Key Takeaways
- IPL and BBL target the dermal layers beneath the skin's surface to stimulate new collagen and elastin production, resulting in tighter and firmer skin.
- Unlike laser facials that remove the top layer of skin, IPL and BBL treatments involve no surface removal, making recovery time minimal to none.
- These treatments can eliminate spider veins and visible blood vessels, reduce redness, and fade age spots and other pigmentation irregularities.
- Sessions can be completed over a lunch break, making IPL and BBL extremely convenient for patients with busy schedules.
- Multiple sessions are typically required and spaced a few weeks apart to achieve the full desired improvement in skin tone and quality.
Earlier this week, we talked about the benefits of a laser facial. How is a laser facial different from IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment (also known as BroadBand Light treatment)? A laser facial removes the upper surface of the skin, exposing the newer, younger looking skin underneath. IPL/BBL targets the dermal layers underneath the top layer, causing targeted damage which encourages the skin to generate new collagen and elastin, resulting in tighter, firmer, more even looking skin. Since theres no removal of the top skin, the recovery time is much less (or non-existent), and the treatment can be done over a lunch break.
IPL/BBL also has different benefits than a laser facial. While a laser facial improves skin texture, acne scarring, and tightens the skin, an IPL can do the following:
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get rid of spider veins/other visible blood vessels
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remove redness from rosacea
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correct hyperpigmentation or freckles
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correct sun spots or age spots
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improve acne
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lessen the appearance of fine lines
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give more tightness to the skin
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reverse some signs of sun damage
Since IPL treatments involve corrections to the under-layers of skin, the client requires several treatments spaced a few weeks apart to get the full amount of benefit from the treatment. After the treatment, you can return to your normal schedule. Youll need to stay out of the sun for a few days, or wear sunscreen, so you dont alter your results.
IPL/BBL treatments are the least invasive way to correct pigmentation issues, or issues with an uneven complexion caused by acne, rosacea, genetics, or lifestyle. Unlike with a laser facial where you have up to two weeks of recovery, along with visible signs like peeling or redness, an IPL treatment does not require downtime. The only visible signs will be a slight redness, as if you had a slight sunburn. The redness will resolve itself usually within 24 hours.
If you have any questions about IPL/BBL treatments in Northern Virginia or would like to schedule a consultation, please call our offices at (703) 574-2588.Frequently Asked Questions
How is IPL/BBL therapy different from a laser facial?
A laser facial removes the upper surface of the skin to reveal newer tissue beneath, while IPL and BBL target the deeper dermal layers without removing the surface. This means IPL and BBL require little to no downtime, and treatment sessions can often be completed during a lunch break.
What skin concerns can IPL and BBL therapy address?
IPL and BBL therapy can eliminate spider veins and other visible blood vessels, reduce facial redness, fade age spots and freckles, improve overall pigmentation irregularities, and stimulate collagen production to tighten and firm the skin over time.
How many IPL or BBL sessions are needed to see results?
Multiple sessions spaced a few weeks apart are typically required to achieve the best results. Since IPL and BBL treatments work by correcting the underlying layers of skin without surface removal, gradual improvement builds over time across a series of treatments.
Is there downtime after an IPL or BBL treatment?
Downtime after IPL and BBL treatments is minimal to none. Most patients can resume their normal activities immediately after a session. Some mild redness may be noticeable for a short time, but this typically resolves quickly without any significant interruption to daily life.
What makes BBL different from traditional IPL?
BBL, trademarked by Sciton, uses a dual-lamp design and adjustable smart filters to deliver precise, focused light energy to the skin. It is considered more advanced than traditional IPL, offering more customizable treatment settings, less wasted energy, and superior results for a wide range of skin concerns.