skin treatment can have a positive effect on a variety of skin conditions.

Another advantage of BBL skin treatment is the fact that it is non-invasive. Since this means there is no need for surgery, you shouldn't expect to face any downtime following any of your BBL procedures. By following the recommended pre- and post-treatment steps (more on those below), you can expect to maintain your normal lifestyle almost immediately after your BBL skin treatment session.

Finally, BBL laser phototherapy is an effective solution because of its long-term efficacy. Regular, consistent treatments by a dermatological professional can be a game-changer for the health and appearance of your skin.

How to Prepare for BBL Laser Treatment

Although the advanced technology represented by the BBL treatment protocol is non-invasive, there are still some steps you can take if you want to be prepared for a treatment session.

For starters, do your best to stay out of direct sunlight and avoid all tanning beds for about a month before your procedure. Whenever you're outside, be sure to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, which will keep your skin safe from the sun's harmful UV rays. These preparations are important because having suntanned skin can limit the effectiveness of the BBL procedure.

For the 1 week leading up to your treatment, abstain from using any cosmetic therapies, including facials, waxing, and chemical peels, as well as any laser hair reduction treatment. You'll also want to steer clear of any creams that contain retinoids, which are known to trigger skin sensitivity in some people.

Finally, consider your medical history and be sure to let your trusted medical professional if you've ever had cold sores or herpes. The dermatological specialist will need to know this information to avoid providing you with any medications that could cause an outbreak to develop.

Taking Care of Yourself After BBL Laser Treatment

The BBL advanced laser treatment in Fargo is a relatively gentle procedure, but you will probably still feel a sense of warmth or redness immediately after your treatment. This discomfort and any related swelling can be mitigated with the help of an ice pack or cold compress pressed to the affected area.

To keep your pain to a minimum, you should limit your exposure to direct sunlight for at least a week. Also stay away from hot water (hot baths, showers, etc.) for that same amount of time. Until your skin is fully healed, continue applying sunscreen, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and otherwise minimizing direct sun exposure.

Your dermatological provider will provide you with other post-treatment care guidelines, such as which soothing creams to apply to your skin, but there are some steps you can take yourself. For instance, don't use any exfoliators on your skin, which will be extra sensitive for some time after the procedure. The main rule of them is to go easy on your skin as it rebuilds itself following your treatment.

Realistic Expectations and Time Frame

There's no doubt that BBL laser technology is a wonderful thing. However, maintaining appropriate expectations about your results is always a wise thing to do.

Your dermatological specialist will create a treatment regimen custom-made for your skin care needs. It may take more than 1 treatment session to achieve desired goals. This would depend on the damage to the skin prior to starting the BBL.  More severe skin conditions, such as major sun damage related to acute sunburns, could require more sessions in total.. A consistent schedule of BBL treatment, combined with appropriate self-care and the use of the right topical creams, increases your chances of getting the look you want.

Results of successful BBL laser treatment could include improvements in skin texture and complexion, diminished skin laxity (i.e. loose skin), more even skin tone, decreased redness, and fewer visible signs of aging.

After you've completed your regimen of BBL laser technology treatment, you'll still want to do your part to prevent any future sun damage. For instance, consistently wearing high-SPF sunscreen along with appropriate clothing (including sunglasses and hats) will reduce your need for any future skin care procedures.

Contact Altaire Clinic Today to Schedule a Consult

Are you looking forward to having youthful, healthy-looking skin? Contact Altaire Clinic today so that you can talk to our friendly staff of board-certified medical professionals. Our cosmetic experts can't wait to help you find the beautiful skin you've been looking for!