Illuminate Your Skin's Brilliance
Perfect Skin Center, with locations in Scottsdale and Tempe, AZ, helps you achieve healthier, younger, and brighter skin with our photofacial. This treatment uses light-based energy to treat discoloration, aging, and redness to promote skin clarity, skin health, and a uniform skin tone. After completing the recommended sessions, you can expect younger, brighter-looking skin and long-lasting results.
What Is a BBL / IPL / Photofacial?
These are all treatments using broad spectrum intense pulse light for skin rejuvenation to treat skin imperfections on the face, arms, neck, chest, and body areas. It also works by changing the gene expression of the skin cells to make them act like younger skin cells, which naturally results in younger-looking skin. IPL stands for “intense pulsed light.” A photofacial is the name for the treatment that uses intense pulsed light to address a broad set of common skin concerns. BBL, or broadband light, is the name for another kind of IPL treatment that targets problematic skin cells and stimulates healing.
These treatments all work by sending short pulses of visible light directly onto the skin’s surface, which forces the body to respond with a healing reaction that repairs damaged skin cells and replaces them with younger ones. Regular treatments visibly improve skin tone, reverse aging, and treat and eliminate some of the most common and stubborn skin imperfections.
The Science Behind IPL Photofacials
While it does require filtering through a bit of jargon, understanding the scientific basis for this treatment can help you better determine whether or not it is right for you, including comparing it against possible alternatives. The following layman-friendly breakdown will give you a foundational understanding of how IPL photofacial works, empowering you with the knowledge base you need to make well-informed decisions about your own treatment.
IPL Photofacial uses light energy that is tuned to specific wavelengths, which allows the treatment to accurately target certain tissues without damaging surrounding tissues and structures. The two-dollar word for this process (at least in the case of the IPL approach) is “photothermolysis.” “Photo” refers to light, “thermo” refers to heat, and “lysis” refers to cell death. In other words, this treatment platform uses light energy to heat underlying tissues, killing targeted cells and allowing the body to process them out. The molecules that absorb this light energy and turn it into heat are called “chromophores.” If the light energy is not precisely tuned to the proper frequency, the chromophores will less efficiently translate the energy into heat, thereby stunting the effectiveness of the treatment.
As mentioned, in addition to facilitating the breakdown of targeted cells, the heat released from this treatment also stimulates key healing reactions. For example, the body responds to damaged hemoglobin by encouraging blood flow, which in turn works to deliver nutrient-rich blood to tissues that need it.
Thanks to this treatment’s precision, we can accurately target a broad spectrum of common skin concerns while minimizing the impact on any healthy tissues surrounding the treatment area. These issues include rosacea, fine lines, dark spots (hyperpigmentation), spider veins, acne scars, and more.
Why Choose Sciton BBL?
Sciton’s BroadBand Light (BBL®) is considered superior to traditional Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) photofacial devices for several key reasons:
- Enhanced Precision: BBL allows for greater precision and customization in treatments, making it a more effective and comfortable alternative to traditional IPL. It employs high-intensity, pulsed light but includes novel design innovations that enhance treatment outcomes (Sciton).
- Broad Range of Skin Conditions Addressed: BBL is capable of addressing a variety of skin conditions, including acne, rosacea, pigmented lesions, photoaging, photodamage, sunspots, vascular lesions, and the appearance of skin laxity, with minimal downtime. This comprehensive approach is made possible by BBL HERO™ technology, which has been described as the “holy grail in skin revitalization treatments” (Sciton) (Aesthetics Daily).
- Speed, Power, and Comfort: BBL delivers treatments 4x faster, with 3x the peak power, and provides 2x the cooling compared to other IPL devices. This means patients can enjoy quicker treatments for large areas of the body with visible, lasting results, all while experiencing enhanced comfort during the procedure (Aesthetics Daily).
How does the Sciton BBL affect my Skin Aging?
A groundbreaking study by Stanford University on the Sciton BBL system’s effect on skin aging has unveiled that this treatment can actually modify the gene expression related to aging, causing these genes to mimic the patterns found in younger skin.
- Gene Expression Rejuvenation: Research indicated that out of 2,265 coding and noncoding RNAs impacted by skin aging, BBL treatment “rejuvenated” 1,293 of them. This rejuvenation brought their expression levels in line with those observed in younger skin.
- Influence on Longevity Regulators: The study identified that among these rejuvenated genes were crucial regulators known to affect the longevity of organisms, including specific long noncoding RNAs nearby.
- Beyond Cosmetic Effects: The alterations triggered by BBL treatments extend beyond superficial improvements. They represent a functional shift towards a youthful state, as the gene expression patterns of both photoaged and intrinsically aged skin are reprogrammed to resemble that of young skin.
- The significance of this research lies in its implication that BBL treatments could serve as a method to not just visually, but biologically delay aging signs by directly affecting the cellular functions of the skin
What Is BBL HERO?
We perform our photofacial treatments with the BBL HERO, a device that uses revolutionary light-based technology to treat the most common skin conditions and imperfections. This device uses a broad range of wavelengths to target smaller and larger treatment areas on the face and the body.
It’s the most powerful, intense pulsed light device available in the cosmetic world and treats the face and the body in minutes. It also may be combined with other skincare treatments and devices for enhanced results.
How It Works
BBL HERO uses the fastest light-based technology to promote visibly younger-looking skin. The device uses proprietary technology to treat aging, sun damage, discoloration, acne, unwanted hair, and other skin imperfections. The treatments are quick and comfortable and take only minutes from start to finish.
BBL HERO has nine wavelength filters and can be interchanged through the device handpiece to target each patient’s unique concerns. During treatments, we use a multi-pass approach to correct pigmented lesions, redness, acne, and skin laxity or a single-pass approach to rejuvenate the skin.
What It Treats
We customize photofacial treatments with the BBL HERO to treat the most common skin conditions on the face, neck, décolleté, arms, legs, back, abdomen, and buttocks. It visibly reduces the most common signs of aging, including freckles, sun damage, lines, wrinkles, and age spots.
We also use it to eliminate small vessels on the face, vascular lesions, and the symptoms of rosacea. We customize treatment plans to treat active breakouts and prevent their future recurrence, eliminate excess hair from the body, and rejuvenate the skin.
What To Expect
During your treatment, we’ll apply a topical gel to your skin so the device can effortlessly glide across your desired treatment area to address surface and deep-rooted skin imperfections. The device applicator has a sapphire tip that promotes a cool and comfortable skin temperature. Patients can expect a gentle warming sensation during the treatment that will last for 30 to 60 minutes after, but there’s no discomfort, and they won’t need to plan around any downtime.
There’s no need for any pre-treatment topical anesthetic since it’s a virtually pain-free experience. Patients should expect their treatment to take anywhere from two to ten minutes based on the size and number of areas they want to treat.
When Will I See the Results?
While you may notice some initial improvements in your skin, you’ll see the most noticeable improvements within the first few weeks of treatment and continued improvements over time as the body responds with accelerated skin cell regeneration and replaces the old, discolored, or damaged skin cells with younger and healthier ones.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Patients can expect the best results after completing one to three sessions. However, treatment plans vary based on the condition we’re treating and its severity. We will give you more details about what your unique treatment plan will look like after we meet with you to evaluate your desired treatment area in person.
Is It Safe?
Not only is this treatment completely safe, but it uses natural methods to visibly improve the skin, reverse aging, and eliminate hyperpigmentation. It targets discolored, damaged, and old skin cells where needed without harming the surrounding tissue.
It will rejuvenate and brighten the skin and treat dullness, discoloration, aging, and more. Patients won’t have to worry about adverse reactions or side effects or even plan around significant downtime after their treatment.
Who It's Right For
The BBL HERO is safe for most skin types. It is able to meet the needs of patients looking for a quick and effective treatment to visibly improve acne, aging, discoloration, pigmented lesions, and other skin imperfections and conditions during a quick and pain-free treatment that doesn’t require downtime. While there are certain factors which may affect your eligibility for this treatment (infections, certain chronic illnesses, immune disorders, etc.), BBL HERO accommodates a wide variety of patients.
At your initial consultation, we will evaluate your skin and confirm whether a photofacial with the BBL HERO device is the right choice for you. We can also make other treatment recommendations at that time to ensure you achieve the most comprehensive results from your customized treatment plan.
How to Maximize Your Results With IPL Photofacial
Though IPL photofacial is a highly well-tolerated, fully noninvasive treatment, there are still several key steps that every recipient of this treatment should take to safeguard results and protect the skin in both the short-term and long-term scenario. These steps include, but are not limited to the following:
- Gentle cleansing: Use irritant-free cleansers on a daily basis following your IPL treatment to ensure the skin stays as clear as possible for as long as possible.
- Cool the skin: In the days following your treatment, it’s important to avoid subjecting the area to high heat (saunas, hot showers, etc.). Aloe vera and/or cold compresses can help keep the skin cool.
- Sun protection: In both the short-term and long-term IPL aftercare scenarios, using sun protection is always a good idea. Optimally, you will completely avoid any significant UV exposure for at least two weeks following your most recent procedure, and continue to use high-SPF protection afterwards.
Hydration: Finally, hydrating your skin and the rest of your body with gentle moisturizers and adequate water intake will help to equip your skin with the components it needs to lubricate, repair, and defend itself.
Pairing IPL Photofacial With Other Treatments
As a well-tolerated and minimally invasive procedure, IPL photofacial is often combined with other cosmetic treatments to great effect. Depending on the treatment you pair it with, this combination can greatly enhance and broaden your results, allowing you to target multiple issues effectively.
For example, IPL photofacial and chemical peels can team up to more comprehensively resurface and rejuvenate the skin. Another common pairing is photofacial and injections. Both neuromodulators like Botox and dermal fillers can fill in fine lines and add volume in specific areas while photofacial works to remove underlying imperfections.
These are just a couple of examples of successful pairings—photofacial can also be combined with microneedling, laser resurfacing treatments, and other popular treatment options to further customize and enhance results. In any case, combining treatments comes with a new set of logistical and other considerations, so it’s important to discuss combined treatment approaches with our team at Perfect Skin Center. We’re committed to helping you forge the best possible way forward, so you can have your dream results.
Achieve Beautiful, Youthful, and Radiant Skin
If you’re ready to finally eliminate those skin imperfections that have been holding you back from loving your skin and feeling confident about its appearance, we will design a photofacial treatment plan for your exact needs. The BBL HERO’s state-of-the-art technology is able to visibly improve your complexion and address every area where you want to rejuvenate your skin.
Our friendly and knowledgeable team at Perfect Skin Center of Scottsdale and Tempe, AZ, is passionate about making your visions of beautifully renewed skin a reality. Contact us for a consultation today and achieve a life-changing transformation.