What Are Photofacials?

Photofacials use a technology known as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) to treat wrinkles, stretch marks, and age spots on the face, neck and chest. This procedure is typically completed between 30 and 90 minutes and causes minimal redness and swelling for about 24 hours.

At Lake Nona Opthalmology Med Spa, we use the BBL HERO technology to provide superior results with minimal down time.

What is the BBL HERO?

BBL HERO stands for “BroadBand Light High Energy Rapid Output.” This new and innovative technology by Sciton is a non-invasive treatment that is safer than some of the older light based approaches to treating pigmentation issues (aka photofacials).

This treatment is faster than older IPL or photofacial technologies and can be used on multiple areas of the body with minimal discomfort and downtime.

BBL HERO treatments leave your skin looking more even, radiant, smoother, and younger.

Why Would You Need a Photofacial?

BBL HERO can correct a variety of concerns that leave you feeling unhappy with your skin’s appearance. If you suffer from acne, skin redness, broken facial blood vessels BBL treatments can help and provide superior results when compared to photofacials.

Typically, BBL HERO Technology is used to treat:

  • Age spots
  • Acne
  • Broken blood vessels
  • Skin laxity
  • Discolored skin
  • Dull skin
  • Crepey eyelids
  • Lines and wrinkles 
  • Large pores
  • Port wine stains
  • Rosacea
  • Pigmented Scars
  • Sun damage

Certain pigmentation irregularities can be erased with photofacial treatments and treatments with the BBL HERO. The treatment is both powerfully effective but also gentler than other skin treatments with little to no downtime after the procedure.

How Does BBL HERO Work?

During a photofacial treatment, specific filters are used with our BBL handpiece to emit certain wavelengths of light at a rapid speed to darken surface pigmentation and pull up lighter underlying pigmentation for a comprehensive and faster result in pigmentation reduction.

Photofacial technology penetrates below the skin’s surface where the body’s red blood cells (hemoglobin) and pigmentation (melanin) are stimulated, which enables the pigmentation to be directly targeted. Due to the gentle heat caused by this treatment, it also stimulates blood flow and promotes collagen production for a more youthful appearance.

What Happens During a Photofacial?

Prior to starting your treatment, the aesthetician provider will cleanse and prep your skin to get rid of any skin care products, oil, and debris prior to starting your treatment. 

Your provider will then cover your eyes with protective goggles specifically made for use with lasers, they will then use alcohol to prep the skin once more before applying ultrasonic gel to your skin. 

Once you are cleansed and protective gear is in place, you are ready to begin! 

Your provider will insert the appropriate settings and filters into the MJoule platform that the treatment is performed with and will run the handpiece over your skin for a certain number of laser pulses depending on the area of the skin they are working on. This is a one-step BBL protocol and feels like a hot stone facial massage. 

If your skin is in need of more correction, your provider will perform a two-step BBL protocol. Using the same handpiece, the provider will then change filters and settings to target pigmented lesions, areas of redness, or facial vessels specifically. 

An optional third step can be performed for patients that feel as if their lower face or jowl area is showing signs of aging. This third step is called SkinTyte, and it feels like a hot stone massage. For this portion of the treatment, your provider glides the handpiece over your skin for two to four minutes per area. This creates a gentle heat in the dermal tissue, promoting collagen production resulting in tighter, and firmer looking skin. The treatment lasts from 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the area or areas being treated, or the type of protocol being used. 

Due to the nature of this treatment, a skin analysis consultation is required prior to your appointment. During your consultation, Your provider will take photos using the Visia Skin Analysis camera and provide you with instructions to follow prior to your procedure and after. Generally, you’ll want to avoid the sun, self tanners, or tanning beds 10 days or so before the procedure. You’ll be instructed to stop use of retinol products such as Retin-A, Tretinoin, or products with active AHA or BHA. You’ll avoid aspirin, alcohol, anticoagulants, or anything else that thin the blood. Always notify your provider of new health conditions,if you’re taking any medications, changes in medication, or if you think you might be pregnant.

We recommend a treatment plan of two sessions to see the desired results. However, depending on the severity of the skin concerns or types of concerns we are trying to treat, more treatments may be required to achieve the desired results. For example, the Forever Clear BBL treatment for Acne may require up to six sessions. Depending on the type of BBL treatment we are performing, treatments are spaced out two to four weeks apart. 

You’ll notice your skin clearing over the weeks between treatments. While the results are quite dramatic, these treatments will not stop the aging process, of course. Fortunately, this effective but non-invasive treatment can be used repeatedly to maintain results with no ill effects.

What’s Recovery From a Photofacial Treatment Like?

Most people feel a slight tenderness or sun burn sensation for a few hours after the procedure, similar to a photofacial. A cooling hydrating mask or ice pack can easily help soothe the area. You may also experience some welting, swelling, or bruising (especially when treating facial vessels). If you have brown spots, they will become darker and look like coffee grounds before they start to flake off of your skin. 

Aftercare after this procedure includes:

  • Daily use of sunscreen
  • Gently washing your face daily with a gentle cleanser
  • Avoid the use of exfoliating scrubs, picking, or peeling your skin.
  • Avoid the use of skincare with active ingredients such as retinol, AHA or BHA

In about a week you can return to your normal skin care routine.

Does a Photofacial Have Any Side Effects?

Our providers undergo extensive training and continuous education prior to providing these treatments and although side effects from this procedure are rare, they can happen. Small burns, hyperpigmentation, or hypopigmentation can all happen as a result of this treatment. The best way to reduce the risk of experiencing any adverse reaction is to: answer your medical history intake form as honestly as possible, follow the pre and post instructions provided for you during your initial consultation and contact your provider if there are any medical or lifestyle changes prior to your appointment.

Can a Photofacial Be Combined With Other Treatments?

Yes! In fact, it has been clinically proven that getting a Hydrafacial a few days prior to laser treatments increases results by 30% because laser therapies are attracted to the water in your skin and the Hydrafacial deeply hydrates the skin.  BBL is also a great treatment to combine with our Moxi treatment to include the added benefits of improving skin texture and minimizing pores. 

If you’re interested in a BBL HERO, contact our team today to set up a consultation.

Save with Our Patient Reward Programs

Lake Nona Opthalmology offers various reward programs to help you save on the cost of our custom aesthetic treatments. Each time you receive a Lake Nona Med Spa service, you’ll earn points that can be converted into coupons applied toward the cost of future services. It’s easy to start earning for free, and the more points you have, the more money you save.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

Kee Nikol
2024-01-22
I had a really great experience. The office is beautiful and very clean. The staff were all very kind and professional. Dr. Ahmed was very friendly, funny, and made me feel immediately comfortable. He did a fantastic job explaining things to me in a way I could understand. I highly recommend him!
Pradeep Raval
2024-01-22
Very caring and professional team of eye specialists.
M Ax
2024-01-19
Lake Nona ophthalmology is excellent! Had both eyes cataract surgery with Dr. Payel and I highly recommend.
Susie
2024-01-18
I am elated with the care my mother received from Dr. Ahmed and staff today. We needed additional assistance transferring my mother from her wheelchair to and from the examination chair. Both the doctor and another staff member transferred her. The treatment Dr. Ahmed prescribed is conservative and more agreeable than her previous ophthalmologist’s recommendations. The office staff is top-notch, too. They were exceedingly kind, gracious and generous with us at every turn, especially after a stressful afternoon. I am relieved to feel positively about my mom’s optical care going forward. Thank you, Dr. Ahmed and staff, for the best-in-class care!
Julianne VanLaningham
2024-01-18
Dr.Patel is a competent ophthalmologist. He is also a kind person who takes time with his patients and listens. I highly recommend him as an ophthalmologist!
Tina Droege
2024-01-17
The staff are very friendly, and the Dr Patel takes his time and always ask how are you been feeling!
Carmen Rosado
2024-01-12
Excellent service and very nice staff!

GET STARTED TODAY

At Lake Nona Ophthalmology, Dr. Patel and his team provide compassionate, excellent care and treatment for patients throughout Central Florida.

Chirag J. Patel, MD, FACS, Lake Nona Ophthalmology Founder, and Krishma Patel, PA-C Physician Assistant.