BBL Pre & Post Care Instructions

At The Natural Beauty Med Spa, we want to help you achieve the best possible results from your BBL (BroadBand Light) therapy. Following proper pre- and post-care instructions will optimize your treatment outcome and minimize any side effects. Read on for detailed guidelines to ensure a smooth recovery and glowing results.

What is BBL Therapy?

BBL, or BroadBand Light therapy, is a revolutionary treatment that uses light energy to treat a variety of skin concerns, including pigmentation, sun damage, acne scars, fine lines, and redness. By delivering light energy deep into the skin, BBL stimulates collagen production and improves skin tone, texture, and elasticity. The procedure is non-invasive, offering long-lasting results with minimal downtime.

Pre-Treatment Instructions for BBL

To ensure your skin is well-prepared for your BBL treatment, please follow these pre-care instructions:

• Avoid chemical exfoliants: Refrain from using any products containing glycolic acid, salicylic acid, retinols, or retinoids for several days before your treatment. These ingredients can increase skin sensitivity.

• No tanning: Avoid active tanning or the use of artificial tanners (such as spray tans) on the treatment area for 2-4 weeks prior to your session. Tanned or sunburned skin cannot be treated, and there is a higher risk of adverse reactions.

• Avoid blood-thinning medications: Refrain from taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or other blood thinners at least 48 hours before your treatment. Alcohol should also be avoided as it can increase the risk of bruising.

• Minimize swelling: Slight swelling may occur due to your body’s histamine response. You can take an antihistamine like Claritin or Zyrtec an hour before your treatment to reduce potential swelling.

• Cold sore history: If you have a history of cold sores, please inform us beforehand. We can provide prophylactic treatment to prevent an outbreak, which can be triggered by light treatments.

Post-Treatment Instructions for BBL

After your BBL therapy, proper aftercare is essential to help your skin heal and achieve the best results. Follow these post-treatment care tips for a smooth recovery.

Immediately After Treatment

• Expect redness: Your skin may feel warm, similar to a mild sunburn, for 1-2 hours after the procedure. Mild to moderate redness is normal, as is the darkening of pigmentation.

• Use ice packs: You can apply an ice pack on and off for a few minutes at a time to reduce any swelling, but avoid prolonged exposure to ice to prevent damage.

• Protect your skin from the sun: Avoid direct sun exposure and keep your skin protected with a hat and sunscreen. We will apply SPF before you leave, but we highly recommend wearing a hat during the drive home.

• Stay indoors: Try to stay indoors as much as possible and avoid sun exposure to prevent pigmentation issues.

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to support your skin's healing process.

The Night of Treatment

To reduce swelling and promote healing, follow these guidelines for the night of your treatment:

• Take an antihistamine: We recommend taking Benadryl, Claritin, or Zyrtec before bed to reduce potential swelling that may occur overnight.

• Gentle cleansing: Wash your face with Revision Gentle Foaming Cleanser and lukewarm water. Be gentle—do not scrub the treated areas.

• Moisturize: Apply Revision DEJ Face Cream or a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.

The Morning After Treatment

Your skin will still be in recovery the day after your BBL session. Follow these instructions for the best outcome:

• Continue gentle cleansing: Wash your face with Gentle Foaming Cleanser and lukewarm water. Do not scrub the treated areas.

• Apply SPF: Apply a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 to the treated areas every two hours. Not wearing sunscreen during this healing period may result in hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, or scarring.

For the Next 72 Hours

During the first 72 hours after your BBL treatment, follow these guidelines to ensure optimal healing:

• Avoid strenuous activity: Refrain from exercise or any activity that induces sweating, as this can irritate your skin.

• No hot showers or saunas: Avoid exposing your skin to excess heat, including hot showers and saunas, which can exacerbate redness or swelling.

For the Next Week

In the week following your BBL treatment, it’s important to be gentle with your skin and avoid anything that could interfere with the healing process:

• Be gentle to the treated areas: Do not scratch, pick, or scrub at your skin. Allow any darkened pigmentation to naturally flake off.

• Avoid exfoliants: Refrain from using chemical or physical exfoliators, as these can irritate the skin.

• No active skincare ingredients: Avoid using products with Vitamin C, retinoids, or other active ingredients that may irritate your skin while it's healing.

• Limit sun exposure: Continue to avoid prolonged sun exposure, and reapply SPF every two hours if you need to be outside.

Maximize Your Results with Consistent Aftercare

Following your BBL treatment, your skin will gradually improve over the next few weeks as collagen production increases and pigmentation fades. Here's how to maintain and maximize your results:

Long-Term Care Tips

• Use sunscreen daily: Always wear broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin from UV damage. Sun exposure can diminish your results and increase the risk of pigmentation issues.

• Stay hydrated: Hydrated skin heals faster and looks healthier. Drink plenty of water and use hydrating skincare products.

• Follow a gentle skincare routine: Continue to use gentle cleansers and moisturizers during the healing process. Avoid harsh ingredients that could interfere with recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About BBL Aftercare

1. Is redness normal after BBL treatment?

Yes, mild to moderate redness is normal and can last for 1-3 hours after the procedure. Your skin may also feel warm, similar to a mild sunburn.

2. Can I wear makeup after BBL treatment?

We recommend avoiding makeup for at least 24 hours after treatment to allow your skin to heal properly. After 24 hours, you can resume using non-comedogenic, mineral-based makeup.

3. When can I exercise after BBL?

Avoid strenuous exercise, including activities that cause sweating, for 72 hours after your BBL session to prevent irritation and prolong the healing process.

4. What if I experience swelling after BBL?

Swelling is a normal reaction due to your body’s histamine response. You can take an antihistamine like Benadryl, Claritin, or Zyrtec to help minimize swelling and discomfort.

5. When will I see results from my BBL treatment?

Initial results, including the fading of pigmentation and improved skin texture, may become visible within 1-2 weeks. Full results will continue to develop as collagen production increases over the next several months.

Why Choose The Natural Beauty Med Spa for BBL Treatments?

At The Natural Beauty Med Spa, our skilled team is dedicated to providing customized BBL treatments that target your unique skin concerns. We use the latest technology to deliver safe and effective results, helping you achieve clearer, more radiant skin with minimal downtime. Our expert staff will guide you through every step of the process, from pre-treatment consultation to post-treatment care, ensuring your comfort and satisfaction.

Contact Us to Schedule Your BBL Appointment

Ready to reveal brighter, more youthful skin? Schedule your BBL consultation at The Natural Beauty Med Spa today. Call us at 631-377-5925 or book your appointment online.