What’s the main differences between BBL and BBL HERO?
Our new BBL and BBL HERO platform utilizes CoolComfort Technology which employs special sensors to maintain temperatures between zero and 30 degrees Celsius. This means more comfortable treatments than with original BBL. The other main difference is the speed! We can now treat larger areas very quickly, which causes less fatigue for the patient and is easier to fit into a busy lifestyle.
What areas of the body can be treated?
- Face
- Neck
- Chest
- Arms
- Hands
- Legs
- Back
How many treatments do I need?
While most patients see a significant improvement after a single session, BBL is a technology that requires a series of treatments for optimal results. Many patients complete a series of three treatments followed by touch up treatments yearly.
Can I combine BBL and BBL HERO with other treatments?
Yes, we combine technologies all that time. Some popular combinations are Halo Laser and BBL, ProFractrional and BBL, and Nd:YAG 1064 and BBL. The possibilities are endless. We always recommend coming in for a complimentary consultation to determine what the best treatment is for you.
Is BBL or BBL HERO painful?
Thankfully, the answer is no. Between topical numbing medication and the powerful precision cooling most patients find the treatment mildly painful or not at all. Most patients dislike the bright pulse of light more than anything else about the treatment.
If the patient still has anxiety about the treatment, we can also utilize Pro-Nox. Pro-Nox delivers a mixture of 50% oxygen and 50% nitrous oxide. This device is a 100% patient-controlled form of inhaled anesthesia. Simply breathe deep and in seconds there will be immediate relief of pain and anxiety. The Pro-Nox anesthesia leaves your body in just a few minutes after treatment. You can continue your day immediately after treatment. Pro-Nox can be added on to any laser treatment to increase your comfort.
What is the recovery like?
It is not uncommon to have blotchy appearing skin for 12-36 hours post treatment along with a sensation of a mild sunburn for the same length of time. Gentle skin care products are recommended during recovery including being vigilant about sun protection for about 1 month post-treatment.
Brown spots tend to look darker (almost the color of coffee grounds) and take about 10-14 days to disappear on the face. Anywhere else on the body tends to take longer up to 21 days to disappear. Sometimes we combine BBL with topical prescription medications to further improve brown spots that you can use between treatments or to help maintain your results. These medications may contain hydroquinone, tretinoin, fluocinolone, kojic acid, and vitamin C along with a good daily sunscreen.
When treating vascular issues, especially on the face, know that it will take multiple treatments to get the best results. Sometimes vessels look purple then fade away, other times they look more prominent and then over as 2 week period as less noticeable. And if you are having your rosacea treated it is important to also been seen for an insurance (or very reasonable self-pay options) visit in our dermatology office. The best results come when you combine BBL with prescription treatments.
Because BBL is a no downtime procedure (for most patients) it is ok to apply make-up over top of any blotchiness or dark brown spots during recovery.
