BBL™ BroadBand Light and IPL Care Instructions
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BBL™ BroadBand Light and IPL Care Instructions

Before your BBL™ BroadBand Light or IPL treatment, please follow these instructions:

It is very important that you refrain from unprotected sun exposure for 4 weeks prior to any treatment (including a test patch). This includes tanning beds, self-tanning products, and outdoor sun. When you are outside, always use a sunblock with SPF 17 or higher and titanium dioxide or zinc oxide on the treatment areas. If you have had any unprotected sun exposure to treatment areas, your test or treatment cannot be done. Skin that is pigmented or tanned has a higher risk of hyperpigmentation and will not be treated.

You may use all your regular skin products prior to your visit unless directed otherwise.

After your BBL™ BroadBand Light or IPL treatment, please follow these instructions:

The natural extrinsic consequences of aging on the skin include sun damage, freckles, age spots, and redness caused by broken capillaries and rosacea. Some skin defect consequences may arise from intrinsic hormonal factors that create an overproduction of melanin as in melasma or hereditary factors that produce more vessels. Phototherapy involves the reduction of these signs of aging and skin defects using non-invasive pulses of BroadBand Light (BBL) or intense pulsed light (IPL). 

If brown spots are the target, BBL and IPL penetrate the skin to reach the melanocytes. The particles of the cells left behind will peel or slough off within 7-14 days.

If redness is the target, blood vessels in the deeper layers of the skin absorb the light and the heat created by the light damages the vessels. The vessels are shut down and the body continues to absorb the destroyed vessel remnants.

If treating acne, the combination of blue, yellow, and infrared light in BBL eliminates bacteria, reduces inflammation, and promotes the body’s natural healing process to help prevent future breakouts.

There is no recovery time and a low risk of complications with Phototherapy treatments. Multiple sessions are performed every 2-4 weeks until the desired result has been achieved.

The treated area must be treated with care. BE GENTLE! Do not scratch or pick at your skin.

  • Until sensitivity has completely subsided, avoid all of the following:
    • Use of scented lotions or soaps, exfoliant creams (Retin-A, glycolic/salicylic and alpha-hydroxy acids), acne creams or gels, loofa sponges, and aggressive scrubbing
    • Hot or cold water – wash with tepid water
    • Shaving
    • Swimming pools and spas with multiple chemicals/chlorine
    • Activities that cause excessive perspiration, such as exercising, saunas, steam rooms, or Jacuzzis
  • A cold compress can be used to provide comfort if the treated area is especially warm. This is typically only needed within the first 12 hours after the treatment.
  • Skin may appear red and swollen and have a mild sunburn sensation. This is a normal reaction. It can last from a few hours to days after treatment.
  • Vitamin E or Aloe Vera applied to the treatment area may provide a soothing effect. Post-treatment discomfort is typically minimal, but if the area is very uncomfortable, oral pain relievers; i.e. Extra Strength Tylenol or Advil, may be used. 
  • Freckles and sunspots may turn slightly darker initially and then flake off within 7-14 days. This is a desired and normal reaction.
  • For leg veins, your treated areas will be red for a few days. Fading of the vessels occurs over several weeks. If there is any break in the skin (very unlikely) after treatment, call us. Your leg veins will look worse before they look better. Walking is very good for leg circulation; standing or sitting for long periods is not good for leg circulation.
  • There may be erythema (redness) and slight edema (swelling) around the treated vessels. Often, they are lighter in appearance and look somewhat smudgy or less defined.
  • Makeup may be applied immediately after the treatment as long as skin integrity has not been compromised (no signs of blistering).
  • In the unusual case of crusting of the skin in the treated area, apply an antibiotic ointment twice a day to the affected areas. Do not pick at these areas, as this may result in infection or scarring.
  • If the skin is broken or a blister appears, apply an antibiotic ointment and contact the office immediately. Keep the affected area moist and avoid direct sunlight. 
  • Strictly avoid any sun exposure to the treated area for a minimum of 7-14 days after the procedure. The treated area is more prone to sunburn and pigmentation change. Keep the area covered, use a sunblock with a protection factor of 30+, and reapply every 2 hours. Delayed blistering secondary to sun exposure has been noted up to 72 hours post-treatment.
  • Throughout your series of Phototherapy treatments, sun exposure should be avoided between treatments and a sunblock should be used on a daily basis. If incidental exposure has occurred prior to your next treatment, please contact the office to review your next visit.

Subsequent treatments are based upon your provider’s recommendation and are typically 2-4 weeks apart. Two to four treatments are usually required to significantly improve facial veins (rosacea patients may require 6-12 treatments) as well as pigment. If treating acne, subsequent treatments typically follow a schedule of 1-2 treatments per week for at least 4 weeks or until the acne clears. The number and frequency of treatments required will depend on the severity of your acne and how well it responds to treatment. Leg veins require multiple treatments for a significant improvement. Allow 6 weeks between treatments.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call 585.244.1010 during our business hours of Monday-Thursday 9am-7pm, Friday 8am-5pm, and Saturday 9am-4pm. If you have an urgent issue after hours, you may call 585.258.4851 to reach the physician on-call.

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