IPL | BBL | BBL Hero | Photofacial in Birmingham
MULTI AWARD WINNING LUXURY AESTHETIC CLINIC
TREATABLE AREAS
Face & Body
PROCEDURE TIME
5-15 minutes
LASTS FOR
Up to 2 years
COMMON SIDE EFFECTS
Swelling, redness
PRICE
From £299
DONE BY
Advanced Skin Therapist or GMC Registered Doctor
CONCERNS
Pigmentation, redness, rosacea, broken capillaries,freckles,sun damage
BONUS
Free Complimentary Mailbox Parking
Additional privacy facility available upon request
24/7 access to Royal College of Emergency Medicine doctor for all post care emergencies
Add Ons
Halo Hybrid Fractional Ablative Laser
or
Secret RF Radiofrequency Microneedling
About:
Broad Band Light (BBL) HERO (High Energy Rapid Output) is a new generation of Intensed Pulse Light devices (IPL) ( also referred to as a Photofacial) that uses a variety of wavelength filters for selective photothermolysis of specific treatment targets based on which combination of filters are used in your individual treatment.
This means in one session, a multitude of skin concerns can be addressed simultaneously making this a truly bespoke treatment.
Common skin conditions treated include:
- Hyperpigmented lesions including sun spots and freckles
- Redness
- Bruising
- Rosacea & Broken Capillaries
The duration (milliseconds) and energy (fluence) of the light pulse are adjusted for your specific skin characteristics to achieve maximum benefit. The target is usually abnormal pigmentation or small, unsightly blood vessels. Your care will be provided by a qualified BBL operator that has been trained in laser science, use of equipment, laser safety, skin care and other necessary areas of knowledge.
Why BBL Hero and not IPL?
Some laser physicists and industry experts say BBL and IPL are essentially interchangeable terms but BBL HERO by Sciton stands for High Energy Rapid Output
…which means the power being delivered in just 1 treatment with the same settings as other standard IPL devices is much greater and because of the faster output, the procedure can be done 3x faster than other devices on the market hence it is considered the Lamborghini of photofacials!
Why does this matter? Well, if you have ever had an IPL or BBL treatment, you will know they are uncomfortable. Standard devices not only require more treatment sessions, but each session takes longer. Most people see a marked improvement with just 1 session of BBL HERO. What might take 6-8 sessions with other IPL devices such as the Stellar M22 or Lynton Lumina usually takes 1-3 sessions with the Sciton BBL HERO.
We cannot stress enough that not all IPL/BBL devices are built to the same standard. It is extremely important that you ask your practitioner what device they actually use.The best way to appreciate this is by comparing these devices to cars. All cars aim to do the same thing, they have different horse power, speed and comfort. A 10 year research study from Stanford clearly documented that aging can be altered in human skin using BBL technology to provide a functional change, rather than just a cosmetic mimic of youthful appearance. This study reveals that the appearance of younger skin may be due to the differences observed in gene expression patterns of aged skin becoming more like young skin. (See link to Stanford Study). Longitudinal studies have also shown a general improvement in skin tightening and fine lines and elasticity as a by-product of the skin treatments. It is our skin doctor’s view, Dr Zoya, that photofacials should be integrated in to a skin treatment plan where applicable due to its holistic benefits on the skin. Often 1-3 sessions are required initially then it should be maintained as a photofacial 2-3x a year to reap the greatest benefit.
Procedure at Secret Aesthetics:
All standard safety precautions and all BBL-specific guidelines will be followed to ensure the utmost in safety during your treatments. This includes the use of protective eyewear at all times while the equipment is in use.
You will begin with a consultation, facial analysis and evaluation of your medical history and personal expectations by our doctor or skin therapist. A treatment plan will be created for you in advance. Baseline photos and sometimes videos are taken to monitor changes.
On the day of the treatment, the area will be cleansed with antiseptic and the targeted areas marked out as needed. The procedure itself usually takes no more than 15 minutes but depends on number of areas being treated. Once the treatment is finished, it is then cleaned again with an antiseptic and any appropriate creams and balms are applied. It is imperative to follow the strict aftercare advice given. You may have this treatment in combination with other treatments such as HALO, Secret RF radiofrequency microneedling or laser genesis.
Results:
Results can often be seen after just 1 session but depending on the underlying issue may take up to 3 on average. If more sessions are required, this is initially done approximately 1 month apart.
Results are not immediate and can take a few weeks to appreciate.
Results should be maintained in the long-run with regular photofacials. This is best when done 2-3x a year but at a minimum once a year. A longitudinal study showed that patients who were just receiving BBL photofacials for a decade had improved quality of skin including less lines and wrinkles as well as a healthy glow. Biopsies from these patients were studied at Stanford University and demonstrated that BBL has collagen stimulating properties too and can cause skin tightening as a side effect. On a genetic and molecular level, the study showed these patients had more anti-ageing genes switched on than their test group counterparts.
Pre-care:
48hrs prior: no alcohol or ibuprofen or aspirin (if you are on blood thinning medications or steroids please let us know in advance)
You must not have tanned or had direct sun exposure in area being treated for at least 3-4 weeks before.
Stop all topical steroids, actives, acids, retinoids, AHAS, BHAS 5 days before and just use a gentle cleanser, moisturiser and SPF in the 5 days before treatment.
All reflective objects such as jewelry and watches must be removed if near the treatment area.
Arrive for treatment with clean, dry skin without any products or makeup on.
Contraindications:
Learn More
- History of abnormal response to sunlight
- Using photo-sensitizing medications
- Pregnant or breast feeding
- History of seizures or epilepsy
- Active infections
- Skin cancer in treated area or history of skin cancer especially malignant melanoma
- Isotretinoin used (Roaccutane) within previous 6-12 months
- Active tan
Caution:
It is your responsibility to ensure you disclose all medications, prescription and over the counter, herbal or recreational drugs in advance in our pre-treatment medical questionnaire.
- Photosensitizers
- Keloid or hypertrophic scars
- Poor wound healing ie) diabetes or on long-term steroids
- Medical conditions that may effect wound healing
- Medical conditions or medications that thin the blood
- Medical conditions or medications that effect the immune system
It is your responsibility to ensure you disclose all medications, prescription and over the counter, herbal or recreational drugs in advance in our pre-treatment medical questionnaire.
Aftercare:
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- Immediately post-treatment, appropriate creams/balms and/or soaks will be applied
- Wait at least 4 hours before touching the area treated, washing face or applying any other products discussed in advance with your practitioner
- Only use a gentle cleanser, gentle moisturiser and sun screen for at least 5 days post-treatment or until the skin has healed
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds and use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen to prevent further sun damage – this should be done ideally for the whole healing period but for at least the first 48 hours
- Avoid heat and exercise – hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, jacuzzis and hot showers etc. for 48hrs
- Stop skin irritants (examples below) 5 days before and after treatment
- Products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, vitamin C/ascorbic acid, astringents, etc.
- It is important that you not pick or scratch the sites whilst it is healing as this may lead to permanent scars or promote an infection.
- No alcohol, ibuprofen or aspirin or any blood thinning medication for 48hrs as this increases the risk of prolonged bruising and swelling– please ensure you disclose all medications prescription and over the counter, herbal or recreational in advance
- Any laser/lights/energy based devices/microneedling/electrolysis/surgical procedures should be discussed with the treating practitioner in advance and only booked after their advice on minimum interval
Visit our Acne Clinic in Birmingham:
Secret Aesthetics is based in Harvey Nichols in The Mailbox, Birmingham.
- Free Complimentary Mailbox Parking
- A 5-minute walk from Birmingham New Street Train Station
- Additional privacy facility available upon request
Our luxury skin clinic provides professional Acne Treatment in Birmingham, West Midlands as well as surrounding areas such as Solihull, Edgbaston, Wolverhampton, Walsall, Coventry, Dudley, Sutton Coldfield, Stourbridge, Bromsgrove, Redditch, Tamworth, Cannock and Lichfield.
