Key Takeaways
- NanoLaser Peel uses light energy to remove the top layer of skin and reveal more luminous, youthful skin underneath, making it ideal for surface texture and wrinkle improvement.
- BBL delivers heat over the skin's surface to target pigment and blood vessels, stimulating collagen without the same degree of physical skin removal as the NanoLaser Peel.
- Both NanoLaser Peel and BBL are effective for different primary concerns and can be combined in the same treatment session for more comprehensive results.
- NanoLaser Peel tends to be better for patients focused on surface smoothing and texture improvement, while BBL excels at addressing pigmentation and vascular concerns.
- A consultation with a NOVA provider helps determine which treatment or combination will most effectively target your specific skin concerns and recovery timeline.
When it comes to aging, your skin is one of the first things to show visible signs. You may try over-the-counter creams and serums along with a healthy diet. But sun, age, diet, and environment will continue to take a toll on your skin. NanoLaser Peels and BroadBand Light (BBL) are two options to consider, but do you know the differences between them and which one is right for your skin? Let’s explore these procedures to answer those questions.
NanoLaser Peels vs. BBL: The Procedure
NanoLaser PeelsTM use light energy to remove the top layer of your skin, accelerate the natural healing power of your body, and reveal the more luminous and youthful-looking skin underneath. Your providervery precisely scans the laser light over the treatment area. Broadband LightTM delivers just the right amount of heat over the surface of your skin to remove the top layer of skin and reveal the more youthful skin beneath. This system involves an advanced cooling feature, which allows your provider to work quickly over a greater area with higher heat, without causing you significant discomfort. This also reduces downtime. Both procedures work more effectively than traditional chemical peels because they’re more precise and they heat the epidermis, stimulating collagen production. Both procedures may not work well on people with:- Active acne
- Dark skin
- Pregnancy
- Metal implants in the treatment area
NanoLaser Peels vs. BBL: What They Can Treat
Any area can be treated, but BBL is commonly used to treat skin on the:- Face
- Back
- Hands
- Neck
- Chest
- Shoulders
NanoLaser Peels vs. BBL: What Do They Cost?
A BBL procedure can cost between $275-$700 per session in Northern Virginia, depending on how much surface area your provider is treating. Most patients will pay around $600 for this treatment in Ashburn and the surrounding area. In Northern Virginia, the average cost for NanoLaser Peels is $500-$750. Additional factors such as the need for antiviral drugs and the amount of skin being treated could increase the cost of either of these procedures, so it’s important to manage expectations and keep an open mind.NanoLaser Peels vs. BBL: How Many Treatments?
Most people who get NanoLaser Peels only need one procedure on a given area to get the results they’re looking for. However, if you have significant skin conditions that need to be corrected, your provider in Northern Virginia may suggest multiple treatments. Your provider will discuss your likely number of sessions during your consultation, so there are no surprises. A person receiving BBL treatments in Ashburn typically needs at least three treatments to achieve the desired results. BBL is a little gentler than NanoLaser, which means less downtime and discomfort, but you may need more treatments if you have deeper skin imperfections to treat.NanoLaser Peels vs. BBL: How Long?
A BBL typically takes at least 40 minutes, and a NanoLaser Peel is normally a 90-minute procedure. NanoLaser Peels can remove up to 4-12 microns from your skin’s surface. You’ll generally experience skin redness for 1-3 days. By day four, the redness typically lightens to pink and the skin tone begins to even. However, at this time, your skin will also flake and peel. After a BBL treatment, most people say they feel like they have a slight sunburn, but this usually only lasts for a few hours. It may take one or two weeks before the imperfection being treated clears up. If the laser technician treated a spot, then that spot will slowly harden and slough off. In either case, the depth of the treatment influences recovery time. Once you achieve your desired result, a laser treatment can last up to 10 years with proper skin care. This goes for both the NanoLaser and the BBL regimen.Frequently Asked Questions
What is the key difference between a NanoLaser Peel and BBL?
NanoLaser Peel uses precise laser light energy to remove the outermost layer of skin, addressing surface texture, fine lines, and wrinkles by revealing the smoother skin beneath. BBL delivers broad-spectrum light energy as heat to target excess pigmentation and blood vessels while stimulating collagen, without the same degree of physical skin removal.
Which treatment is better for wrinkles and skin texture?
NanoLaser Peel is generally the better choice when the primary concern is improving surface texture, softening fine lines and wrinkles, and revealing fresher skin. Its precise skin removal triggers a healing response that stimulates collagen and reveals a more luminous complexion.
Which treatment is better for age spots, sun damage, and redness?
BBL is more effective for pigmentation concerns like age spots, sun damage, and redness caused by rosacea or broken capillaries. The light energy specifically targets melanin and hemoglobin, breaking down excess pigment and collapsing unwanted vessels without removing surface skin.
Can NanoLaser Peel and BBL be done at the same time?
Yes. NanoLaser Peel and BBL are frequently combined in a single treatment session for patients who want comprehensive improvement in both skin texture and pigmentation. Combining the two treatments addresses a wider range of concerns than either can achieve individually.
How do I decide between NanoLaser Peel and BBL?
The decision depends on your primary skin concerns. If you are bothered mainly by rough texture, fine lines, or a dull complexion, NanoLaser Peel is likely your best option. If age spots, redness, or vascular discoloration are the main concern, BBL is the better choice. If both apply, a combined approach may give you the most comprehensive improvement.