Will the brown spots removed by BBL ever return?

The pigment in those brown spots does return over time. This is because the laser treatment only removes the pigment, not the cells that make the pigment. To slow the process down 1) wear sunscreen every day. 2) use a skin lightener like hydroquinone or lytera. 3) get a touch up laser treatment once a year.

Hi 2bBetter,Thanks for your question. Broad Band Light (BBL) is an effective treatment to reduce brown spots/uneven pigmentation. However, as we continue to be exposed to environmental stressors such as ultraviolet radiation from the sun, more spots will appear over time. That is why it is important to have proper habits such as avoiding sun exposure and protecting one’s skin diligently as well as having maintenance treatments of BBL to continue to benefit. Think of it as gym for your skin. Once you stop going to the gym, you will eventually lose the benefits gained from going regularly. BBL is really the best treatment for patients wanting to keep their skin healthy, even-toned, radiant and younger-looking without any downtime. All the best, Manish Khanna, MD, FRCPC.

BBL treatments remove sun spots very effectively but the spots can return over time and new spots will occur.  This is why we recommend maintenance treatments at least once a year. In addition to the removal of brown spots BBL also reduces redness by shrinking superficial vessels, reduces pores and smooths the skin. Patients who have these treatments annually see continued improvement in skin tone, texture and color.

After treatment with BBL, Halo or any laser that is aimed at treating brown spots, I always council my patients that maintenance treatments and daily SPF are the key to long term results. Daily SPF with a zinc and titanium based product is the #1 thing that will help slow the regrowth of your brown spots. Find one that you can comfortably wear 365 days of the year as well as one with a higher percentage of zinc and titanium to be used for beach/pool/sports. Second, maintenance treatments at a lower frequency is also beneficial. I recommend 2-3 treatments per year as a part of the forever young program, it will help reduce brown spots but also leads to younger, healthier looking skin over time.