BBL® HEROTM by Sciton® is a gentle, fast, safe, and non-invasive phototherapy that requires little to no recovery. This device offers several treatments that helps reverse signs of aging, corrects sun damage, treats active acne, offers hair removal, and treats other skin conditions. It improves the appearance of the skin by correcting issues like fine lines and wrinkles by revitalizing the skin at multiple layers with the stimulation of collagen formation, thus, improving skin elasticity and firmness, giving it a new tone and glow. This treatment is done in the office in less than 20 minutes. Requires little to no recovery, and you can return to your normal activities on the same day and wear make up the same day. The skin may appear red and swollen and have a mild sunburn sensation that can last from a few hours to several days after treatment. Post-treatment discomfort is typically minimal but if the area is very uncomfortable, oral pain relievers can be taken (Tylenol®, Advil®). Freckles and sunspots may turn slightly darker initially and then flake off within 7-14 days- this is a desired and normal reaction. There may be redness and slight swelling around the treated vessels for up to 7 days. Typically, 2-3 treatments are recommended spacing them 2-4 weeks apart. For optimal results BBL® HEROTM can be combined with other skin treatments like MOXITM, Microneedling, and/or PRP. Skin conditions treated with BBL® HEROTM:
Length of Treatment: 10-15 minutes (depends on the number of areas been treated)
Anesthesia: None or Topical Anesthesia
Office vs Surgical Treament: Office Treatment
Recovery: No Recovery, May Wear Makeup the Same Day.
Ancillary Treatments: MOXITM, Microneedling, and/or PRP.
BroadBand Light (BBL)®, also known as IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) or photofacial, delivers broad-spectrum visible and infrared light energy into the skin to regenerate skin cells, improve skin health, brighten skin, and treat several skin conditions. BBL (BroadBand Light)® HERO (High Energy Rapid Output)TM is the upgraded technology of BBL® which delivers 4x the speed, 3x peak power, and 2x the cooling as the original BBL®, which means more effective results and more comfortable treatments. It offers three different types of skin care treatments: Forever Young BBL® for skin rejuvenation, Forever Clear BBL® for acne, and Forever Bare BBL® for hair reduction.
The best candidates for BBL® HEROTM include:
The consultation is divided into five parts:
I. Health and Medical History Evaluation
A comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s health and medical history is performed. During this part of the consultation, we focus on identifying any potential risk factors for the treatment.
II. Learning Patient’s Goals
Dr. Couto has a deep discussion with the patient to learn what are the areas of concern and aesthetic goals. Listening to our patient’s interest is crucial, since it is our priority to determine if we can meet their expectations.
III. Physical Exam
A focused physical exam of the areas of interest is performed. In this part of the consultation, we will evaluate the patient’s skin type, skin conditions if any, and all the concerns the patient has. This comprehensive evaluation also includes a thorough skin analysis using our VISIA® Skin Analysis System, and will help us determine if this is the right choice for you and ensures that your treatment plan is tailored to meet your unique needs and expectations.
IV. Recommendations & Treatment Plan
Following the physical exam and the VISIA® Skin Analysis System, Dr. Couto develops a personalized treatment plan aimed to meet the patient’s expectations, achieve optimal aesthetic results, and maximize patient safety. During this time, Dr. Couto discusses with the patient if he/she is a candidate for a BBL® HEROTM treatment, and other possible ancillary treatments. Furthermore, we discuss in detail everything pertaining to each of the treatments and its recovery.
V. Pricing and Scheduling Information
Once the evaluation has been completed, our team will provide an individualized quote that is tailored to the treatment(s) discussed during the consultation and also discuss the steps involved to book the treatments with us. At Couto Plastic Surgery we believe in transparency and we will provide you with a detailed breakdown of costs during your private consultation. This ensures that you have a clear understanding of the investment involved in your BBL® HEROTM treatment. This includes the number of treatments needed, number of treatment areas, and if any added ancillary treatments like MOXITM, Microneedling, and/or PRP.
Preparing for the BBL® HEROTM treatment is important. In the 2 weeks leading up to the appointment, you should avoid:
Furthermore, avoid any topical products or medications, such as Hydroquinone that cause skin photosensitivity for 3 days before your treatment. Don’t worry if you’re not sure what products these might be; call our office, and we’ll personally instruct you before your treatment.
After the BBL® HEROTM treatment the 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 several days after treatment. Post-treatment discomfort is typically minimal but if the area is very uncomfortable, oral pain relievers can be taken (Tylenol®, Advil®). Freckles and sunspots may turn slightly darker initially and then flake off within 7-14 days- this is a desired and normal reaction. There may be redness and slight swelling around the treated vessels.
The skin may appear red of blotchy in the treated area for 1-2 days. Mineral makeup can be used the same day as long as the skin integrity has not been compromised. Starting on the morning after the patient can cleanse the treated area gently with a mild cleanser, apply a moisturizer, followed by a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunblock of at least SPF 30. Patient must strictly avoid any sun exposure to the treated area for a minimum of 2 weeks after the procedure. The treated area is more prone to sunburn and pigmentation changes. Any products containing active ingredients like Retinol (Retin-A, Tretinoin, Vitamin A), Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, AHAs (Alpha-hydroxy acids), BHAs (Beta-hydroxy acids), LHAs (Lipo-hydroxy acids), Vitamin C, and Benzoyl Peroxide can be restarted 7 days after the treatment.
Additional treatment sessions are based upon your clinician’s recommendations. Typically, 2-3 sessions are needed and are done 2-4 weeks apart (depending if other ancillary treatments are done at the same time, i.e. MOXITM, Microneedling).
BBL® HEROTM is a straightforward treatment performed in the office following your consultation. Prior to undergoing the treatment, patients will undergo an objective and comprehensive evaluation of the skin using our high technology VISIA® Skin Analysis Imaging System. Although not necessary, the area to be treated can be numbed with topical anesthesia. Then, we remove all the makeup, and we clean and sterilize the area. Then we proceed to perform BBL® HEROTM treatment. The treatment usually takes 8-10 minutes. Afterward, the nurse will apply cold compression to the site and apply a medical skin grade moisturizer.
