Your Questions - Ask the Experts

Our expert technicians are available to help you with whatever your needs are when you come in for your complimentary consultation. If you have questions, we'll answer them. To help you out, we've put together some of the most commonly asked questions we receive and answered them below.

BBL

What is BBL™ (Intense pulsed light)?
Profile's innovative BroadBand Light (BBL™) technology utilizes the power of pulsed light to deliver excellent results in photorejuvenation therapy. Your technician will use the Profile™ to treat sun and age spots, and other skin blemishes. As a result your skin's youthful appearance will be restored.

These systems are flash lamps producing a spectrum of light energy rather than laser light. BBL is much broader(shallower) therefore the treatment is often best used for shallow hairs. BBL is best suited for finer hairs because 'typically' the softer and finer the hair, the shallower the root. If BBL is used to treat coarser hairs, it may lead to stunting rather than eradicating hair follicles.  When this happens, there is often an unacceptable amount of hair re-growth, even after many treatments. The reason why BBL systems may stunt coarse hair is because the root in coarser hair is 'typically' deeper.  BBL is a shallower system therefore not the best suited.

What conditions can be treated?

• Rosace
• Solar lentigines
• Age spots
• Telangiectasia/facial veins
• Café au Lait macules/brown spots, birthmarks
• Port wine stains
• Hemangiomas/red spots
• Poikiloderma
• Burn erythema
• Hyperpigmentation

What does BBL™ do?

The light energy delivered by the BBL™ gently heats up the upper layers of your skin. The heat absorbed by the targeted areas will stimulate the skin cells. This will restore your skin to its natural beauty, making it smoother and more vibrant.

What areas can be treated?

Any area of your body can be treated. The most common ones are face, neck, hands, chest and shoulders, which typically are the most exposed to the damaging effects of the sun.

How many treatments will I need?

Depending upon lesions treated, anywhere from 2 to 5 treatments will produce the desired results.

How long will it take to recover?

This minimally invasive and gentle procedure can be performed during lunch-time with virtually no downtime.

What should I expect after the treatment?

Typically you may experience some redness that will resolve within a few hours. For some pigmented lesions you will see a darkening of the treated areas followed by fading and flaking off at a later stage. Since results vary depending on patient condition, number of treatments and area treated, your technician will provide you with all the complete information about the post treatment effects and results.

Will it be uncomfortable?

The procedure is gentle and non-invasive. There should be minimal or no discomfort. You will feel a rubber band like snap of the skin as the procedure is performed. However, this varies from patient to patient and depends on the depth of the treatment. There is no need for any topical anesthesia; however, patients may choose to use it on more sensitive areas. Your technician will recommend the best options during consultation.

Is the cooling that is used for comfort control of my skin, helpful for success of my treatments as well?

No it is not. During your laser hair removal treatments there is usually some form of cold used to make your treatments more comfortable. However if there is too much cooling being used during treatment, in can interfere with heat being used to cause photothermolysis. This will result in either unsuccessful treatments or more treatments needed for desired results. You want to ensure that when being treated, the laser machine being used has a cooling system that can be controlled. Systems that use "spray cooling" or "cold air" cannot be controlled. Both our Sciton Profile System and our BBL System both have chilling mechanism that range approx from 0C to 30C. When we perform treatments here at Urban Body, we know the EXACT temperature you are being treated with

What will happen during the procedure?

Your eyes will be protected with safety shields or glasses. You may briefly feel a rubber band snap or warm sensation as the light is absorbed by the targeted areas. Your procedure may take a few minutes to half an hour, depending on the size of the area to be treated and the type and depth of the procedure performed. Your technician will discuss all the options with you.

What aftercare do I need?

It is important to follow your technician's instructions. You will be given some skin care products and instructions on how to use them. This will minimize your risk of inflammation or redness and ensure the shortest healing time. You will be sensitive to ultraviolet light and you must avoid direct sun exposure until fully healed. Fully cover your skin or use a good sunscreen whenever you go outdoors.