BBL Acne Treatment
SCITON BROAD BAND LIGHT (BBL™) Acne Therapy
Broad Band Light (BBL™) has now proven to be helpful in the treatment of acne. In many cases, this offers an alternative to oral medications such as Accutane or long-term antibiotics. The shorter wavelengths of BBL™, in the blue-light spectrum, attack p-acne bacteria on the surface and in the sebaceous gland. Along with a home skincare program designed for acne-prone skin, you can experience significant long-term clearance.
The bacteria responsible for acne, P. Acne, can be killed by either a light treatment with blue light or deeper bacteria can also be treated by lasers which can travel deeper into the pores. The treatment is simple, quick, pain-free, and requires no down-time. It is appropriate for mild to moderate acne. Our BBL is especially effective in women who experience localized acne on their chin with their hormonal cycle, adult hormonal acne for men and women, as well as teenage acne.
At Laser Spa Group, we may suggest combining other treatments for best results. We would recommend a weekly routine of blue light BBL treatments combined with any of these additional services: Chemical Peels, Medical Facials, and/or Medical Grade Skin Care Products such as PRIORI and SkinCeuticals (Cosmeceuticals), and/or the SilkPeel Dermalinfusion, and the Clairsonic Pro Brush can help augment the treatment by exfoliating the dead, outer sloughed skin which blocks the pores. The P. Acnes often resides in these blocked pores, so unclogging the pores can be extremely beneficial.
FAQ
What causes acne?
Acne occurs when hair follicle pores are blocked by natural components of the skin. This is the root of most acne lesions. Once blocked, inflammation and bacteria overgrowth occur leading to red bumps and cysts in the skin. Sebaceous or sweat glands of the skin can contribute excessive amounts of sebum into the plugged follicle increasing inflammation. Hormones can also play a role. Most teenagers are affected to some degree. Adults, often, get acne for the first time while others have suffered since the teenage years. Acne is not life-threatening, but it can cause physical disfigurement (scarring) and emotional distress if not treated early.
Treatment for acne varies depending on which of the above factors is causing your acne. This is different for each person. On average, results are visible in six to eight weeks with topical Cosmeceuticals such as our PRIORI and SkinCeuticals Medical grade skin care lines.
What options do I have besides oral medications?
Broad Based Light (BBL™) with or without Levulan (Photodynamic Therapy) has now proven to be helpful in the treatment of acne. Microdermabrasion, SilkPeel Dermalinfusion, Clairsonic and chemical peels also offer alternative ways to remove persistent and stubborn acne.
How does the BBL™ treatment work?
Sciton BBL™ is a FDA approved treatment that utilizes a blue filter to selectively target the p-acnes bacteria that are partially responsible for acne in the skin.
What is the treatment like?
A thin film of gel is applied to your skin, followed by the BBL treatment. Most patients have minimal discomfort. Treatment sessions last 20-30 minutes.
What should I expect after treatment?
After treatment is completed, some may experience temporary reddening and minimal swelling of the acne, and surrounding skin for 1-2 days. This is transient and usually associated with minimal to no downtime. Makeup can be applied immediately, if desired.
How many treatments will I need?
To achieve maximum improvement with BBL™, a series of 8 weekly treatments is most effective. Most patients will need periodic touch up treatments ranging from monthly to every 6 months, depending on your acne type and severity.
