Harness the Power of Light to Treat a Range of Cosmetic Skin Conditions in the Little Rock Area
Light is the cause of many spots, wrinkles, and other signs of aging and damage on the skin. Fortunately, it can also be the solution for clearing them up. With IPL and BBL at the Little Rock area’s Dermatology Group of Arkansas, our team can focus powerful technology on specific cosmetic problems to achieve precise results.
IPL stands for “intense pulsed light,” and BBL stands for “broadband light.” Neither treatment uses a laser, which is a narrow beam of one single wavelength. Instead, IPL and BBL treatments emit light of multiple wavelengths, creating a powerful burst of energy that can significantly impact unwanted areas of pigmentation, trigger beneficial processes beneath the surface of the skin, and more.
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Schedule your consultation for IPL and BBL for Little Rock, all of Central Arkansas, and beyond today. Call us at the Dermatology Group of Arkansas at 501-227-8422 or fill out a contact form to request a consultation.
How Do IPL and BBL Work?
As the name indicates, an IPL device sends intense pulses of light into the skin. These pulses pass through the surface, and the energy is absorbed by the tissues beneath. Areas of concentrated pigment absorb more of the energy than the surrounding cells, which causes the spots to rapidly heat to high temperatures, damaging and killing the unwanted cells. Pigmented lesions targeted with intense pulsed light will gradually flake away, leaving clearer-looking skin behind.
The light energy from an IPL device also starts a natural collagen-creation process by prompting specialized cells in the skin to activate and begin creating more of the vital protein. As collagen levels rise, the skin thickens and regains a more youthful structure. The result is a tighter, smoother appearance.
BBL is a specific type of IPL, often used for treatments known as “photofacials.” Intense pulsed light and BBL treatments have been shown to change the expression of genes associated with aging, longevity, and increased lifespan.
What Can IPL and BBL Address?
IPL and BBL treatments are ideal for treating signs of aging and sun damage. The passage of time naturally leads to a reduction of collagen in the skin, causing laxity, dryness, and other conditions that make wrinkles and lines appear more prominent. Ultraviolet radiation also breaks down collagen, so spending time in the sun can make the problem worse. Sun exposure can also trigger pigment-making cells to create dark spots.
Specifically, IPL is effective at treating freckles and other spots, redness from rosacea and other conditions, visible blood vessels, and enlarged pores. BBL adds a little more power, making it suitable for also addressing texture irregularities, acne (by killing the bacteria that lead to breakouts), fine lines, and mild laxity. An ideal candidate for these light-based procedures will be someone who has minor skin imperfections.
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How Do You Prepare for IPL?
If you’re planning to have intense pulsed light treatments, you will need to avoid certain things for two weeks prior to your BBL session, including sunbathing, tanning creams, tanning beds, waxing, chemical peels, and collagen injections. Don’t apply perfume or deodorant to the treatment area just before or after your light treatment. Avoid taking blood thinners for at least one week before your appointment—if it is medically safe to do so—and stop using certain types of topical skin care products, like Retin-A.
What Is the Recovery Like for IPL and BBL?
The most common side effects from IPL and BBL are redness and swelling in the treatment area, which can persist for anywhere from a few days to two weeks. There may also be a mild stinging sensation for four to six hours that is similar to a mild sunburn and your skin may feel sensitive. An ice pack or cool washcloth can help to alleviate some of the discomfort. There is minimal downtime associated with IPL and BBL procedures. In most cases, patients are able to go back to their normal activities right after having IPL and BBL treatments.
You will need to avoid strenuous physical activity and sun exposure after intense pulsed light and BBL. Avoid putting makeup on the treatment area for the first 24 hours. You may also need to avoid washing your skin with hot water. Protect your skin from sun damage by applying a sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30 and contains a physical blocker like zinc. You will need to apply a moisturizing lotion for several months after IPL and BBL. Use a cleanser that’s designed for sensitive skin to wash your face. We will tell you when it will be safe to resume your normal skin care routine.
What Are the Results Like for IPL and BBL?
While many patients see some improvement after a single IPL and BBL session, multiple treatments are typically required to enjoy the full benefit. Depending on the condition you are treating, multiple intense pulsed light and BBL sessions may be necessary to maximize results. With regular BBL treatments, you can expect your skin to look clearer, smoother, and younger. Patients should remember that while IPL and BBL can significantly improve the appearance of the skin, they won’t stop future aging. You may need to go for a follow-up IPL and BBL treatment once or twice a year to maintain your look. Limiting sun exposure will help you to preserve the results.
What Cosmetic Treatments Are Available Aside from IPL and BBL?
Intense pulsed light and BBL are some options for skin rejuvenation, but there are also other, more aggressive energy-based procedures that can improve the texture and tone of the skin. Patients who want to try light-based cosmetic treatments with more focused intensity can talk to us about laser hair removal, laser skin rejuvenation, laser skin resurfacing, laser acne treatments, and other laser procedures.
Laser treatments accomplish similar things but are different from light-based procedures like IPL and BBL. Lasers involve the use of a single, focused wavelength of light that may either remove the top layer of skin or deliver heat to the underlying layer to stimulate the skin’s regenerative processes.
There are also other skin rejuvenation treatments that can optimize the results from IPL and BBL or address similar concerns. These include chemical peels and dermaplaning—which shed the outer layer of damaged skin to encourage skin cell turnover—and microneedling, a treatment that involves puncturing the surface of the skin with tiny needles to create a controlled injury that triggers the production of collagen. These cosmetic treatments improve the overall tone and texture of your skin.
If you’re unsure whether intense pulsed light and BBL are the most suitable choices for you, our team can help you find which treatment will be best. Drawing on our experience with the latest technology and a range of patients, we can determine which device or treatments would best suit you based on your goals for your complexion, tone, and overall appearance.
Contact Us Today
Contact the Dermatology Group of Arkansas today for IPL and BBL in the Little Rock area. Call 501-227-8422 or fill out a contact form to request a consultation.