Are you looking for the answer to issues like sun damage, redness, or uneven skin tone? Lucky for you, you can rejuvenate your skin and address issues like these with the fabulous BBL Fotofacial (Photo Facial). This cutting-edge laser treatment has become a popular choice in recent years among those looking for a non-invasive method of achieving a clearer, youthful complexion. Fun Fact: Our very own Dr. Brazil introduced this treatment to Washington State in 1996! If you’re wondering what exactly a BBL photo facial is and what you can expect from a BBL facial treatment, you’ve come to the right place.
What is BBL Facial Treatment?
A BBL (BroadBand Light) Fotofacial treatment is an advanced form of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy. Using light energy, BBL targets and treats various skin symptoms associated with aging, active lifestyle, and sun damage. Unlike traditional laser treatments that use a single wavelength of light, BBL uses a broad range of wavelengths which allows it to target different layers of the skin simultaneously, addressing a range of concerns in a single session.
How Does BBL Work?
With a BBL Fotofacial, your skin receives pulses of light energy. This energy is then absorbed by the pigmented areas and blood vessels in your skin, causing them to heat up and break down. Your body will naturally eliminate these damaged cells, resulting in clearer, more even-toned skin! The heat that is generated by BBL also helps to stimulate collagen production, which improves skin texture and elasticity over time.
Which Skin Concerns Does BBL Address?
BBL is a super versatile treatment and will address a variety of skin conditions at once, including:
- Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Promoting collagen production for smoother, firmer skin.
- Acne and Acne Scars: Diminishing active acne and minimizing the appearance of related scars.
- Sun Damage: Reducing sunspots, freckles, and pigmentation caused by UV exposure.
- Age Spots and Hyperpigmentation: Evening out skin tone and lightening dark spots. Bonus: Add your hands as an additional target area (the often “forgotten”area that is constantly exposed to the sun without SPF!). People often say that you can tell your age by your hands and your neck – don’t give them the satisfaction of guessing!
- Redness and Rosacea: Targeting and diminishing facial redness and broken capillaries.
What to Expect During a BBL Treatment:
Typically, a single BBL Fotofacial treatment lasts about 30 minutes, depending on the size of the area you’d like treated. Here’s what to expect:
- Preparation: If you desire, you can purchase a topical numbing cream that can be applied 1-hour prior to your treatment in the comfort of your home. When you arrive for your appointment, we’ll ask you to cleanse the area and will apply a cooling gel to enhance your comfort.
- Eye Protection: Your eyes will be shielded from the bright light pulses with our protective eyewear.
- Treatment: Your provider will use a handheld device to deliver the BBL pulses to your treatment area. You may feel a warm sensation or a mild stinging as the light penetrates the skin, like the snap of a hot rubber band.
- Post-Treatment: After your treatment is finished, we’ll apply a soothing lotion or SPF. You may experience some mild redness or swelling, similar to a mild sunburn, that will usually subside within a few hours.
What to Expect in Recovery:
One of the most amazing advantages of BBL is that there’s minimal downtime. It’s important to note, however, that you may notice some darkening of your pigmented spots initially, but they will flake off within a week or two, revealing the fresher, clearer skin underneath! Most patients can resume normal activities immediately after treatment, but you may choose to stay at home for a day or two if you dislike the way your skin appears during the healing process.
For optimal results with BBL, a series of treatments is recommended, spaced about 3-4 weeks apart. The exact number of sessions will vary depending on your individual skin goals and concerns. Many patients begin to see improvements after just a single session, with continued progress over time as collagen production increases.
It’s important that you follow our aftercare tips to maximize your results and protect your skin post-treatment:
- Avoid Sun Exposure: Your skin will naturally be more sensitive to sunlight after your treatment, so wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 and avoid direct sun exposure for several days.
- Avoid Harsh Products: For the first few days, using your normal exfoliants, retinoids, and any other harsh products may irritate your skin, so it’s best to avoid them.
- Moisturize: Don’t forget to keep your skin hydrated by using a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer. If you don’t have any at home, our providers can recommend a good match for your skin.
BBL Facial Before & After
Here’s a couple success stories to highlight the amazing results of the BBL photo facial:
 Before BBL facial treatment |  After 5 treatments |
 Before BBL facial treatment |  After BBL facial treatment |
BBL Right for Me?
BBL is an effective and safe treatment, but it’s certainly best to consult one-on-one with a skincare professional to determine if it’s right for you. All of our cosmetic consultations are complimentary and allow you and the provider to discuss your specific concerns and goals, allowing us to tailor a treatment plan that will be best suited to you.
BBL Fotofacial is a powerful tool, and whether you’re dealing with sun damage, redness, or the early signs of aging, it can help you achieve a more radiant, clear complexion. Call us today at 360-459-1700 to schedule your complimentary cosmetic consultation to see if BBL is right for you!
