Can you spot treat one dark spot with IPL/BBL?

Question

Hi, is it possible to spot treat with IPL/BBL? I have one dark spot on my cheek that I'd like to treat and do not want to do my whole face. Also, is the cost usually less for a spot treatment? The area I want to treat is a sun/age spot which I ended up picking at 15 years ago so I believe it's a combination of scar/sun spot. Thanks, -Sonny

Christopher T. Maloney Jr., MD · Answer

You can certainly spot treat with BBL to reduce brow/ age
spots.This being said, in our practice
we typically perform the BBL treatment on the entire face, neck and chest.The reason for this is simple, if you have
one brown/ age spot showing, you probably have more in the deeper layers of your
skin that have not surfaced yet.The
Forever Young BBL procedure that we perform lifts these spots and brightens the
skin.There is scientific evidence
these Forever Young BBL treatments can make your skin look and act younger.So yes, you can spot treat, but it is in my
opinion best to perform the BBL on the entire face as well as the neck and
chest.

Thomas Buonassisi, MD · Answer

Hello Scarredinto,Thank you for your question regarding spot treating. In most cases with BBL it's best to have a full face treatment as sun damage pigmentation can lift through the different layers of the skin evenly. Usually spot treatment are done after we see a change in pigmentation as the laser picks up on the melanin. These spots may fade the colour or even micro-crust. Usually with pigmentation these treatments are done in a series spaced monthly. Each clinic will have a specific approach to how they treat.Best of luck

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.You can absolutely spot treat with BBL or IPL. It is always recommended to consider treating the entire face for a smooth look, and it will also help with any additional brown spots/sun damage you may have. Prices vary by location and office, but usually only treating one spot will be less expensive verse treating the entire face. To be sure what treatment is best for you, see two or more board-certified providers in your area for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have treatment.I hope this helps.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

IPL can be used for a single spot. The prices are individually based on the clinic that you go to. Speak to a reputable surgeon or dermatologist in your area. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

James Bonaparte, MD, MSc, FRCSC · Answer

Most certainly. IPL is great for treating single areas or larger areas. Often people charge based on the area. I wrote an extensive review on IPL treatments, it may be helpfull to take a look. James P. Bonaparte, MD, MSc, FRCSCHead and Neck Surgerypracticing in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryAssistant Professor, University of OttawaOttawa, Ontario, Canada

Can you spot treat one dark spot with IPL/BBL?

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Answer: IPL for the skin

Answer: IPL for the skin

Answer: Can you spot treat with IPL?

Answer: Can you spot treat with IPL?

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Can you spot treat one dark spot with IPL/BBL?

Answers (7)

Answer: IPL for the skin

Answer: IPL for the skin

Answer: Can you spot treat with IPL?

Answer: Can you spot treat with IPL?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about BroadBand Light (BBL)

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.