Question:
How is laser resurfacing different from BBL? Is one better for rejuvenating aging skin?
Answer:
Laser resurfacing implies that the skin is removed via a laser. This is usually either a CO2 or erbium device. The laser is used to ablate or remove a portion of the epidermis and dermis. Resurfacing is the most effective at improvement of wrinkles and certain types of pigmentation. It is not very effective at reducing redness and requires healing time. BBL or broad band light is a type of IPL that does not ablate the skin, but rather is targeted at pigment and vasculature. It causes selective heating of these tissues causing reduction in redness and pigmentation without down-time. It also causes heating of the collagen and remodeling, but does not cause significant reduction in wrinkles.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
