Hair Reduction with BBL
The Forever Bare Broadband Light (BBL) technology delivers a combination of benefits that aren’t available on other hair reduction devices. Unlike traditional hair reduction devices that apply energy to an area all at once, Forever Bare BBL uses motion technology to deliver a low fluence in multiple pulses, protecting the skin while progressively raising the follicle temperature to the optimal level for hair removal. At the same time, a sapphire plate on the handpiece provides continuous cooling, even at maximum power, to cool the skin before, during and after treatment. This technology for heating and cooling makes Forever Bare BBL safe, effective and comfortable for skin types I through V.
How does BBL reduce hair?
Broadband light (BBL) works by emitting light that passes through the skin and is preferentially absorbed by the hair follicle, damaging the follicle and removing the hair without damaging the surrounding tissue - a process called photo-epilation.
Unlike traditional laser hair removal devices that apply energy in a sudden burst, BBL is a more advanced technology that utilizes multiple wavelengths of light ranging from 590 to 1200 nm to make the treatment more comfortable for the patient. Thanks to BBL’s large spot size, Forever Bare BBL is one of the fastest hair reduction treatments on the market. It evenly heats hair follicles throughout the treatment area, minimizing missed spots that are common in other treatments. Like other BBL treatments, Forever Bare BBL comes with adapters for different spot sizes, so we can treat large areas quickly and small areas precisely. Another advantage of BBL is that it often requires fewer treatments than traditional laser hair removal.
How is BBL hair reduction performed?
The treatment area is shaved and a clear gel is applied to the treatment area to focus the light energy and cool the top skin layer. The BBL handpiece can then be used to deliver single pulses of light, or the High Energy Rapid Output (Hero) technology can be used to apply pulse of light as the handpiece is moved across the skin in a continuous manner. Approximately 100-200 hair follicles can be treated with each flash of light. Large areas such as the chest, back, an legs can be treated in a single session. It can also be used for small delicate areas like the face and under arms.
Patients should avoid waxing, tweezing, and bleaching the hair prior to hair removal treatments and during the course of treatment as these grooming activities can decrease the effectiveness of the treatments. Hair needs to be present in the follicle for BBL treatments to be most effective. Since waxing or plucking pulls hair out of the follicle, recently waxed or plucked areas will not be suitable for treatment.
Who is a candidate for BBL hair reduction?
BBL hair reduction can be performed on:
- Fitzpatrick skin types I-V (porcelain white through olive to dark brown)
A wide range of hair colors ranging from light brown to dark black hair
Most parts of the body can be treated, no matter how deep the hair follicles reside
Unwanted hair on sensitive areas like the lips, ears, nose, underarms, and bikini line can also be treated
Patients should avoid medications such as antibiotics that increase your skin’s sensitivity to light. Usage of skin care products such as Retin-A, Differin, Renova, Glycolic or AHAs (Alpha-hydroxy acids) can cause your skin to be more sensitive and should be discontinued a week before BBL treatments.
Is hair reduction with BBL permanent?
Hair grows in three stages: anagen, catagen, and telogen. BBL predominantly treats hairs in the anagen phase, also known as the active growth phase. Since not all hairs are in the same growth stage at the same time, multiple treatments are necessary to target hair in the treatment site. The number of treatments will depend on each patient's response and the amount of hair to be removed. Once a follicle is killed, it can no longer grow.
Because BBL and traditional laser hair removal devices targets melanin in the hair follicles, it does not treat light or white hair. This is where we can perform electrolysis to target the follicle, which treats light/white hair and is permanent.
The effects of BBL hair reduction are permanent in over 80% of patients.
Is BBL hair reduction painful?
Most patients describe BBL hair reduction as feeling like the snap of a rubber band against the skin. Topical anesthetic is typically not needed to complete treatments. Afterward BBL treatment, it may feel like a sunburn and the skin may look red and swollen for up to 48 hours. Different areas on the body are also more sensitive than others.
Watch a BBL underarm treatment
Watch a BBL back treatment
BBL Hair Reduction FAQs
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