What to Consider if You’re Planning on IPL or BBL Photofacial Laser Treatments in San Diego

Intense Pulse Light Therapy (IPL) or Forever Young BBL (BroadBand Light) photofacial laser treatments use high-intensity light waves for aesthetic and medical purposes.

IPL or BBL photorejuvenation offers many aesthetic and practical benefits to patients who are concerned with discoloration, wrinkles, and several other issues on the surface of their skin. Moreover, IPL or BBL photofacial laser treatments are a safe and fast way to smoother, younger looking skin.

In this article, Dr. Paul E. Chasan, a board-certified plastic surgeon in San Diego, explains what IPL or BBL photofacial laser treatments are including the technology behind IPL or BBL and what you can expect if you’re considering IPL or BBL photorejuvenation in San Diego.

What are IPL and BBL Photofacial Laser Treatments?

IPL or Forever Young BBL™ is a facial rejuvenation procedure that uses light therapy to heat the surface of the skin, then targeted areas absorb the heat which promotes your skin cells to make new collagen. A 2018 article from The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery further explains, “IPL or BBL delivers fast pulses of high energy light waves deep into the skin, treating the skin’s surface in two ways.

First, IPL or BBL eliminates discoloration in the skin (red and brown spots or areas). Second, it stimulates your body to produce collagen.” Collagen gives your skin more elasticity, a smoother surface, and an overall fresher look. IPL or BBL photofacial laser treatments are non-invasive, minimally painful, and do not require surgery. Moreover, IPL or BBL does not remove your skin like chemical peels and other facial rejuvenation procedures. Ranch & Coast's very own experienced laser nurse perform IPL or BBL photofacial photorejuvenation in the office where it typically takes 15–30 minutes. Although IPL and BBL treatments are relatively painless, a topical anesthetic can be used if you find the treatment painful or uncomfortable.

Meet your Provider - Wilma Reilly, R.N.

Wilma is a seasoned nurse with an impressive career dedicated to healthcare excellence. She is both trusted in the ambiance of the medical spa and the dynamic environment of the operating room. In the operating room, she finds joy in the transformation of her face lift and rhinoplasty patients due to the immediate transformation on the table. In the medical spa she specializes in non-ablative lasers, Scarlet microneedling RF, and the well-known CO2 laser. Her commitment to patient care is evident in her follow-up care and desire to deliver the best results possible.

What is the Difference Between IPL and BBL?

IPL and BBL are used interchangeably because Forever Young BBL is a more advanced version of IPL. BBL photofacial laser treatments are the most up-to-date light therapy, allowing faster, more effective treatment on specific areas of the skin.

Benefits of IPL and BBL

The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery’s 2017 statistical report shows that 117,436 people received photofacial laser treatments in 2017, meanwhile only 85,476 people received the second most performed facial rejuvenation procedure. The demand for IPL or BBL photofacial laser treatments has increased in recent years because they are safe, non-invasive procedures that offer patients many aesthetic and medical benefits. Moreover, patients experience very little pain and little to no recovery time after IPL or BBL treatments. According to a 2018 article published by The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, IPL or BBL photorejuvenation can resolve, “fine lines and wrinkles, scars, large pores, sun damage or hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, and texture issues.” Moreover, light therapy can also treat broken capillaries and small blood vessels.

IPL or BBL can be used on the face, neck, chest, hands, and several other areas where you might be concerned about the color or texture of your skin. In addition, IPL or BBL photorejuvenation can also be used to treat acne. A 2010 article in the Indian Journal of Dermatology reports, “ten patients with facial acne were subjected to IPL multiple-pulse and single-pulse once a week for four weeks. Results showed a 49.19% reduction after four sessions of IPL.” Below are images of the patient’s acne before and after IPL treatments. Many patients use IPL or BBL photorejuvenation to treat skin conditions like rosacea, scars, and discoloration as well as wrinkles and fine lines. As a result, patients often experience increased confidence and self-esteem in response to their smoother and firmer skin.

What is the Cost of IPL and BBL Photofacial Treatments?

One of the main benefits of IPL or BBL photofacial laser treatments is that they cost significantly less than surgery. The average cost of IPL or BBL photorejuvenation is $400–$800 per area and per session.

Patients who receive several treatments gain the most cosmetic benefits and it may take repeated sessions to treat serious skin conditions like acne. Ranch and Coast Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa guides their patients in deciding which cosmetic treatments are best suited for their distinct needs. Our team and our laser nurse are always happy to consult with you and discuss how IPL or BBL photofacial laser treatments might benefit you.

IPL / BBL Photofacial