August 11, 2023—Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is one of the most popular energy-based treatments and most frequently performed aesthetic procedures. One pulsed-light technology is revolutionizing how we use IPL today.
Sciton’s BroadBand Light (BBL®) device.
BBL employs high-intensity, pulsed light, similar to IPL. However, BBL’s novel design innovations allow for enhanced precision and customization in treatments and offer a faster, more effective, and more comfortable alternative to IPL.
That’s not all.
BBL has been proven to help delay the appearance of aging skin
In one study, Dr. Patrick Bitter, Jr, MD, FAAD, and Dr. Jason Pozner, MD, FAAD, found ‘that patients who maintain a regular annual or biannual regimen of BBL treatments over 5 to 11 years can reduce and delay the long-term appearance of skin aging, such as photodamage, telangiectasias, and skin laxity, in a natural-looking way.’ 1
The latest advancement in BBL technology arrives: BBL® HERO™
In 2020, Sciton launched the next generation of BBL technology with HERO (High Energy Rapid Output).
Referred to by clinicians as the ‘holy grail in skin revitalization treatments,’ providers can achieve the appearance of younger-looking skin anywhere on the body, often in fewer treatments with BBL HERO.
“In my opinion, BBL HERO is the greatest advancement in IPL in the last 20 years,” says Dr. Bitter, a board-certified dermatologist known as the “Godfather of Light” and founder of Advanced Aesthetic Dermatology in Los Gatos, CA. “When my patients look at their skin post-treatment, they say, ‘AMAZING!’ They are seeing smoother, clearer, younger, and healthier-looking skin after just one treatment with BBL HERO.” 2
Read on to learn how BBL HERO’s design innovations have opened the door for new treatment protocols that are revolutionizing how we use IPL today.
But first, what skin conditions does BBL HERO address?
Hailed by NewBeauty Magazine as one of the Best Innovations in 2021, BBL HERO addresses a variety of skin conditions, including acne, rosacea, pigmented lesions, photoaging, photodamage, sunspots, vascular lesions, and the appearance of skin laxity in a comfortable, minimal downtime procedure. 3
BBL HERO is available on Sciton’s JOULE® and mJOULE™ platforms.
“BBL HERO has revolutionized BroadBand Light treatments overnight, says Dr. Sherrif Ibrahim, MD, Ph.D., a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Rochester Dermatologic Surgery in Rochester, NY. “We are seeing corrective changes in browns and reds, an unprecedented smoothing of the skin, and an improvement in texture.” 3
How Sciton’s BBL device has revolutionized IPL treatments
Optimized pulse delivery for superior results
Dr. Joel Cohen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and director of AboutSkin Dermatology and DermSurgery in metropolitan Denver, CO, recalls, “dermatologists have historically used a stamping approach with IPL that can leave tell-tale ‘patterning.’” Such a method posed risks, from burning the skin to a noticeable distinction between treated and untreated areas. 4
Sciton, with its BBL HERO, strives to significantly reduce these challenges, demonstrating its commitment to ongoing product evolution and enhancement.
Highlighting the BBL HERO handpiece’s capabilities, Dr. Cohen says, “You have complete control over settings, joules, pulse width, cooling, but also, most importantly, how quickly the system pulses as you move the handpiece.”3
Employing this technique, providers can make several passes over the treatment area, effectively enhancing the clearing of pigmented lesions, particularly the lighter-hued ones. This not only refines the appearance of fine lines and pores but also “significantly mitigates superficial burns and striping that may occur with a single-pass technique.” 1
Rapid, full-body treatments in a single session
BBL HERO has four times the speed, three times the peak power, and two times the cooling capacity of the original BBL, says Dr. Ibrahim. “These features establish it as being leaps and bounds beyond any other IPL that exists.” 3
BBL HERO’s advanced features, such as a large spot size (15x45mm), high repetition rate, magnetic spot-size adapters, and change-on-the-fly “smart filters,” allow clinicians to address a multitude of conditions on the face and body, including large areas, such as the back, arms, and legs, in as little as two to five minutes.4
In the past, the standard method of IPL treatments targeted spots of visible pigmented and vascular lesions. According to Dr. Cohen, multiple large areas can now be treated in a single session with BBL HERO.3
Expanded range of cut‐off filters that are readily interchangeable
BBL HERO’s change-on-the-fly smart filters enable the treatment of various skin conditions with a single handpiece—compared with other IPL devices that require a different handpiece for each wavelength.
Variable‐sized spot adapters for small vessels and lesions
BBL HERO uses easily interchangeable snap-on finesse adapters for small spots and hard-to-reach areas to target individual pigmented and vascular lesions without affecting the surrounding skin. This is more comfortable for patients than using a large spot size and a more aggressive setting on the entire face.
Powerful cooling & single-degree adjustability
BBL HERO’s advanced cooling maintains the desired sapphire chill plate temperature throughout treatment within one degree of variability—even at maximum output. This enhances patient comfort and enables constant in-motion treatments with consistent results.
SkinTyte® for skin types I-VI
A unique feature of the BBL system is a continuous pulsing mode of light referred to as SkinTyte.1 One effect of BBL’s SkinTyte is an improvement in the appearance of skin laxity on the face, neck, and body to a degree previously unseen with IPL. 2 SkinTyte can be used to treat all skin types, including skin types V and VI.
Stacked treatments with BBL HERO
Combined with other Sciton modalities like HALO®, MOXI™, or ProFractional™, BBL can be used on all skin types for a dramatic improvement in the appearance of scars, hyperpigmentation, large pores, and uneven skin texture.
The ScitonStax™ treatment combining BBL HERO and MOXI was awarded the 2023 Good Housekeeping Beauty Award for best ‘Rejuvenating Pro Treatment.’
The publication’s tester note reads, ‘A single treatment with MOXI got rid of melasma, evened my overall skin tone, and smoothed its texture.’ Post-evaluation, beauty lab experts praised BBL HERO and MOXI’s ability to improve skin issues with only a single treatment and no considerable downtime.
Celebrities like Kim Kardashian have also praised their results after a BBL and MOXI treatment.
‘This is my second time doing the broadband light laser with the MOXI laser at @drghavami spa @gpsaesthetics,’ Kim captioned in her IG story.
‘It removes sunspots and sun damage,’ she explained. ‘It didn’t hurt me at all. This is not a paid ad,’ prefaced the powerhouse influencer. ‘I just really love the results and want to share with you!’
When treating patients with BBL HERO and MOXI, Dr. Ibrahim starts with BBL HERO to cover the face, followed by an immediate transition to MOXI. “MOXI safely addresses deeper pigments than BBL, including melasma,” says Dr. Ibrahim. 3
When BBL HERO and MOXI are used together, the results far exceed either one alone. “One plus one equals 10 in this case,” Dr. Ibrahim says. 3
The future is bright: New advancements are on the horizon
Sciton’s BroadBand Light technology has revolutionized light-based procedures with its ability to perform faster treatments anywhere on the body with enhanced patient comfort and unmatched clinical outcomes.
New advancements in BBL are on the horizon, promising even greater benefits to patients and their skin health, including an improvement in the appearance of aging skin like never seen before.
At Sciton, we’ve been improving lives for more than 25 years with ground-breaking and innovative technology. To learn more about our suite of award-winning skin resurfacing, hair removal, and vascular systems, reach out to a local sales expert today.
References
2Sciton’s New mJOULE Platform Features BBL HERO and MOXI
3Power of Two: Sciton goes for the gold with MOXI/BBL HERO combination for skin rejuvenation
4The Dermatology Digest®: Commentary on IPL to Resurfacing: Laser and Light Innovations