BBL — BroadBand Light — is a light-based treatment that targets a range of skin concerns without breaking the skin surface. At Elysium Medical Arts Center, we use precise wavelengths to address pigmentation, vascular issues, active acne and unwanted hair. It’s one of the most versatile treatments in aesthetic medicine and one of the few with long-term research showing it actually changes how skin ages at a cellular level.
BBL targets melanin in sun spots, age spots and freckles, and hemoglobin in visible capillaries and redness. The light energy breaks down these targets and the body clears them over the following weeks. Results are typically visible within one to two weeks after treatment.
Rosacea is driven in part by chronic vascular activity in the skin. BBL reduces the visible redness and flushing associated with rosacea by targeting the dilated vessels that cause it. Multiple treatments are often recommended for best results, with periodic maintenance to manage new vascular activity.
BBL with the appropriate filter targets acne-causing bacteria and reduces the inflammation associated with active breakouts. It’s often used in combination with other acne treatments for patients whose skin hasn’t responded to topical approaches alone.
BBL is used for permanent hair reduction on the face and body. It works best on patients with lighter skin and darker hair, where the contrast allows the light to target the hair follicle effectively. A series of treatments is required to catch follicles in their active growth phase.
The Forever Young BBL protocol is a maintenance series — typically two to three treatments per year — designed to address early pigment and vascular changes before they become visible. Stanford research has shown that patients who do regular BBL maintenance over time show measurable changes in gene expression patterns associated with younger skin. It’s one of the most compelling arguments for treating the skin proactively rather than reactively.
BBL (BroadBand Light) is Sciton’s version of intense pulsed light technology. The platform allows precise wavelength customization and consistent energy delivery, which gives the treating provider more control and patients more reliable results compared to older IPL systems.
For corrective treatments — brown spots and redness — one to three sessions is typical depending on severity. Rosacea and acne often require a series of four to six. Hair reduction requires multiple sessions to address follicles in different growth phases. The team will give you a realistic estimate at your consultation.
BBL has minimal downtime for most patients. Corrective treatments cause brown spots to darken briefly before they flake off over seven to ten days. Redness and mild swelling resolve within a day or two. Most patients can return to normal activity immediately.
Yes. BBL is commonly combined with Halo laser in the same session for a comprehensive skin rejuvenation treatment. It can also be paired with microneedling or fillers, though timing is important — the team will advise on sequencing.
Discover the Healing Power of BBL Light Therapy
Serving Edmonds, Lynnwood & Shoreline
