Laser and light treatments have produced incredible results for a variety of skin conditions over the past several decades. When it comes to skin rejuvenation, many patients wonder if they should choose BroadBand Light Treatments (BBL) or HALO laser skin resurfacing in Naperville. Although they work in different ways, both of these treatments can benefit the skin.
At SMooth Solutions Medspa we always work to develop a treatment plan that works for your budget, lifestyle, and aesthetic needs. There are times when we would recommend BBL and there are times we’d recommend HALO laser treatments. And there are even times where we can combine the treatments to create a more effective result, depending on your particular skin concerns.
Sometimes it’s not a question of BBL vs HALO, but a matter of how we can best combine the techniques for optimal results.
Comparing BBL and HALO laser skin resurfacing:
First, BBL and HALO are 2 different technologies produced by Sciton. At SMooth Solutions Medspa we pride ourselves on only using the highest quality technology available in order to best serve our patients.
As the body ages, it produces less collagen and elastin, which are the two proteins that serve as the main building blocks of your skin. Both BBL treatments and HALO laser skin resurfacing work to stimulate your body’s natural production of these components.
BBL
BBL stands for BroadBand Light and is a type of phototherapy treatment. Sometimes people will consider BBL and laser the same type of treatment, but that’s a common misconception. BBL works in different ways and in certain situations cannot replicate the power of a laser treatment.
Related: IPL vs Laser for hair removal
How it works
BBL is a more advanced version of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment. It uses the power of light to gently heat the layers of your skin, causing cells to regenerate and actually boost your body’s natural collagen and elastin production.
The BBL HERO (High Energy Rapid Output) device is unique in that it can use multiple light filters to treat different types of skin concerns. Those filters, combined with its in-motion technique, make it one of the most versatile light treatments. It’s also a very quick treatment compared to more intense laser procedures and can be used for both corrective and ongoing skin care.
The results
Because of its advanced technology and power, BBL HERO provides more effective results than other IPL treatments.
Although there is less down time associated with BBL compared to HALO, it usually takes more treatments to see full results. Depending on your desired outcomes, we recommend 1 to 2 BBL sessions to reach optimal results. We often recommend 2 to 3 BBL maintenance sessions a year for regular skin care maintenance.
Further, BBL is a less potent treatment than HALO and can be used for regular preventative treatments. It helps support your skin’s natural processes and can enhance and prolong your skin’s natural anti-aging abilities.
HALO
In Naperville, laser skin resurfacing is a very popular treatment these days and is a great way to give your skin a fresh start. It’s important to note that HALO is not made to be used for preventative care, it’s a corrective treatment designed to fix skin issues after they have already developed.
How it works
HALO is the world’s first hybrid laser that uses two wavelengths to provide complete skin correction without the typical downtime of other lasers.
As the world’s only hybrid-fractional laser, HALO uses both ablative and nonablative lasers in its process.
Ablative lasers work to exfoliate by removing the top most layer of the skin, this is where we get the term “resurfacing” from. Non-ablative lasers are less aggressive, but work to treat other conditions. Together, this dual system is able to treat the surface and the deeper dermis layer of the skin.
The results
With its dual wavelength technology, HALO is able to provide both short and long term results for a wide array of skin issues. The laser is able to treat both surface level and deeper skin issues. Any area of the body can be treated with HALO laser skin resurfacing, as well.
Generally, most patients only require one HALO treatment. Initial results are visible within the first week and then continue to improve in the 2 to 3 weeks following treatment as your skin develops new cells and sheds the old ones
Related: 6 Benefits of HALO Laser Treatments
When would you want to use BBL instead of HALO?
You should always consider your budget, your lifestyle, and your personal aesthetic goals when choosing a treatment. A consultation with a trained provider is usually the best way to learn which treatment will ultimately be the best fit for you. Generally, BBL can be more cost effective and requires little to no recovery, which can make it a more ideal choice for some patients.
When would you want to use HALO instead of BBL?
If you’re looking for a faster treatment and more effective results, then you should visit us for HALO laser skin resurfacing in Naperville. You would have to use multiple BBL treatments to get the same impact of a single HALO treatment. Further, HALO can be used on all skin types and is tunable to achieve the desired results and depth. BBL is not as effective for those with darker skin tones.
How can HALO and BBL work together?
HALO and BBL treatments can absolutely work together to better address your dermatological issues. The two treatments can even be performed on the same day to provide enhanced results. In that instance, BBL would be completed first, followed by HALO.
For a patient whose main concern is sun damage or brown spots, pairing BBL and HALO is a good strategy. BBL on its own will help treat sun damage, and using a shallower HALO treatment alongside it can provide even better results.
After receiving your initial HALO treatment, BBL can be used throughout the year to help maintain the results.
What’s the process for getting BBL vs HALO in Naperville?
Regardless of which treatment you are getting, your treatment plan will always start with a consultation. At SMooth Solutions we know that the consultation is an imperative first step in receiving aesthetic care. That’s why we always offer our consultations at no cost and with an obligation to buy. We’re here to educate, never to sell you a treatment that you don’t need or want.
Consultation
During your consultation we’ll learn about your medical history, why you are seeking treatment, and what results you are hoping to achieve. We will also answer any questions that you have about the procedure to make sure you feel comfortable and informed through the entire process.
We know that every patient is different and we always work to develop a treatment plan that will work for your lifestyle and budget.
Treatment
Whether you are visiting us for BBL or HALO laser skin resurfacing in Naperville, we will make sure to perform the treatments using best practices. You’ll be shown to one of our comfortable treatment rooms where you’ll be able to sit back and relax while your trained provider administers the treatment.
We recommend you come to your appointment makeup free and we will also cleanse your skin prior to treatment to remove any oil or debris.
Next Steps
Patients who receive BBL can expect to return to their normal activities almost immediately. HALO laser resurfacing requires 5 to 7 days of downtime while your skin heals.
How to extend the results of your BBL or HALO treatment
When it comes to laser and light treatments, the results are often dependent on your lifestyle and how you care for your skin in between your treatments.
Avoid the sun
The majority of changes to our skin come from sun exposure. Wearing your daily SPF and avoiding excessive sun exposure are two of the most beneficial things you can do for your skin’s overall health.
Regular Skin Care
Following a regular skin care regimen is important on its own and can also help enhance or extend the results of aesthetics treatments. At SMooth Solutions we offer our own branded medical grade skin care products, as well as the ZO and Alastin lines.
Healthy lifestyle choices
The skin is the body’s largest organ, and like the other organs it can be affected by your regular routines. Making sure that you eat well, drink plenty of water, and getting enough sleep can support your skin’s health, too.
Still wondering whether to choose BBL or HALO? Book your consultation with SMooth Solutions today!
Schedule your consultation with our trained staff to learn how BBL or HALO or both can improve the health of your skin. Our consultations are always complementary and there is never an obligation to purchase. We want you to feel educated and comfortable throughout your time with us and are always happy to answer any questions you have about our products and services.
Interested in exploring our other treatment options? You can use our virtual consultation tool to self-select your areas of concern and receive personalized recommendations right to your inbox.