BBL works on skin that is calm and, above all, untanned. Almost everything below exists to make your treatment safe and to keep it from being postponed on the day.
No Tan. This Is the One That Matters.
- BBL is absorbed by pigment. Tanned skin absorbs far more of the energy at the surface, and the result is a burn rather than a treatment.
- No sun exposure, no tanning beds, and no self-tanning product on the area for four weeks before your visit.
- If your skin is tanned on the day, we will postpone — at no charge and with no cancellation fee.
Four Weeks Before
- No sun exposure on the area to be treated, and no tanning beds. Wear SPF 30 or higher daily.
- No self-tanning products of any kind on the area. Tell us if you have used one, even weeks ago.
Two Weeks Before
- Stop retinoids and exfoliating or acidic products on the area — retinol, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, scrubs.
- No chemical peels, laser treatment, or other resurfacing in the area.
- If you have melasma, or your skin darkens easily after inflammation, tell us. We may recommend a different treatment or start you on a brightening preparation first.
One Week Before
- No waxing, threading, depilatory creams, or electrolysis in the area.
- If you are prone to cold sores and we will be treating near your mouth, tell us. We can prescribe an antiviral to start before your visit.
The Day of Your Treatment
- Arrive with the area clean and completely free of makeup, lotion, sunscreen, and self-tanner.
- Bring a current list of your medications and supplements, including anything that causes sensitivity to light.
- Expect to wear protective eyewear for the whole treatment. It stays on until we say otherwise.
- Plan for your spots to look darker afterward, not lighter. Do not book this within two weeks of a wedding, a photograph, or anything else that matters.
What to Have Ready at Home
- A gentle cleanser with no acids in it.
- A plain moisturizer.
- A sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher that you will actually use every day.
Tell Us Before We Begin If Any of These Apply
- You are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- You have epilepsy or any seizure disorder triggered by flashing light.
- You have a tattoo or permanent makeup in the area to be treated.
- You have had any sun exposure, a tanning bed, or self-tanner in the past four weeks.
- You take a medication that makes you sensitive to light. Tetracycline antibiotics are the common ones — doxycycline, minocycline, and tetracycline itself, often prescribed for acne or rosacea. Others include some diuretics, heart medications, and St. John’s Wort. Tell us about everything you take and never stop a prescribed medication on your own — ask the doctor who prescribed it.
- You have melasma, or your skin darkens easily after a spot, an injury, or inflammation.
- You are prone to cold sores.
- You have a history of keloid or raised scarring, vitiligo, lupus, or another autoimmune condition.
- You have any spot that is new, changing, or that concerns you, or a personal or family history of skin cancer.
- You have taken isotretinoin for acne in the past year.
- You are unwell today. If you are ill, call us and we will move your appointment. There is no charge for that.