Are all IPL machines the same? Is BBL the same as IPL?

Question

Im going to start ipl and id like ti find out if all machines are the same. Would i get the same results if i go though a groupon coupon to save some money?

Andrew T. Lyos, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question!  IPL is an acronym for intense pulse light as well as BBL, for broad band light.  Both of these lasers provide the same type of treatment.  I would recommend a consultation with a board certified provider that can show you before and after photos with their personal laser that will be treating you.  I would highly recommend an expert in your area to discuss your concerns with.  We use IPL with combination treatments to ensure the best results we can possibly achieve for our patients.  As far as cost, most board certified providers will be in the same price range, expertise will come with a small price, but your skin is worth the best!  I hope this information helps and best of luck to you!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

IPL (intense pulse light) and BBL (broad band light) provide the same type of treatment, just different names. I always combine IPL with microneedling/prp to improve outcomes. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

In my opinion, most IPL machines are comparable. It's desirable to use an IPL machine that has Cooling. However, when talking about Groupon, the person performing the treatment is the most important factor. It's not the machine, it's the person who's on the other end of the machine. A board-certified dermatologist ,plastic surgeon or facial plastics will provide the best treatment and will be able to handle complications.

Sudeep Roy, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question. Generally, all reputable and frequently used IPL devices work in the same manner, targeting brown and red pigments in the skin to improve skin clarity as well as producing increased collagen and elastin in the skin through heat generation. The BBL device is a little more versatile than the standard IPL device, but in the hands of an experienced provider, can result in similar improvements in skin color, quality and texture. Hope that helped! Best, Dr. Roy.

Wayne F. Larrabee, MD · Answer

Intense Pulsed Light and Broad Band Light both work on similar principles.  We have a number of machines including BBL by Sciton.  BBL has dual heads and is faster than our other IPL machine.  The main variable is the skill of the person doing the treatment.  We also like to combine BBL with other procedures such as Ulthera to tighten the skin and deeper tissues.  For us analyzing the patients skin and facial structure allows us to combine procedures to give optimal results.

Jason Pozner, MD · Answer

IPL - stands for intense pulsed light - which is the type of device. BBL is broad band light and is a type of IPL device sold by Sciton. Despite what other doctors have written on this forum - not all IPL devices are the same. There are a few high quality manufacturers who make good IPL devices (Sciton - my favorite among them). There are also a bunch of low priced junk devices out there that I would not recommend. Bottom line is you get what you pay for.

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  We have the same advice for almost any treatment.  As long as you are comparing the same technology, the manufacturer of the device isn't that important.  We recommend finding a practice where there is a physician present during business hours.  Look at the office's reviews and years in business.  Make sure they can answer your questions and will provide pre- & post-care instruction.  Since we are talking about a treatment on your FACE, we don't recommend going with the cheapest.  Groupons are usually offered by someone struggling to stay in business and will take anything.  Groupon usually keeps 50% and the provider gets the other half which probably doesn't cover their costs.  Best of luck.

Katherine Dee, MD · Answer

In answer to your first question-- all IPL machines are similar, and yes, BBL is just one company's version of IPL. If used properly, they will all be able to give similar results if operated by someone who knows what they are doing. However, it is the second part of that that is most important-- who is performing it? Even at board-certified dermatologists' offices it is NOT the Doc who is the technician doing the IPL. 
Second-- about Groupon-- I would absolutely not trust any facility that is resorting to Groupon to bring in customers. Groupon offers great discounts for its coupon users, but zero income for the businesses offering them. Do you ever notice that the restaurants offering Groupons soon go out of business? There is no way to offer a Groupon and still pay a decent salary to your technicians and nurses. They may have an IPL machine-- but who is operating it? I don't know any reputable doctor who would offer a Groupon. As with the rest of life-- you get what you pay for.

Are all IPL machines the same? Is BBL the same as IPL?

Answers (8)

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