HOW BBL/IPL (BroadBand Light /Intense Pulsed Light) WORKS
The BBL/IPL system produces a broad beam of highly concentrated light. This light is filtered to a wavelength that is selectively absorbed by the target tissues with minimal effect on surrounding tissues. This absorption produces heat, which in turn alters the undesirable target tissues. The body’s natural healing process then absorbs the affected tissue and allows for re-growth of healthy tissue. The duration (milliseconds) and energy (fluence) of the light pulse are adjusted for specific skin characteristics to achieve maximum benefit. The target is usually abnormal pigmentation or small, unsightly blood vessels.
The sensation generated by the light pulse is most commonly described as a rubber band snapping against the skin, and most individuals are able to tolerate this for the short duration of the treatment. Post-treatment, a person may have a sunburn-type sensation in the treatment area for a few hours afterwards. People may experience transient temporary redness with a possibility of swelling and flaking of pigmented areas.
Optimum results typically take a number of treatments, usually three to six, which are most often performed at intervals of 3-4 weeks. Spreading the treatment over this period provides a gradual improvement of the skin with minimal risk of adverse effects and preserves the important “no downtime” feature of this course of treatment.
- Pigmentary changes, including brown spots, sun spots and lentigines, dyschromia and other conditions brought about by sun damage and photo-aging.
- Vascular changes, including telangiectasias (spider veins), and the redness and flushing symptoms of rosacea.
- Enlarged pores, poikiloderma and melasma; generalized aging of the skin.