If the body produces too much or too little melanin, it can cause brown spots, sun spots, melasma and other skin patches that appear lighter or darker than your normal skin tone. Pigmentation can make the skin appear dull and aged however at 4D Skin Clinic, we are experts in helping residents of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Central Coast and Hunter Regions achieve and maintain healthy and luminous skin.

BBL is the world’s most powerful IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) device on the market. It sets new standards in treating skin conditions associated with aging, active life-styles, and sun damage. BBL delivers light energy to gently heat the upper layers of your skin. The heat absorbed by the targeted areas will stimulate your skin cells to regenerate. In addition, the light energy penetrates deep into the skin to boost your body’s natural ability to fight the appearance of aging. The heat absorbed by the targeted areas will stimulate your skin cells to regenerate and will remove or lighten pigmentation. The result? Skin that’s naturally beautiful and visibly younger looking, year after year.

What does the treatment involve?

BBL treatments are gentle, safe and completely non-invasive.

Your skin will be cleansed, we will put protective eyewear on you and the skin will be prepped with a clear gel.

The hand piece of the BBL unit will be placed on your skin, the nurse will explain that you will feel a hot rubber band flick sensation and a bright flash of light will be seen. The nurse will then commence the BBL treatment on the desired treatment area where the “flick and flash” will continue until the treatment is finished. Slight discomfort during the treatment is normal however no anaesthetic is required.

When the treatment is finished, your skin will feel warm to hot, the pigment can start to darken almost instantly which is a normal part of the process and you may experience some slight swelling. The nurse will apply some SPF moisturiser and offer you and ice pack for comfort after the treatment.

How long will the procedure take?

This entire process should not take longer than 30 – 60 minutes depending on the treatment areas selected.

What to expect after treatment?

After you leave the clinic your skin may feel warm for a few hours, you are able to apply ice packs as needed.

It is very important to minimise sun exposure and wear SPF daily. You can apply makeup straight away.

Over the course of 1 – 3 weeks, the pigment that has darkened will come to the surface of the skin and gently flake itself off. It is important to be gentle with your skin in this time when cleansing and to moisturise regularly. Do not pick or buff the treated skin.

Do I need a follow up?

Because pigment removal can be quite dramatic, we always recommend a follow up to check that the skin looks even and we also like to take some results photographs to show you. If any areas need a touch up, we can do this at your follow up.

What areas can be treated?

All areas of the body can be treated with BBL

What is the best time to have BBL?

You can have BBL any time of year provided you have limited sun exposure and tanning lotions 1 month prior.

How many treatments will give me an optimal result?

1 – 3 treatments are recommended within the first 6 months of having BBL treatment. The first treatment will usually be the most dramatic as a lifetime of pigmentation is targeted in the first treatment. The subsequent treatments are to enhance the level of clarity and to rejuvenate the skin.

Is there any maintenance required?

The more you reduce sun exposure the longer your results will last.

We recommend maintenance treatments every 6 – 12 months.

Do I need to limit sun exposure before and after treatment?

Prior to your treatment, it’s important to protect your skin from the sun and not use tanning beds. If your skin is sunburned, it can’t be treated. Any tanning lotions should also be eliminated from your beauty regime a month before your appointment. You should also avoid UV exposure for at least one month after treatment.

How much does BBL cost?

BBL treatment starts at $200*.

*a personalised quote will be provided to you after a consultation with our nurse