BBL (intense pulsed light) aftercare

What to expect after treatment

We recommend our patients follow the post-treatment routine outlined by your nurse or therapist. The skin on different body parts takes different times to recover after treatment, with the skin on your face typically the fastest to recover and the rest of the body slower.

Flushing

Most patients will have some redness and a sensation similar to mild sunburn in the treatment area. This almost always resolves on its own within a few hours. If this bothers you, apply a cool compress to the area.

Darkening of pigmentation

You may notice darkening of your pigmented spots or tiny grey/dark brown specks. This is often a sign of successful treatment. The darkened spots fade and flake off after less than 1 week on the face and 2-3 weeks on the body.  If they bother you, makeup can be used to cover the spots.

Puffiness and swelling

A few patients may have mild puffiness under their eyes the day after treatment. That will typically clear within a day. A cool compress can help settle this.

More general swelling may occur after an intense treatment, but it sometimes happens to people with sensitive skin after routine treatments. It’s rarely a serious problem, but it can be unsightly and uncomfortable. Swelling will usually settle by itself over a few days. To assist this process:

• Apply cool compresses
• Take anti-histamine and/ or anti-inflammatory medication, e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen, Nurofen, Maxigesic
• Contact the clinic so we can provide complimentary LED phototherapy treatment

Burns

Burns are rare with BBL treatments. When compared to traditional IPL treatments, BBL’s reduced fluence combined with multiple passes results in an effective treatment with a much lower risk of burns. Burns can occasionally happen, but the outcome after healing is typically excellent.

Contact the clinic immediately if your treatment results in broken, burnt or blistered skin. Our email is monitored on weekends and after hours.

We have a treatment protocol to speed up healing and minimise the chances of adverse results. If you are unable to contact the clinic for any reason then apply the following treatment until you can:

• Initially apply cool compresses for the first few hours.
• After that, apply a paraffin ointment such as E45, Vaseline or Bepanthen.
• Aloe vera cream can also be applied to help sooth the skin.

Skin care recommendations

Cleansing

Cleanse the skin twice daily with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser ( eg Cetaphil). Use your hands and fingertips to cleanse using gentle patting motions. Do not rub, scrub or use a skin care brush in the treated area. Do not use soap or exfoliants on your skin.

Moisturiser

Apply moisturiser generously with clean hands over the treated area and reapply whenever your skin feels dry. We recommend SolarCare, a moisturiser containing vitamin B3 (also known as niacinamide) or Cicaplast B5 balm if the skin feels irritated.  Vitamin B3 has been shown in clinical trials to improve blotchiness, pigmentation and fine wrinkles associated with sun damage and skin ageing.

Avoid irritants

While the skin is healing, avoid anything that will irritate it, such as:

• Exfoliants.
• Active, sensitising products like acids or retinoids.
• Shaving.
• Very hot or cold water.
• Swimming pools and spas with multiple chemicals/chlorine.
• Vitamin E cream. It has been shown not to provide any skin healing benefit and commonly causes irritation or dermatitis if used on healing skin.

Avoid sun exposure

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is essential. It should be used daily beginning the day of treatment and used consistently. Use sunscreen with Broadband UVA and UVB protection and a SPF of at least 30. Reapply sunscreen 4-hourly during periods of sun exposure.

Do not expose your skin to direct sunlight for 14 days. The treated area is more prone to sunburn and pigmentation change.

Even low-intensity sun exposure can lead to freckles and lentigines. To maintain the best results following your treatment, we recommend wearing sunscreen every day, even in winter.

We recommend Cetaphil Sun Kids sunscreen.

Clothing and hats

If possible, ensure your treatment area is covered, e.g., with long sleeves or a high neckline. If your face was treated, wear a broad-brimmed hat while you are outside, even if you are already wearing sunscreen.

‍Work and exercise

In most cases, you can return to regular work duties immediately after treatment. Avoid strenuous exercise and sweating until after your skin has healed.