What is the difference between BBL and laser for the face?

BBL and laser are both light-based treatments used in facial rejuvenation, treating pigmentation, unwanted blood vessels and rosacea. In practical terms, BBL is a good general treatment for a large area of skin, allowing therapy of multiple skin concerns in one session. Laser tends to be more intense and is used for individual lesions of concern or some conditions unresponsive to BBL.

BBL (broad band light) and laser are both high energy light-based treatments that are used to improve the appearance of the skin on the face and other parts of the body. However, there are some key differences between the two treatments:

• Facial BBL treatment is a type of light therapy that uses a broad spectrum of light to target a range of skin concerns, including hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and uneven skin tone. BBL technology uses different filters to customise the wavelength of light that is delivered to the skin, allowing for targeted treatment of specific skin concerns. BBL treatment can also stimulate collagen production, which can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. BBL is useful for treating large areas of skin, such as the entire face or chest. BBL treatment may not be suitable for people with darker skin types.
• Laser treatment, on the other hand, uses a focused beam of light of a single wavelength to target specific skin concerns, such as age spots, blood vessels, scars and wrinkles. The light energy is absorbed by pigment particles, causing them to either heat up or shatter, which triggers the body’s natural healing process. The immune system clears treated pigment, leaving clearer-looking skin. Laser treatment can be more precise than BBL treatment, as the focused beam of light can be targeted to specific areas of the skin. Another benefit is fractional laser treatment, which treats pinpoint-sized areas of skin leaving normal skin between. This type of treatment is useful for deeper treatments such as melasma, solar keratoses, pigmentation and vessels that have not been successfully treated with BBL.

While both BBL and laser treatments can improve the appearance of the skin on the face, in particular for lightening dark patches on the skin, the best treatment option will depend on the individual’s specific skin concerns and goals. An experienced primary care skin doctor or dermatologist can determine the diagnosis of pigmentation of concern (i.e. sun spots vs. skin cancer). This will determine which treatment option is best suited to an individual’s needs.

Both BBL and laser treatments may require multiple sessions to achieve the desired results and may have some associated side effects, such as redness, swelling, or mild discomfort.