“Forever Young” Broad Band Light Therapy (BBL)

Rejuvenate Aging Skin with BBL Laser Treatment

Aging may be inevitable, but looking older doesn’t have to be. With Forever Young BroadBand Light (BBL) therapy, you can address the common signs of aging and achieve a rejuvenated, younger-looking appearance. BroadBand Light therapy is an innovative laser treatment that targets common skin concerns, such as lines and wrinkles, age spots, vascular lesions, sun damage, and even acne. After your Forever Young treatment, you’ll look more refreshed and you’ll likely find that you have a reduced reliance on makeup to cover up skin imperfections.

Maloney Plastic Surgery is pleased to invest in the latest cutting-edge treatments for our valued patients, including BroadBand Light laser treatment. Explore the answers to some common questions below and reach out to our friendly team to find out if Forever Young BBL could be right for you.

What Our Clients Have to Say

"The bbl laser is fantastic. It has so many benefits it has improved the texture, color and elasticity of my skin. The "forever young" treatment is amazing because there is no downtime at all and the results continue to accrue."
June S.

Before and After Photo Gallery

What is Forever Young BroadBand Light (BBL) Therapy and When is it Recommended?

What is Forever Young BroadBand Light (BBL) Therapy

BroadBand Light therapy, also known as photo rejuvenation or intense pulsed light (IPL), sends light energy into the skin cells. This high-intensity light triggers the cells’ regenerative processes, enabling them to repair a range of skin issues. Let’s take a closer look at the science behind the transformation.

A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology shows that Sciton BroadBand Light (BBL) treatments can change the expression of genes associated with the aging process to more closely resemble young skin. To put this in simpler terms, think of a box of crayons being dumped onto the floor. When we are young, the bright colors like the reds, yellows, oranges are all “turned on” and the darker colors such as the browns, blacks, greys are “turned off”. As we age, this reverses and the brighter colors are “turned off” and the darker more dull colors are “turned on.” 

The study, “Rejuvenation of Gene Expression Pattern of Aged Human Skin by BroadBand Light Treatment” was performed using the Sciton BBL system and was led by dermatologist Dr. Chang of Stanford University School of Medicine. The study examined molecular changes, seeing which colors in the crayon box are “turned on or off” by treatment with BBL. 

The study supports the hypothesis that regulators of aging can be altered in human skin using BBL technology to provide a functional change, rather than just a cosmetic mimic of youthful appearance. In other words, BBL treatments promote the appearance of youthful skin by encouraging aged skin to act more youthful.

An additional study, submitted for publication by Patrick H. Bitter, Jr. of Advanced Aesthetic Dermatology, a well-known dermatologist and co-author of the JID study, takes this groundbreaking research further and explores the practical application and patient results of BBL treatments. Dr. Bitter’s study focuses on the ability to improve the appearance of aging skin with long-term and regular interval treatments with BBL.

The Forever Young BBL treatment keeps the genes acting younger and can actually reverse the aging process. This innovative procedure delivers light therapy that targets the signs of aging and sun damage and at the same time promotes a refreshed, rejuvenated and more youthful appearance. Age spots, freckles, redness, acne, and small vascular lesions are reduced. 

The number of treatments recommended depends on the amount of damage to your skin and your age. Patients in their 30s would typically receive two Forever Young BBL treatments per year. Patients in their 60s would typically come in for a treatment four times per year.

 

When is Forever Young BBL Recommended

BroadBand Light therapy is recommended for those who are troubled by the signs of aging. These age-related changes can include lines, wrinkles, sun spots, vascular lesions, and other areas of discoloration. BBL can be used not only on the face, but also the neck, chest, arms, and upper back. The treatment is safe and effective for fair skin types, and it’s usually recommended every three to six months for best results (depending on age).

What are the benefits and risks of Forever Young BBL?

Benefits of Forever Young BBL

BBL treatment will reduce age spots, freckles, redness, acne, and small vascular lesions. After each treatment, your skin will be more even, the spots in your skin will be significantly reduced, and your complexion will appear more bright and youthful. You will have a refreshed, rejuvenated, and more youthful appearance

Potential Risks of Forever Young BBL

Light therapy is generally well tolerated and highly effective, but it’s important to understand that every medical procedure carries inherent risks. Our team will ensure you have all of the information you need to make an informed decision.

Common risks include hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and the need for additional procedures. Most of these are temporary. There are also more uncommon, complicated risks, such as scarring, burning of the skin, injury to the eye, etc. For a full list of risks, you can visit www.plasticsurgery.org.

What’s involved in a BBL laser treatment consultation?

During an initial consultation, you will meet with one of our Certified Medical Laser Technicians. Maloney Plastic Surgery is one of the only practices in Tucson, AZ to offer VECTRA 3D technology. We’ll use VECTRA imaging technology to take a 3D image of your face. This exciting, cutting-edge technology will allow you to see the red and brown sun damage in your skin on the 3D image.

After VECTRA imaging, your Certified Medical Laser Technician will review your VECTRA photographs and examine you to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. They will discuss details of the procedure, show you before-and-after photos, and answer any questions you may have.

Meet Dr Maloney

Dr. Maloney is a Harvard trained, board certified plastic surgeon who returned to his home town of Tucson, AZ to open Maloney Plastic Surgery in 2002.

Forever Young BBL PREPARATION AND PROCESS

How should I prepare for Forever Young BBL treatment?

In addition to having a consultation with one of our Certified Medical Laser Technicians, you should take a few simple steps to prepare for your treatment appointment. Avoid sun exposure for at least two weeks prior to the treatment. Avoid all tanning activities, including indoor tanning beds and sunless tanning lotions. (Tan skin does not absorb the light energy well.)

How is BroadBand light therapy performed?

Forever Young Broad Band Light (BBL) takes about 60 minutes to two hours depending on the area and number of areas you wish to treat. The technician will cover your eyes using protective eye shields and apply a cool gel to your skin. Then, we’ll use the BBL device to apply energy to the targeted red and brown spots at the desired wavelength.

You will see a flash of light each time the pedal of the BBL is depressed and energy is delivered. This flash is very bright and can be startling to patients the first time they see it. Cool compresses may be used for comfort to cool the area if necessary.

What should I expect after my skin laser treatment?

There is no downtime required for this treatment. However, after BroadBand Light therapy, you should avoid hot tubs, strenuous activity, and excessive sun exposure for 24 hours. You will see your red and brown spots turn dark and slough off over the course of three to five days. After a few treatments, you will notice less and less pigment being lifted from the skin. If you have any questions during the recovery phase, please call the office any time, day or night.

Schedule a Consultation for Forever Young BBL in Tucson, AZ

Dr. Maloney and his highly trained team have a wealth of experience performing a range of light therapies, including Forever Young BBL. We’ll take the time to thoroughly understand your cosmetic needs and concerns, as well as your health history to determine if laser skin resurfacing is appropriate for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation for BroadBand Light laser treatment.