Skip to main content

What Is IPL?

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)—often called a photofacial—is a light-based treatment that improves pigmentation, redness, and overall skin tone.

Unlike lasers that use a single wavelength, IPL delivers broad-spectrum light, allowing it to treat multiple skin concerns at once for a clearer, more even complexion.

How IPL Works

IPL targets two key components in the skin:

  • Melanin → reduces brown spots and sun damage
  • Hemoglobin → reduces redness and visible vessels

The light energy:

  • Breaks down unwanted pigment
  • Reduces redness and inflammation
  • Stimulates mild collagen production

Over time, this results in brighter, clearer, more even skin.

What Can IPL Treat?

  • Sun damage and age spots
  • Freckles
  • Uneven skin tone
  • Rosacea and redness
  • Broken capillaries
  • Post-inflammatory redness

It’s one of the best treatments for patients with combined pigment + redness concerns.

Treatment Experience

  • Quick treatment (20–30 minutes)
  • Sensation: warm flashes or light snapping
  • Cooling gel used for comfort

After treatment:

  • Mild redness (similar to a sunburn) for 24–48 hours
  • Brown spots temporarily darken before flaking off
  • Minimal downtime

Results & Timeline

  • Within 1 week: pigment darkens and begins to shed
  • 2–3 weeks: clearer, brighter skin
  • Series of treatments: optimal results (typically 3–5 sessions)

Patients notice:

  • More even skin tone
  • Reduction in redness
  • Overall “glow” and clarity

What Is BBL®?

BBL® (BroadBand Light) is an advanced form of light-based therapy—often considered a next-generation IPL—designed to improve pigmentation, redness, and overall skin quality.

It delivers precise pulses of light energy to target sun damage and vascular changes while stimulating healthier, more youthful-looking skin.

How BBL Works

BBL uses controlled light energy to target:

  • Melanin → reduces brown spots and sun damage
  • Hemoglobin → reduces redness and visible vessels

At the same time, it gently heats the skin to:

  • Stimulate collagen production
  • Improve skin tone and texture
  • Support long-term skin rejuvenation

What Can BBL Treat?

  • Sun damage and age spots
  • Freckles
  • Redness and rosacea
  • Broken capillaries
  • Uneven skin tone
  • Early signs of aging

It’s ideal for patients wanting clearer, brighter, more even skin.

What Makes BBL Different from IPL?

While both treat pigment and redness, BBL is more refined and customizable.

BBL advantages:

  • More precise energy control
  • Better customization for different skin concerns
  • Often more consistent, predictable results
  • Advanced protocols like “Forever Young BBL” focused on long-term skin health

Treatment Experience

  • Quick sessions (20–30 minutes)
  • Sensation: warm pulses or light snapping
  • Cooling technology improves comfort

After treatment:

  • Mild redness (24–48 hours)
  • Pigmented spots darken, then flake off
  • Minimal downtime

Results & Timeline

  • Within days: brighter, fresher skin
  • 1–2 weeks: pigment clears, tone evens out
  • With a series: significant improvement in clarity and skin quality

Maintenance treatments help sustain results over time.

Look at the difference before and after procedures

before
procedures

after
procedures

Related Services

Not Sure Which Treatment Is Right for You?

Schedule a private 1-on-1 consultation in Beverly Hills with Dr. Mariana Vergara. We’ll assess your goals and recommend the most effective aesthetic treatments for you.

REQUEST A CONSULTATION
Request a Consultation

Take the next step & schedule a
visit today

    Our team will reach out to schedule your personalized consultation and answer any questions you may have.