How long on average does BroadBand Light (BBL) last?

Question

Hi I am 40 and purchased a package of 4 BBL treatments but was told the results aren't permanent and I'd need a touch up once or twice a year. Im curious though, I have a lot of dark spots from sun exposure and would like to have them removed. Would they just reappear after getting this done after I go to the beach for the first time? I don't want to just throw my money away if the spots just come back with a few minutes of sun exposure (even with sunscreen). Thanks.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

BBL is only removing the over-pigmentation from the skin... it is not "fixing" the sun damaged cells that are causing the pigment overproduction.  Therefore...BBL cannot give "permanent" results.  Ways to make your results last longer are definitely available, but rest fully in your hands.  First off...pre-treatment of the skin with Hydroquinone, Lytera, or other pigment suppressors is very beneficial.  Post-treatment skin care with similar or the same as your pretreatment is very beneficial.  Adding retinol, Vit C, and growth factors will also help keep your skin in top condition.  Sunscreen DAILY and reapplying often when outdoors will help those cells not over produce pigment causing spots.  And finally sun avoidance, hats, umbrellas, etc. to avoid direct sun exposure to areas.  I refer to all of the previous stated methods as "insurance" after you have invested time and money into a BBL procedure/

Rebecca Gelber, MD · Answer

Great question! Actually, the effects of BBL and other laser resurfacing like Halo or Moxie is permanent - it's why it's a better value than something like Botox that wears off for many patients. If you remove a specific brown spot, the pigment in the skin in that spot comes to the surface and falls off - it is no longer in your skin. BBL is also about a lot more than just brown spots - it slows aging.

However, every one of us is accumulating both new sun damage, but more importantly aging every single day, so maintaining your results and addressing new damage is best done with 2 treatments a year after your first series. Think of it as exactly like exercising to stay in shape. You get started and get in shape, but if you don't continue to do some exercise or physical activity, with time and aging, you will get back out of shape again.

How long on average does BroadBand Light (BBL) last?

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