Treatment Overview
The Most Advanced Method in Laser Light Therapy
The latest technology for your skin is now available. Our BBL HEROic in San Francisco takes half the time it took for traditional BBL therapies to work, and has three times the power, so it’s perfect for those who have plateaued with their traditional BBL treatments. And with twice the cooling effect, you’ll be even more comfortable than with traditional treatments.
BBL HEROic
Targets
Sunspots, age spots, broken capillaries, rosacea, uneven skin tone, dull skin, acne, prejuvenation, collagen building.
Overview
BroadBand Light (BBL®) phototherapy helps improve common signs of sun-related skin aging, such as brown spots (sunspots/age spots), visible redness, and broken capillaries associated with conditions like rosacea. BBL delivers quick pulses of light to target unwanted pigment and visible vessels with minimal downtime.
If brown spots are the target, the pigment in the skin absorbs the light, and the treated spots often darken temporarily before they flake off over 7–14 days, revealing a more even skin tone.
If redness is the target, light is absorbed by hemoglobin in visible vessels, creating controlled heat that causes the vessels to collapse. Over the following weeks, the body gradually clears the treated vessel remnants. Multiple treatments are typically required to treat redness.
Corrective treatments are done in a series of 3-4 treatments, typically 2 – 4 weeks apart, depending on your skin condition and goals. Maintenance treatments are recommended every 3 – 6 months.
BroadBand Light therapy pairs well with:
HALO Tribrid® (Hybrid Fractional Laser): Often paired to take results to the next level by combining tone correction with resurfacing. BBL targets brown spots, redness, and overall discoloration, while HALO Tribrid improves texture, fine lines, pores, and acne scarring by stimulating collagen.
MOXI®: A gentler version of HALO Tribrid, Moxi is frequently paired with BBL for a more comprehensive photo-rejuvenation approach. BBL focuses on pigment and vascular concerns (brown spots, redness), while MOXI helps refine texture, minimize the look of pores, brighten dullness, and support collagen remodeling.
PRP Add-On: PRP can support a smoother recovery after BBL by helping calm early redness and heat, and promoting faster skin recovery.
Treatment Plan
BBL HEROic treatment for corrective results are typically performed in a series of 3-4 treatments, spaced 2-4 weeks apart to see improvements in skin pigment. Maintenance treatments are typically done every 3-6 months.
What To Expect
On the day of treatment, a topical numbing cream will be applied to the treatment area for approximately 30 minutes. The treatment itself is quick, typically taking no more than 10 minutes. Immediate aftercare includes Vitamin C, a hydrating mask, and sunscreen.
Pre-Treatment Instructions Two Weeks Prior To Treatment
- Avoid intentional tanning.
- Apply sunscreen every day prior to treatment.
Four Days Prior To Treatment
- Stop topical irritants on the treatment area: retinoids, exfoliating acids, benzoyl peroxide.
- Avoid waxing, depilatories, tweezing, bleaching, or dermaplaning on the treatment area.
Two Days Prior To Treatment
- If you have a history of herpes / cold sores around the treatment area, discuss with your injector about starting an antiviral medication two days before your appointment.
Day of Treatment
- Have a snack and hydrate an hour before your appointment.
- Tylenol can be taken the morning of the treatment to reduce discomfort.
- Arrive for treatment with clean skin – there should be no lotion, make-up, perfume on the skin.
- On the day of treatment, a topical numbing cream will be applied to the treatment area for approximately 30 minutes. The treatment itself is quick, typically taking no more than 10 minutes. Immediate aftercare includes Vitamin C, a hydrating mask, and sunscreen.
Aftercare & Recovery
- Feeling of warmth: The treated area may be warm for 1-2 hours after the treatment.
- You may notice darkening of your pigmented spots, followed by fading and flaking off at a later stage. This is part of the normal healing process—do not pick or scrub
- Redness (Erythema) is normal and expected. It can persist for up to ~72 hours, depending on intensity and skin sensitivity.
- Swelling and tightness can begin immediately; often more noticeable the first morning after treatment, especially around the eyes; may last 2-4 days.
- What to do: Cold compresses + head elevation help; oral antihistamines may also help swelling.
What to Avoid
- Avoid anything that irritates healing skin: Retin-A or any acids or exfoliants until skin is fully healed
- Do not drink alcohol for at least 48 hours.
- Do not shave, scrub, scratch, rub, or pick at your skin as it heals.
- Avoid strenuous exercise/sweating/swimming until skin has healed.
- When going outside, ensure you are wearing mineral SPF 30+ and a wide-brimmed hat for at least 2 weeks following treatment.
After Your Treatment
These pre- & post-care instructions are intended to guide you through the treatment process and get you on your way to gorgeous!
- CLEANSING
Cleanse 2x/day with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser using hands/fingertips and gentle patting motions. Do not rub/scrub or use exfoliating soap or facial brushes on the treated area. - MOISTURIZER
Apply generously with clean hands and reapply whenever skin feels dry. Do not apply products that were not instructed by your medical provider. - SUNSCREEN
Sunscreen is a MUST beginning the day of treatment; use broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, mineral SPF ≥30, and reapply during sun exposure. Wear a wide-brimmed hat / sun-protective clothing to reduce the risk of blistering, scarring, hyperpigmentation, and hypopigmentation.
Side Effects
Common side effects of BBL® HEROic treatment include transient redness, warmth, mild swelling, and temporary darkening of pigment before it lifts. Contact the office immediately if unusual broken skin or blistering occurs.
If you experience any of the above symptoms, please contact your medical provider immediately for evaluation and guidance.
If you have any questions about your treatment, please give us a call: (415) 400-5315 or email us at hello@elineasf.com.
Two Weeks Prior To Treatment
- Avoid intentional tanning.
- Apply sunscreen every day prior to treatment.
Four Days Prior To Treatment
- Stop topical irritants on the treatment area: retinoids, exfoliating acids, benzoyl peroxide.
- Avoid waxing, depilatories, tweezing, bleaching, or dermaplaning on the treatment area.
Two Days Prior To Treatment
- If you have a history of herpes / cold sores around the treatment area, discuss with your injector about starting an antiviral medication two days before your appointment.
Day of Treatment
- Have a snack and hydrate an hour before your appointment.
- Tylenol can be taken the morning of the treatment to reduce discomfort.
- Arrive for treatment with clean skin – there should be no lotion, make-up, perfume on the skin.
- On the day of treatment, a topical numbing cream will be applied to the treatment area for approximately 30 minutes. The treatment itself is quick, typically taking no more than 10 minutes. Immediate aftercare includes Vitamin C, a hydrating mask, and sunscreen.
Aftercare & Recovery
- Feeling of warmth: The treated area may be warm for 1-2 hours after the treatment.
- You may notice darkening of your pigmented spots, followed by fading and flaking off at a later stage. This is part of the normal healing process—do not pick or scrub
- Redness (Erythema) is normal and expected. It can persist for up to ~72 hours, depending on intensity and skin sensitivity.
- Swelling and tightness can begin immediately; often more noticeable the first morning after treatment, especially around the eyes; may last 2-4 days.
- What to do: Cold compresses + head elevation help; oral antihistamines may also help swelling.
What to Avoid
- Avoid anything that irritates healing skin: Retin-A or any acids or exfoliants until skin is fully healed
- Do not drink alcohol for at least 48 hours.
- Do not shave, scrub, scratch, rub, or pick at your skin as it heals.
- Avoid strenuous exercise/sweating/swimming until skin has healed.
- When going outside, ensure you are wearing mineral SPF 30+ and a wide-brimmed hat for at least 2 weeks following treatment.
After Your Treatment
These pre- & post-care instructions are intended to guide you through the treatment process and get you on your way to gorgeous!
- CLEANSING
Cleanse 2x/day with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser using hands/fingertips and gentle patting motions. Do not rub/scrub or use exfoliating soap or facial brushes on the treated area. - MOISTURIZER
Apply generously with clean hands and reapply whenever skin feels dry. Do not apply products that were not instructed by your medical provider. - SUNSCREEN
Sunscreen is a MUST beginning the day of treatment; use broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, mineral SPF ≥30, and reapply during sun exposure. Wear a wide-brimmed hat / sun-protective clothing to reduce the risk of blistering, scarring, hyperpigmentation, and hypopigmentation.
Side Effects
Common side effects of BBL® HEROic treatment include transient redness, warmth, mild swelling, and temporary darkening of pigment before it lifts. Contact the office immediately if unusual broken skin or blistering occurs.
If you experience any of the above symptoms, please contact your medical provider immediately for evaluation and guidance.
If you have any questions about your treatment, please give us a call: (415) 400-5315 or email us at hello@elineasf.com.
Our patients say it all
"I am hooked. My skin was glowing, so smooth and continues to glow post-treatment."
"I am somewhat of a beauty junkie, truth be told."
"Just had the pleasure of receiving a Hydrafacial treatment from Monica. "
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FAQs
You could expect some swelling, redness, or scabbing. Some pigment and freckles may become darker before flaking and falling off.
Most patients see results in as little as one to two weeks.
The average treatment with the BBL HEROic is three treatments spaced 3-12 weeks apart.
Some patients say that the experience feels similar to a rubber band snapping on the skin, but the advanced cooling features of the HEROic technology help so you experience little to no discomfort.
