BBL and IPL photofacials

A photofacial question begins with a name, and the earliest sign of confusion is asking whether BBL and IPL are the same. DermNet draws the first line: "IPL systems are different to lasers in that they deliver many wavelengths (or colours) in each pulse of light instead of just one wavelength." It also states: "IPL treatments are relatively painless compared to other facial rejuvenation techniques."

BBL or IPL, one name or two

• The name: Is BBL the same as IPL?

What each name gets asked to treat

• A single spot: Can IPL remove brown spots?
• A flush of color: Will BBL treat redness and sun spots?
• A broader patch: Is a photofacial good for melasma?
• The wider list: Photofacial rejuvenation helps which skin problems?
• Your own skin: Photofacials work on which skin tones?

After the name is settled

• The days after: What should I avoid after a photofacial?
• The plan: How many photofacial sessions will I need?
• The long run: Photofacial maintenance happens how often?

Where to read next

Penn Medicine Cosmetic Services describes the treatment on its photofacial page. DermNet covers a related light-based treatment in its pulsed dye laser page, and NCBI PubMed Central (NIH) hosts a paper on the unconventional use of intense pulsed light. For a different skin procedure explained step by step, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons lists the dermabrasion procedure steps.

A sign that changes after a treatment, or one that does not match what you were told, is the point to return to a licensed professional.