BBL™ for Acne

Acne is a disorder resulting from the action of hormones and other substances on the skin’s oil glands, sebaceous glands and hair follicles. Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) are the anaerobic bacterium that causes acne. Severe acne can lead to permanent scarring.

 

What is BBL™ for Acne?

BBL™ broadband light innovative technology sets new standards for the treatment of skin conditions associated with aging, active life-styles and sun damage. BBL™ energy allows your PritiSkin™ medical provider to precisely treat fine wrinkles, age and sun spots, small facial veins, and several other skin blemishes. Your treatment will be tailored to address acne scarring.

 

What will BBL™ acne treatment do?

BBL™ broadband light technology utilizes the power of pulsed light to deliver excellent results in photorejuvenation therapy. By selecting the appropriate wavelength or filter, your PritiSkin™ medical provider will be able to treat your acne scarring. Your skin will be smoother, more vibrant and it will have a more youthful appearance as a result.

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How does BBL™ work?

The light energy delivered by the BBL™ will gently heat up the upper layers of your skin. The heat absorbed by the targeted areas will stimulate your skin cells to generate new collagen. This will help restore your skin to its natural beauty, blending its natural colors and making it smoother, vibrant and younger looking. In addition the photothermal energy will target and eliminate many of the fine vessels that cause redness and the unwanted melanin responsible for pigmented lesions.

 

What areas can be treated?

While BBL™ can be used to treat almost any area of the body, BBL™ for acne is specifically designed to treat acne on the face. The most common areas are those most exposed to the damaging effects of sun light.

 

How many treatments will I need?

When you have your consultation with Dr. Mary Pritikin, she will come up with a plan for treatment that suits both your cosmetic and financial needs. The amount of treatments varies for each person base on the severity of their condition. Dr. Mary will determine how many sessions you might need.

 

How long will it take to recover?

This is a non-invasive and gentle procedure with virtually no down-time. In most cases you will be able to return to work, apply makeup, and resume most of your activities right away.

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What will my treatment consist of?

Our PritiSkin™ medical providers will determine during your consultation a BBL™ treatment plan for you, accounting for the number and severity of skin conditions being treated, as well as skin type. On average, four to six treatments are recommended, scheduled at three week intervals. Each session usually lasts about 20 minutes, with patients returning to normal activity immediately afterwards.

 

What to Expect during my BBL™ acne treatment

The procedure is gentle, non-invasive, and safe. There should be minimal or no discomfort, however this varies from patient to patient and depends on the depth of the treatment. An anesthetic cream applied 45 minutes prior to your treatment, may be used to minimize any treatment associated discomfort. Your PritiSkin™ medical provider will recommend the best options during consultation.

Before treatment, a cold gel is usually applied to the areas to be treated and patients wear protective eyewear. During treatment, our aesthetician gently applies the smooth, glass surface of the BBL™ hand piece to the skin. Light is delivered to the skin surface in precise pulses across the treatment area. Patients often describe a slight stinging sensation, like the snapping of a rubber band, in the treated areas. Most individuals find this to be very tolerable. Your procedure may take a few minutes to half an hour depending on the size of the area to be treated and the type of the procedure performed.

 

What will I look like immediately after BBL™ acne treatment?

BBL™ treatments are designed to provide little down time. Your face may appear red or flushed, something which usually fades within a few hours. Individuals with prominent pigmentation may notice that brown areas become temporarily darker, peeling off in 10-14 days. Makeup may be applied immediately after your treatment so you can return to your daily activities. By performing a microdermabrasion between BBL™ sessions, recovery may be enhanced and results may be improved.

Rarely, some individuals develop “purpura” or bruising. Although uncommon, this sometimes occurs in individuals with a very prominent red component. This is painless and typically fades in about 5-10 days. Any bruising may be covered with makeup.Individuals with prominent brown or red color may develop slight temporary swelling for a few days, especially if being treated around the eyes.

 

How do I care for my skin after the treatment?

It is important to follow your PritiSkin™ medical provider’s instructions. We will recommend skin care products and provide instructions on how to use them. These will minimize your risk of inflammation or redness and ensure the shortest healing time.

Following the treatment, ice may be applies to the treated area if desired. Medications containing aspirin or anti-inflammatories (Aspirin, Motrin, Advil, Ibuprofen, etc) should be avoided for a couple of days before and after BBL™ treatment. Strenuous exercise and contact sports should be avoided for a few days. Alcohol intake should be limited. This will help to reduce the risk of trauma and bruising.

Within weeks, your treated skin will feel smoother, fine wrinkles and pores will be less noticeable, and sun spots or uneven pigmentation will fade. Results depend on your condition, the number of treatments, and the area treated. Your physician will provide you with complete information about the post treatment care and results.

You will be sensitive to ultra-violet light and you must avoid direct sun exposure until fully healed. Sun tanning and tanning beds should be avoided for 1 month before and after each BBL session. A broad spectrum sunblock with zinc oxide and/ or titanium dioxide as the primary ingredients should be used on a daily basis.

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