Is hypopigmentation a risk with the BBL/Halo combination treatment?

Question

I am a white 46 year old female and I am getting a lot of hypo pigmented spots on my skin most likely from sun damage. I had some moles removed with a C02 laser and it left hypo-pigmented white spots wherever the laser touched. I am afraid that if I get a the BBL/HALO combo treatment that the laser treatment might give me more hypo pigmentation, maybe even all over my face. Has this ever happened? Is this a risk?

Phillip Chang, MD · Answer

Hi spartygirl0622

Forever Young BBL™ is an innovative technology that uniquely delivers light therapy targeting the signs of aging and sun damage and effectively provides a more refreshed, rejuvenated, and youthful appearance. Forever Young BBL™ is clinically proven not only to correct sun damage but also to prevent the signs of aging skin. This non-invasive treatment delivers BroadBand Light to the epidermis and dermis, stimulating changes in skin tone, texture, elasticity, and pigmentation — with visible, long-lasting improvement after just one treatment. All with zero patient downtime. To learn more about this procedure, please visit our website.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

hyper and hypopigmentation are risks of laser treatments if not done well. I suggest you see an expert. pretreatment with peels and skincare will prevent these risks.

aI home peels like cosmelan, enlighten and aerify along with dermarolling (MTS roller with anteage MD ampules weekly, see linkt) should be started now to prevent further aging.

For facial rejuvenation,  I would suggest a combination approach of 
1) skin care with products and PRP/microneedling
2) PDT light therapy few times a month with growth factors
3) laser treatments like clear and brilliant regularly and a few times a year Fraxel/halo Viva, Co2/Erbium
4) Sculptra injections a few times a year for collagen production with fillers like juvederm/restylane/belotero/radiesse/bellafill
5) thermage/ultherapy for yearly skin tightening with or without PDO or cone based instalift threads for lifting
6) botox every 2-3 months to stop movement lines and prevent lines at rest
7) deep microneedling RF like Fractora/morpheus8 for tightening of the skin
8) Vascular laser like vbeam/excel V or BBL forever young treatment every quarter (3-4 months)

Best, Dr. Emer.

Rebecca Gelber, MD · Answer

Sorry for your past experience. Things which kill the cells that produce pigment can leave hypopigmentation. This can happen with aging, but also lasers that are very hot - they kill the pigment stem cells and they often don't recur.

CO2 is generally the worst offender and usually isn't used off the face. Halo has two laser, both of which are less hot making it safer, less likely to cause hypopigmentation, even in those most at risk like those with ethnic skin.

Jason Pozner, MD · Answer

Your risk of hypopigmentation with Halo and/or BBL is far less then with a CO2 laser. Usually patiemts with hypopigmented spots have areas of adjacent hyperpigmentation and Halo and/or BBL will smooth things out and improve the areas

Is hypopigmentation a risk with the BBL/Halo combination treatment?

Answers (4)

Answer: Halo/BBL

Answer: Halo/BBL

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Is hypopigmentation a risk with the BBL/Halo combination treatment?

Answers (4)

Answer: Halo/BBL

Answer: Halo/BBL

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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.