What is BBL™?

BBL™, or BroadBand Light from Sciton is a technological anti-aging masterpiece and the most advanced phototherapy device on the market. BBL™ is the next generation of light-based treatments with ground-breaking clinical evidence of changing the skin at a molecular level anywhere on the face and body. We have now brought it to Clinic 1 as we believe our clients deserve the best!

BBL™ uses the world’s most powerful IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) laser and sets new standards when it comes to skin rejuvenation and the conditions it can treat. It features state-of-the-art cooling features and it’s fully customisable with minimal pain and downtime.

What skin conditions can BBL™ help with?

Sun damage (photoaging), sun spots, age spots, hyperpigmentation, freckles, melasma, birth marks, redness, rosacea, small blood vessels, broken capillaries, port wine stains, bruising, acne, skin laxity, fine lines and wrinkles.

BBL™ is also the only treatment that is capable of functionally changing the expression of genes in aged skin cells, as proved by a study from Stanford University. This makes it powerful enough to reverse signs of ageing as well as targeting skin imperfections. BBL™ literally restores the genetic aging pattern of the skin, changing the way you age! 

How does BBL™ work?

BroadBand Light (BBL™) is the most advanced and versatile Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) system in its class.

The light energy delivered by BBL™ will gently heat the upper layers of your skin. The heat absorbed by the targeted areas will stimulate your skin cells to regenerate new collagen. This process will restore your skin to its natural beauty, making it clearer, smoother, vibrant, and younger-looking. In addition, the photothermal energy eliminates the fine vessels that cause redness and reduces the unwanted melanin that produces pigmented lesions. The BBL™ machine is equipped with advanced cooling features, allowing the use of high-powered energy with minimal discomfort. BBL™ is a safe, effective approach to younger-looking skin.

What type of BBL™ do you offer?

BBL HERO™ - a CORRECTIVE protocol for hyperpigmentation (freckles, age spots) and redness (rosacea, small blood vessels)

BBL Forever Young™ - a MAINTENANCE protocol for long term skin rejuvenation on molecular level

BBL Forever Clear™ – to treat acne on the face and body

BBL SkinTyte II™ – additional step for skin tightening and lifting  

BBL HERO™ for face and body  is the perfect treatment option for clients who are concerned about pigmentation issues or rosacea. We use BBL™ Hero protocol to reduce unwanted melanin and eliminate the fine vessels that cause redness. We can help your skin look smoother, healthier, more even and more vibrant in fewer treatments than other IPL systems. BBL uses photothermal energy to gently heat the upper layers of skin, stimulating the regeneration of cells and taking years off the face, neck, hands or almost any other part of the body — beginning after just one treatment. If you have any

Forever Young BBL™ - when we corrected all the imperfections on the skin like pigmentation and redness and now client wants to keep the skin looking healthy and young this protocol is we you need. BBL is the only device shown to reprogram ageing cells to behave like young, healthy skin, meaning the skin doesn’t just look younger – it is genetically programmed to be younger! It achieves this result by targeting the DNA of ageing skin cells directly. For optimal results we recommend to get 2-4 Forever Young BBL treatments a year. It’s a quick and easy treatment with no downtime and results that lasts for decades.

In a retrospective study, 15 patients age 38 to 69 received at least one Forever Young BBL™ treatment per year for five to 11 years. Then,
based on pre- and post-treatment photos, about 500 evaluators estimated the age of each patient. The study found that patients’ skin looked about 10 years younger than its actual age — thanks to improvement in sun damage, wrinkles, and other signs of aging skin. Stanford University’s dermatology department study has found that BBL can alter the gene expression of aged skin. Of the 2265 genes whose expression was altered in aged skin, 1293 were fully restored to the expression seen in younger people. This ground-breaking study has provided further support for Forever Young BBL’s age-defying benefits.

BBL Forever Clear™ is a cutting-edge acne treatment that uses 3 steps protocol and the power of light to comfortably and effectively kill acne bacteria, reduce oil and inflammation while treating acne scarring & discolouration leaving you with clear, healthy, radiant skin. It not only targets and heals your existing breakouts, but it helps prevent future breakouts. 4-6 treatments are recommended.

Effective for both adults and teens, men and women, Forever Clear BBL™ can address acne on most any part of the body, including common treatment areas such as the face, neck and back. For added benefit, follow your personalized plan including add-on and follow-up treatments, as well as a skincare regimen to keep your skin lasting clear.

BBL SkinTyte II™  - additional 1 step protocol for firmer, tighter, and younger-looking skin.

BBL SkinTyte II™ has minimal downtime and is perfect for the face, neck, stomach, or arm area that can lose elasticity as we age. Improve the appearance of sagging skin with a quick and comfortable treatment. SkinTyte II™ uses infrared light to deeply heat dermal collagen, while using the sapphire contact cooling of the BBL platform to protect the epidermis. With this advanced technology, the treatment initiates the body’s natural healing process which leads to a more youthful appearance — with no downtime, or need for a topical anaesthetic.

All BBL protocols are fully customisable for the best results.

What to expect before, during and after the treatment?

Before BBL:

 -       avoid sun exposure, tanning beds and self-tanner for the treatment area 3-4 weeks prior and throughout BBL treatment course. If unavoidable, treatments sessions may need to be increased due to reduced fluence (i.e. energy) settings or even cancelled if recently exposed.

-       do not use aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, ginko biloba for at least 1 week before and for the first 2 days after treatment (of vascular targets)

-       inform clinician of any areas with permanent make-up or tattoos as they need to be avoided

Contraindications (i.e. patients who are not good candidates) to BBL™ treatment may include (but are not limited to) those patients who:

 -      are sensitive to light or take medication (i.e. antibiotics) that are known to increase sunlight sensitivity  

-      accutane/Isotretinoin use within last 6 months prior to treatment

-       have a seizure disorder triggered by light  

-       with tanned skin or using self tanner/spray tanning § have a very dark skin colour (i.e. Fitzpatrick skin type IV)

-       are pregnant

-       taking anticoagulant medication or heavy aspirin use

-       have an active infection and/or compromised immune system

-       who have a history of keloid scar formation

 During BBL:

The procedure is gentle, non-invasive, and safe. There is no need for a topical anesthetic.

We will apply ultrasound gel to the skin and your eyes will be protected with safety shields or glasses. You may briefly feel a warm or “rubber band snap” sensation as the light is absorbed by the targeted areas. 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 procedure performed.

After BBL:

You may experience some redness and swelling that should resolve within a few hours. For clients with rosacea it’s normal to have mild swelling for 1-2 days. For some pigmented lesions and especially for BBL HERO corrective treatment you will see a darkening of the treated areas followed by fading and flaking off at a later stage (5-7 days for face and up to 2 weeks for body).  

You will be sensitive to ultraviolet light and you must avoid direct sun exposure until completely healed. We recommend not to get tan between BBL sessions or 7-10 after. Fully cover your skin and use a good sunscreen whenever you go outdoors. Our favourite sunscreen is Heliocare Gel Oil Free.

 -      apply a soothing ointment if needed to treated area/s to prevent drying and for soothing effect

-       do not rub, scratch, or pick the area(s), as treated areas maybe more fragile for up to several days or more after treatment

-       makeup is permitted immediately after treatment (as long as skin is intact), be very gentle when applying or removing it

-       you may get the treated area wet, gently pat dry

-       swimming/saunas/hot tubs are generally permitted after 1-2 days or once all crusts (if any) have fallen off (usually, 5-10 days)

-       wear protective clothing (hat, etc.) and a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB), high SPF sunblock to protect the treated area from direct sun exposure. Apply after any other topicals and moisturizer.

-       relieve any swelling by applying cool compress or an ice pack wrapped in a soft cloth

-       you can take pain reliever that contains no aspirin or ibuprofen, if needed.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments required will vary from patient to patient and we will personalize a treatment plan based on the level of improvement you desire. Although even one treatment is beneficial, a series of treatments is usually recommended. Multiple treatments (3-6) may be necessary over 3-4 week intervals. For acne, 1-2 week intervals are recommended. After initial treatment series, periodic maintenance may be advised (depending upon condition/s treated). We may also combine your treatment with other aesthetic procedures to further personalize your treatment.