The Sciton BBLs™ is an Intense Pulse Light (IPL) and is a safe treatment for a variety of skin conditions when used by a dermatology expert.  This system can remove unwanted brown and red from the skin, tighten skin and treat acne.

What is skin rejuvenation?

Skin Rejuvenation treatment with the Sciton BBLs™ helps you keep a younger and fresher look.  The safe, visible light emitted from the Sciton BBLs™ flash-lamp makes your face look younger by removing age spots and diffuse redness, and by improving your skin texture.  Uneven pigmentation is also reduced.

What is an Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)?

The Sciton BBLs™ uses short, safe bursts of light from a flash lamp to treat specific skin conditions.  The system controls the overall delivery of the light – both the amount of light and the speed of it delivery to your specific skin condition. Light-based treatments use a less-intense, broader spectrum of light than lasers, but are effective in treating rejuvenation of the skin.

Broadband Light (BBL) photorejuvenation

This procedure reduces pigmented lesions in the skin through a process known as selective photothermolysis. Essentially, dark areas in the skin absorb light more intensely than lighter areas. The dark areas then heat with the absorption of light areas, destroying the pigment-carrying cells. Through this form of natural selection, i.e. survival of the lightest, the dark regions of the skin are destroyed while the light ones are relatively unaffected. This allows the treatment of:

• Freckles (solar lentigines or sun spots)
• Rosacea
• Enlarged pores
• Age spots
• Brown spots, birth marks
• Port wine stains
• Hyperpigmentation
• Poikiloderma

In addition, BBL™ treatment can also reduce the incidence of spider or varicose veins, also through the process of selective photothermolysis. It can be used to treat:

• Spider veins
• Broken capillaries
• Facial veins
• Telangiectasias

Finally, BBL™ can also have a significant impact on :

• Warts
• Striae or stretch marks
• Fine wrinkles

Laser Hair Removal
Without damaging the surrounding skin, controlled flashes of light penetrate the skin and are absorbed by the hair follicles. The heat damages the hair and the regenerative matrix that regrows hair, and minimizes the potential for regrowth. Because of the significantly large spot size created by this unique technology, backs, shoulders, abdomens and legs can be treated quickly. Facial areas such as the lip, chin, and beard, can be treated in minutes.

Blue Light Acne Treatment

The Sciton BBL™ kills the bacteria that play a significant role in inflammatory and cystic 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.

• Acne, minimizing the need for oral antibiotics and Accutane

SkinTyte™ photorejuvenation

This technology utilizes Sciton's BBL™ pulsed light system to deeply heat the skin to create renewed collagen that leads to firmer tighter skin.  It also minimizes sebaceous glands and pore size via heat.  The SkinTyte™ is recommended to improve:

• Skin laxity
• Sebaceous gland enlargement
• Overactive sebaceous glands, in acne and rosacea

Who is NOT a good candidate for BBLs™?
Individuals with a tan or with very dark skin are often not the best candidates for BBL. In general, avoid sun exposure for 4-6 weeks before treatment, and again after treatment until your physician allows it. Care should be taken in the first few days following treatments to avoid scrubbing or rinsing the treated area with abrasive skin cleansers. Consult your practitioner for specific precautions that relate to your individualized treatment plan.

Patients taking Accutane should defer treatment until 6 months or longer after completion of Accutane therapy.

Pregnant women should not undergo BBLs treatment.

BBL photorejuvenation is not effective for treatment of deeper wrinkles and prominent skin sagging. These are best treated with other techniques. This will be discussed with you during your consultation.

Are the procedures covered by insurance?

Most insurance companies do not offer reimbursement for cosmetic procedures.

How much does BBLs™ photorejuvenation cost?
The cost depends on the area to be treated and on the number of treatments desired. Generally, the price ranges from $350 and up per treatment session.

How many BBLs™ treatments will I need?
Depending on the nature of the condition, and the severity of the problem, a series of 3-5 treatments is usually recommended. This allows for gradual improvement with very low risk to the skin, and little downtime. Although partial results may be seen sooner, performing a full series of 3-5 treatments will help to maximize improvement in skin color, texture and pore size. Treatments are usually spaced 3-4 weeks apart.

 How long do the results last?

The results achieved from the treatment series can be expected to last for possibly several years or longer. However, with the passage of time and with environmental exposure, skin ages as we do. BBL Photorejuvenation will provide benefits and significantly reverse many of the visible signs of sun-damaged skin. The improvement that has been achieved following a first series of five treatments can be maintained by occasional single maintenance treatments, 2-3 times per year.

Why would I benefit from having BBLs™ Photorejuvenation performed at Dermatology Specialists of Charlotte?

All treatments are done under the supervision of Dr. Nixon, Grattan or Seward, all of whom are Board-certified Dermatologists. As specialists of the skin, our physicians have spent many years training to better understand the complexities of the skin. The ultimate benefit is that our patients achieve results in a safe and effective clinical setting under the direction of an on site Board-certified skin expert. Our physicians can address your total skin needs.  Your dermatologist will access your skin’s needs and develop a program right for you.  Your physician will make sure you are an ideal candidate, or if not, recommend an alternative treatment plan.  You will be treated by our experienced aesthetician under the physician’s supervision.  Your post op care will be managed by the physician and aesthetician.  Optimal post op care is critical to achieving the best outcome.

 Do I require a consultation before I schedule a treatment?

Yes. We require that you be seen in consultation prior to your first BBL™ Photorejuvenation treatment. BBL™ Photorejuvenation is a non-invasive medical procedure. Your skin must be assessed by our doctors prior to scheduling your first treatment. You will benefit from the experienced assessment of a qualified trusted dermatologist. During your consultation any specific concerns or questions will be addressed. 

Learn more about SkinTyte photorejuvenation.

Learn more about the MicroLaserPeel.

Learn more about Profractional laser treatments.