BroadBand Light (BBL)

 

Introduction

BBL is a treatment to correct a variety of benign skin conditions such as hyperpigmentation, freckles, photoaging, fine wrinkles, broken vessels, unsightly surface small veins and other blemishes.

If brown spots are the target, BBL penetrates the skin to reach the melanocytes. The particles of the cells left behind will peel or slough off within 7-14 days. Recommended course of treatments is 3-5 treatments, spaced 4-5 weeks apart.

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. Recommended course of treatments is 3-5 treatments spaced 3-4 weeks apart.

The treatment course will depend on the severity of the condition and the amount of sun exposure. Please wear a hat on the day of treatment. The treatment is gradual and you will not notice results for 2-4 months. Photographs will be taken before, during and at completion of treatment so you can see the improvement.

How Does It Work?

Occasionally a test patch (done over the jaw line) is used to observe for any negative reactions such as pigmentation, rashes or persistent redness. The observation period may take up to 15mins, therefore the first treatment will take a little longer than the following treatments, especially when treating sensitive areas such as the chest.  However, to minimise the side effects, Sciton BBL comes with a unique module called “Forever Young”, which utilise multiple passes in lower doses which does not require a test patch.

A cool gel is applied to the treated areas, protective goggles are worn to protect the eyes from the very bright light. The smooth glass surface of the BBL is applied to your skin and the pulses of very bright flashing light are applied to the area to be treated.

What area can be treated?

The commonest area to be treated is on the face. Other areas that can be treated are neck, chest, arms, legs, back and back of hand

Pre-Procedure

  • Avoid sun exposure/tanning beds 4 weeks prior to treatment.
  • Use sunscreen and physical sun protection.
  • Inform your doctor of any medical conditions or medications you are taking that might sensitize you to light, affect wound healing or affect coagulation.
  • Discontinue 1 week prior to treatment: Long-term oral antibiotics, Retin-A or Renova, and topical acne medications.
  • If you have cold sores, there is a risk that this treatment could contribute to a recurrence. Prophylactic antiviral therapy can be started 2 days before treatment and continued one week after to avoid outbreak.
  • No Accutane for 1 year. It can impair the ability of skin to heal following treatments or surgery for an extended amount of time even after you have stopped taking it.

During procedure

  • The procedure is typically gentle and safe.
  • There is no need for a topical anaesthetic, however, your clinician may use it if needed.
  • Your eyes will be protected with safety shields or glasses.
  • Flashes of light from BBL is expected despite glasses
  • You may briefly feel a warm, slight sting or rubber band snap sensation as the light is absorbed

Immediate post procedure

  • Remove gel by washing face with QV/Cetaphil/Cerave wash as soap
  • Pat dry
  • Apply QV body moisturiser and sunscreen

Risks

  • Discomfort may be experienced during the treatment.
  • Redness/ Swelling/Bruising- short term redness or swelling is common. There may be bruising.
  • Pigment changes (Skin colour)- During healing process, there is a possibility that the treated area can be either darker or lighter in colour compared to the surrounding skin, This may be temporary, but, on a rare occasion, it may be permanent .
  • Wounds- treatment can result in burning, blistering or bleeding on treated areas.
  • Infection- is a possibility when skin surface is disrupted and proper wound care can prevent this. If there is signs of infection such as pain, heat , redness or discharge, please contact us immediately.
  • Scarring- is a rare occurrence, but a possibility if skin is disrupted. To minimize scarring to follow wound care advise carefully.
  • Eye exposure- protective eyewear (shields) will be provided. It is important to keep this shield on at all times during the treatment in order to protect your eyes from injury Freckles and sunspots may turn slightly darker initially and then flake off within 7-14 days. This is a desired and normal reaction. Do not pick or scratch the skin this can lead to permanent scarring.
  • In rare occasion, blistering may occur from the BBL treatment. Generally the blister will heal spontaneously with care and you may be prescribed antibiotic ointment to the area twice daily until healed.

If you experience any of the following, please notify us immediately:

Severe scabbing, Blistering, Bleeding, Severe Pain, Severe Swelling, Infection and Scarring

Who cannot be treated?

  • If you have a suntan, need to wait until you are back to your base colour before having the treatment
  • Pregnant
  • Prone to Keloid Scarring
  • Very dark skin type VI, naturally olive skin – Greeks, Italians, Spanish etc.
  • Taking any medications or antibiotics which may make you more photosensitive
  • Diabetics
  • Poor General Health
  • Moles cannot be treated

The following points have been discussed with me:

  • Possible benefits for the proposed procedure
  • Possible alternative procedures
  • Possible number of procedures
  • Reasonably anticipated consequences if the procedure is not performed
  • Most likely possible complications/ risks involved with the proposed procedure and subsequent healing period.

COST

There is the standard consulting fee. At consultation the fee will be discussed with you and your doctor. The treatment cannot be claimed through Medicare or private health care fund as it is considered cosmetic.

 

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