Can BBL Sciton: 560 filter application be used to remove freckles? My understanding was 515 for pigment.

Question

Can 560 filter be used effectively to remove freckles? I went on consultation today and asked which filter they plan to use to remove freckles. I was told 560. My understanding is 515 is for pigment. Please advise.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

A combination approach will give the most improvement with freckles. I recommend lasers (IPL combined with Fraxel), microneedling with PRP, Cosmelan and TCA peels. The number of sessions needed will vary. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

Burke Robinson, MD, FACS · Answer

Both wavelengths may be used.

The 560 filter with BBL does treat redness in the skin.  However, it is also able treat deeper pigment.

The 515 is used specifically for pigment.

I usually start with a pass of BBL 560 filter at a lower energy and the make a second pass of BBL with the 515 filter.  Finally, using the 515 filter and 8mm adapter, I spot treat prominent individual spots.

Devika Icecreamwala, MD · Answer

Both filters can be used to remove pigment. The drive factor behind which one you will use will depend on the color of skin being treated. Skin types I-III can tolerated either 515 and 560 when treating pigmentation. 515 will be a little more aggressive and is used for stubborn pigment. With skin types IV-V you will want to take a more conservative approach and use 560 to minimize the possibility of burns or PIH.

Michael Contreras, MD · Answer

I have found BBL to be a very effective device for removing freckles.  The choice of filter is determined by the patient skin type, the darkness of the freckles, and whether there is also prominent redness.  If you are darker Fitzpatrick skin type (3 to 4 or higher), or if your freckles are on the darker side, or if you have prominent vessels/redness in addition to your freckles then 560nm filter would be appropriate, at least for the initial treatment.  After getting some improvement, the stubborn, lighter freckles could then in some cases be targeted individually with a 515nm filter.

Katherine Dee, MD · Answer

What filter to use will depend on a few factors, but primarily skin color and sun damage. BBL has great software embedded that allows the user to enter information about the patient's skin and it will guide the protocol with filters and attachments that narrow the footprint of the applicator. The user has the ability to adjust the settings depending on the skin response. Any smart person who has been trained how to use the BBL will be able to select the proper filter.

Mark Taylor, MD · Answer

If you doctor has a lot of experience doing these treatments, follow his/her advice.  The goal of IPL is to target the freckles without removing any of your normal skin pigment.   515nm is excellent if your normal skin is light in color and you do not tan easily.  If you have tendency to tan, then 560nm is safer for your skin type.

Can BBL Sciton: 560 filter application be used to remove freckles? My understanding was 515 for pigment.

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