What Is The Recovery Time From Procedures and Treatments?

Most patients return to normal activities on the same day as their treatment. The area that is treated with the laser may be reddened, bruised or swollen for an hour or a few days, but camouflage cosmetics are usually able to conceal any evidence of treatment. Most treatments show little or no sign that you had anything done at all. A mild reddening for 1-3 hours is the most common after-effect. Any post-treatment discomfort can usually be relieved with extra-strength Tylenol. Your doctor may prescribe a stronger medication depending on the procedure. A topical antibiotic such as Bacitracin may also be recommended for the treatment area.

Is Laser Treatment Painful?

The sensations vary depending upon the procedure, the technology used, the wavelengths and the energy settings. Many procedures are completely painless. All are tolerable. Many people describe the laser as feeling like the snap of a rubber band on the skin. We utilize all of the most efficient and most comfortable treatment systems including the adjustable “frozen air cooling system” that maximizes patient comfort by chilling the treatment area before, during and after the procedure. A local anesthetic may be recommended for more sensitive treatment areas or for younger patients.

What Conditions can be Treated with Cosmetic Laser Therapy?

A variety of functional and cosmetic skin problems can be treated with lasers. Laser treatments can reduce the appearance of sun damage, scars, stretch marks, wrinkles, unwanted hair, fine lines, vascular lesions (birthmarks, spider veins, varicose veins and redness on the face) and uneven pigmentation. Please visit our our Procedures page for a complete list.

Do You Have Payment Plans or Different Payment Options for Cosmetic Skin Care?

Cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance unless specified as such. All fees will be discussed with patients in advance of the procedure and are payable in advance of the procedure. We accept VISA, Discover, MasterCard, American Express and Debit Cards. For cosmetic packages and procedures we offer financing options for 6-18 months and other financing options featuring low interest for up to 60 months through our credit providers Alphaeon Credit and CareCredit (with approved credit). You can be approved within a few minutes while you are at your appointment. For further information regarding our payment policies or pre-approval on credit amounts please contact our office directly at 954-765-3005. We will do our best to find you a plan that works with your budget.

Laser vs BBL Skin Treatment at Shino Bay: Which is Right for You?

March 13, 2024

As dermatology professionals, we understand the importance of making well-informed decisions about skin health.

That is why we have created this guide to help you understand Laser vs. Broadband Light (BBL) treatments.

We aim to empower you with the knowledge and understanding to make the best decisions to achieve your skin goals. Whether you are looking to address fine lines or pigmentation concerns or improve overall skin texture, let us get started.

Laser vs BBL: Definition, Applications, and Advantages

Lasers use a more focused light beam to precisely target specific skin issues.

Conversely, Broadband Light therapy (commonly BBL) uses multiple wavelengths of pulsed light for aesthetic and therapeutic purposes.

Although both BBL and lasers are effective non-invasive treatments, BBL’s broad-spectrum approach provides a wider range of treatment possibilities. In contrast, lasers offer a targeted solution for specific skin concerns.

Laser treatments target:

Acne scars
Uneven skin tone and texture
Fine lines and wrinkles
Skin laxity

BBL treats conditions such as:

Age spots
Facial spider veins
Signs of premature aging
Sun damage
Acne scars
Red spots
Vascular lesions

Laser Benefits:

Reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars
Provides smoother and more youthful-looking skin
Boosts collagen production for firmer and more youthful-looking skin
Safe and effective for a variety of skin types and tones

BBL Benefits:

Improve common signs of sun damage
Improve skin texture and tone
Reduce redness and flushing associated with rosacea
Stimulate collagen production for firmer, more youthful skin
Brighten and refresh the complexion
Non-invasive, minimal downtime
Safe and effective for various skin types and tones

Both BBL and laser treatments effectively enhance skin tone, minimize pores, diminish dark spots, reduce facial redness, and address fine lines.

Laser vs BBL: Differences

Mechanism of Action:

First off, lasers are energy-based, while BBL is light-based, but this isn’t the only aspect where they differ. Their approach to targeting skin concerns is also different. Lasers use a focused wavelength to target specific skin components precisely. In contrast, BBL uses broad-spectrum light wavelengths to generate heat by targeting melanin and hemoglobin in the skin. In addition, BBL treatments are primarily non-ablative, while lasers come in both ablative and non-ablative forms.

Results:

Laser treatments offer longer-lasting results with fewer maintenance sessions than BBL treatments, which may require multiple and/or maintenance sessions.

However, individual factors like skin type and lifestyle can influence the longevity of outcomes, emphasizing the importance of discussing expectations during consultations.

Safety Profile:

For skin type considerations, lasers offer versatility across most skin types. Specific lasers are designed for safer use on darker skin tones, while BBL suits Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV.

Regarding skin sensitivity, individuals with sensitive skin may find BBL less discomforting than certain laser treatments, although several factors can influence the experience.

When considering the risk of complications, ablative lasers pose a higher risk of complications like scarring compared to non-ablative ones, although both BBL and laser treatments are safe under professional guidance.

Get Started with Laser and BBL at Shino Bay, Fort Lauderdale

Begin your journey with BBL and laser treatments at Shino Bay Cosmetic Dermatology & Laser Institute. These treatments offer powerful solutions for a variety of skin concerns.

Each treatment approach is tailored to address specific needs, whether it is improving skin tone and texture or reducing fine lines.