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Broadband Light Therapy (BBL) in Irvine, CA

Expert Surgeons
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Serving Orange County Since 2012

About Broadband Light Therapy (BBL)

Broadband Light Therapy (BBL) is a non-invasive laser treatment that uses targeted pulses of light to correct sun damage, redness, and uneven tone while stimulating new collagen. Ideal for men and women who want brighter, clearer skin without downtime, BBL can be customized for the face, neck, chest, and hands to reveal a smoother, more youthful complexion.

Procedure Quick Facts

Duration of Procedure:
30-60 minutes
Anesthesia:
None required (topical numbing available)
Recovery:
Minimal to no downtime; mild redness 24 hours
Results Duration:
Long-lasting with periodic maintenance

What is Broadband Light Therapy (BBL)?

Broadband Light Therapy, often called BBL, is an advanced form of intense pulsed light that delivers gentle bursts of energy to the outermost layers of skin. The light targets pigment, redness, and other imperfections while sparking collagen production in deeper tissues. Because energy settings, filters, and pulse widths can be adjusted in real time, BBL is extremely customizable for a wide range of skin tones and concerns. During treatment, the handheld device glides over the skin as quick flashes of light work to break up discoloration and calm visible vessels. Most patients describe the sensation as a warm snap of a rubber band. Sessions are quick, comfortable, and require little to no downtime, making BBL an ideal lunch-break procedure. Over the weeks that follow, the treated pigment flakes away, redness diminishes, and fresh collagen remodels the skin for a smoother, firmer surface. With a short series of treatments and yearly maintenance, BBL can keep skin looking luminous for years.

What Broadband Light Therapy (BBL) Can Do for You

If you want clearer, brighter, and younger-looking skin without surgery or extended downtime, BBL at South Coast Plastic Surgery may be your perfect match. Dr. Mark Song and our specialized aesthetic nurses will guide you through a personalized plan that addresses your unique complexion concerns.
  • Reverse Sun Damage and Age Spots
    BBL targets excess pigment caused by years of UV exposure, helping fade brown spots, freckles, and uneven coloration for a more even-toned, youthful appearance.
  • Calm Redness and Visible Blood Vessels
    The light energy gently closes tiny vessels, reducing facial redness, rosacea flare-ups, and broken capillaries so your natural complexion shines through.
  • Stimulate New Collagen for Firmer Skin
    By heating the deeper dermis, BBL prompts your body to produce fresh collagen, gradually improving skin texture, elasticity, and overall firmness.
  • Quick, Comfortable Sessions with No Downtime
    Most treatments take less than an hour, involve minimal discomfort, and allow you to return to work or social activities immediately afterward.
  • Customizable for Face, Neck, Chest, and Hands
    Adjustable settings let us safely treat multiple areas in the same visit, providing comprehensive rejuvenation wherever sun damage is most apparent.
  • Long-Term Skin Health Maintenance
    Regular BBL treatments have been shown to slow visible aging, keeping skin clearer and more vibrant year after year.

Broadband Light Therapy (BBL) Videos

Watch our videos to see real patients results, learn from our experts, and discover what makes South Coast Plastic Surgery a trusted choice in Orange County.

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Key Benefits of Broadband Light Therapy (BBL)

Treats brown spots, redness, and uneven tone in a single session for visibly clearer skin.
Boosts natural collagen production, gradually improving fine lines and skin firmness over time.
Requires little to no downtime, allowing patients to resume normal activities immediately after treatment.
Customizable wavelength filters make BBL safe and effective for multiple skin types and treatment areas.

Types of Broadband Light Therapy (BBL)

Forever Young BBL

This protocol focuses on reversing signs of sun damage and aging by delivering lower-fluence pulses in rapid succession. It is ideal for overall skin rejuvenation, improving tone, texture, and early fine lines with virtually no downtime.

BBL HERO (High Energy Rapid Output)

BBL HERO delivers four times the speed and three times the peak power of traditional BBL, treating large areas like the chest, arms, or legs quickly. It is perfect for patients seeking full-body correction of pigment and redness.

Forever Clear BBL

Utilizing a three-step sequence of blue, yellow, and infrared light, Forever Clear targets acne-causing bacteria, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing. This option is well-suited for teens and adults struggling with active breakouts.

Not sure which option is right for you?

Meet your Broadband Light Therapy (BBL) surgeons

Dr. Mark Song and our highly trained aesthetic nurses have extensive experience with advanced laser and light technologies. They combine technical expertise with an artistic eye to create luminous, natural-looking results while prioritizing patient comfort and safety.

Why Choose South Coast Plastic Surgery for Your Broadband Light Therapy (BBL)?

Beauty Inside-Out

We care for your inner wellness as much as your outer beauty. Every treatment is provided with warmth and exceptional care to help you feel confident and supported

Clear Expectations from the Start

Share your goals in detail before you even arrive using Adoreal's personalized assessment. Your specialist will understand exactly what you're hoping to achieve before your consultation begins, making your visit more focused and personal

Dedicated Follow-Up Support

Your care doesn't end when you leave our office. Our team provides personalized check-ins to monitor your results, answer any questions, and make sure you're completely satisfied with your outcome.

Precision & Artistry

Your treatment is performed by highly trained specialists
who understand facial anatomy at the deepest level. We combine technical precision with an artistic eye to enhance your natural beauty while keeping you looking like you

A Customized Approach to Skin Rejuvenation Procedures in Irvine & Ladera Ranch

Your skin is unique, and your treatment should be too. We adjust wavelength filters, pulse widths, and energy levels to match your complexion, concerns, and comfort level.

Before your consultation, you can complete a brief personalized assessment from home, helping us understand your specific goals, concerns, and timeline.

Comfort-Focused Environment

This personalized assessment ensures your consultation is tailored to your unique goals from the moment you walk in.

Our provider will also assess individual factors such as skin type, degree of sun damage, and vascular sensitivity, along with your personal preferences to determine the best approach for your goals.

Am I a good candidate for Broadband Light Therapy (BBL)?

BBL is suitable for most healthy adults who wish to improve pigmentation, redness, or overall skin quality without surgery. A consultation helps confirm your candidacy and ensures the treatment aligns with your skin type and goals.
Good overall health with no uncontrolled medical conditions
Desire to improve sun damage, redness, or uneven tone
No active tan or recent excessive sun exposure
Not pregnant or breastfeeding
Not taking photosensitizing medications
Realistic expectations about gradual, cumulative results
Willingness to follow sun protection and aftercare guidelines

Help us understand your unique goals & concerns.

This personalized assessment ensures your consultation is tailored specifically to you, with no obligation. Your wellness journey, our commitment.

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Your Broadband Light Therapy (BBL) Journey and Recovery

Comprehensive Consultation & Assessment

Your journey begins with a private consultation with Dr. Mark Song or a specialized aesthetic nurse. This visit is focused on understanding what changes you'd like to see and whether broadband light therapy is the right solution for your concerns.

During your consultation, your provider will:

  • Review your medical and skin history
  • Perform a digital complexion analysis
  • Discuss your aesthetic goals and expectations
  • Explain how BBL works and what areas can be treated
  • Create a customized treatment and maintenance plan

Together, you'll create a plan tailored to your skin and lifestyle, with safety and realistic outcomes as the priority.

The Broadband Light Therapy Procedure

BBL is performed in our office with no anesthesia required, though topical numbing can be applied for added comfort.

During the procedure:

  • Protective eyewear is placed over your eyes
  • Cooling gel may be applied to enhance comfort
  • The handheld BBL device delivers quick pulses of light to targeted areas
  • Settings are adjusted in real time to treat pigment and redness efficiently

After all passes are completed, a soothing serum and sunscreen are applied, and you can return to normal activities immediately.

Broadband Light Therapy Recovery Timeline

Recovery experiences vary, but most patients follow a similar general timeline.

Immediately after treatment
Skin may feel warm and appear pink, similar to a mild sunburn.

First few days

  • Brown spots darken and may feel slightly rough
  • Mild swelling around treated vessels or acne lesions
  • Makeup can be worn to camouflage redness

Weeks 1-2

  • Darkened pigment flakes away, revealing clearer skin
  • Redness and swelling continue to resolve
  • You may schedule your next session if part of a series

Weeks 3-4

  • Collagen stimulation becomes more noticeable
  • Skin looks brighter, smoother, and more even

You'll receive personalized post-treatment instructions and follow-up appointments to monitor progress and adjust your skincare regimen.

Your Broadband Light Therapy Results

Broadband light therapy results are visible within a few days, though your skin will continue to improve as pigment clears and new collagen forms.

Early results
Darker spots lift away and redness diminishes, giving skin a more even appearance.

Following weeks

  • Texture becomes smoother, pores appear smaller, and a healthy glow emerges

Final results
After completing your series (typically 3-5 sessions), you can enjoy long-lasting clarity and firmness maintained with yearly touch-ups.

With diligent sun protection and a tailored skincare regimen, BBL results can be enjoyed for years, keeping your complexion bright and youthful.

  • Days 3 - 5
  • Week 1 - 2
  • Week 2 - 3
  • Week 4 - 6

  • Month 2-3
  • Month 4-6
  • Longterm

Broadband Light Therapy Results and Safety Considerations

Understanding how light parameters, skin type, and aftercare affect broadband light therapy results can help you set realistic expectations and feel confident in your decision.

Achieving Natural-Looking Results

Because BBL stimulates your own collagen and selectively targets unwanted pigment, the improvements unfold gradually and look entirely natural. There is no artificial volume or drastic overnight change; instead, your complexion progressively becomes clearer, brighter, and firmer. Factors that influence your outcome include your starting skin condition, the number of sessions, and strict adherence to sun protection and aftercare. Our experienced providers fine-tune energy settings to balance effectiveness with safety, ensuring that each treatment builds on the last for seamless, authentic rejuvenation.

Are There Incisions?

BBL is non-invasive and does not require incisions, so scarring is not a concern.

Skin Sensitivity Instead of Scars

While you will not have scars, your skin may be temporarily sensitive or pink following treatment. Proper skincare and sun protection help ensure rapid, healthy healing.

Post-Treatment Skin Timeline

Typical skin changes after BBL include:

  • Hours 1-24
    Mild redness and warmth similar to a sunburn
  • Days 2-7
    Darkened pigment flakes away; slight dryness possible
  • Weeks 2-4
    Skin tone evens out and radiance increases

Following your provider’s post-care regimen helps protect your results and maintain healthy skin.

Understanding Risks and Safety

Medical examination room with a treatment table covered in white sheets and various medical equipment against the walls.

Understanding Risks and Safety

Broadband light therapy is generally safe when performed by experienced providers using FDA-cleared technology. Nonetheless, as with any energy-based treatment, potential side effects exist.

Potential risks may include:

  • Temporary redness or swelling
  • Mild discomfort during treatment
  • Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation
  • Blistering or crusting (rare)
  • Bruising over treated vessels
  • Infection if aftercare instructions are not followed

Your provider will review these risks with you in detail during your consultation and explain how they are minimized through careful parameter selection, skin preparation, and follow-up care.

Reducing Your Risk

Your safety is a top priority at South Coast Plastic Surgery. Steps taken to support a safe broadband light therapy experience include:

  • Comprehensive skin evaluation and medical history review
  • Test spots for patients with higher Fitzpatrick skin types
  • Treatment performed by trained laser professionals under the supervision of a board-certified physician
  • Detailed post-treatment instructions and complimentary follow-up checks

By choosing an experienced team and following aftercare guidelines closely, most patients experience smooth healing and are delighted with their broadband light therapy results.

How Much Does Broadband Light Therapy (BBL) Cost in Irvine, CA?

The cost of your procedure will vary based on a variety of factors. During your consultation, your doctor will discuss your desired outcomes in detail and provide a fully transparent breakdown of all associated costs. Our practice helps patients achieve their aesthetic goals with a variety of financing options.

Financing options available through:
Book your consultation

Trusted by Our Community

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4.8/5 stars for 334 reviews / 90% word-of-mouth referral rate / Over 15 years serving Orange County

Dr. Song performed my breast implant surgery nearly 10 yrs ago with the ideal breast implant. I've had no issues in this time. I live on the other side of the country now, but I would've loved to come back for removal, since I'm on an all natural journey. I hope to find someone who can take care of me, keep me safe, & assured during & after surgery as Dr. Song & his staff did.

N. Snoozzz

Thank you Dr. Song. I’m 10 days post opp and am so happy with my experience with my mommy makeover! I can’t tell you how comfortable Dr. Song and his staff made me feel throughout this whole process. Surgery is a bit of a scary decision and sometimes I agonized about for years but I can promise you are in the best care with this team. I highly highly recommend them and am already so happy with my results !

Frequently Asked Questions About Broadband Light Therapy (BBL)

Everything you need to know about Broadband Light Therapy (BBL), explained by South Coast Plastic Surgery's experts

About the procedure

How does broadband light therapy differ from traditional IPL?
BBL uses advanced filters, higher energy, and rapid pulse technology, allowing more precise targeting of pigment and redness with greater comfort and versatility than older IPL systems.
How many BBL sessions will I need?
Most patients benefit from 3-5 initial treatments spaced four weeks apart, followed by maintenance sessions every 6-12 months to keep skin clear and youthful.
Is broadband light therapy painful?
Patients typically feel a quick, warm snap similar to a rubber band. We can apply a topical anesthetic or use our integrated cooling system to enhance comfort.
When can I wear makeup after BBL?
You can usually apply makeup the same day or the next morning, provided your skin feels comfortable and there is no blistering.

Recovery & Results

How soon will I see results?
Many patients notice clearer skin within one to two weeks as dark spots flake away, with continued improvement over subsequent sessions.
How long do BBL results last?
With proper sun protection and periodic maintenance treatments, improvements can last for years and may even slow visible skin aging.
Is BBL safe for darker skin tones?
While BBL is safest for Fitzpatrick I-IV, we evaluate each patient individually and can perform test spots to minimize risk for higher skin types.
Can BBL cause hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is rare but possible, especially if post-treatment sun exposure occurs. Strict sunscreen use and following aftercare help prevent this.

Safety & Risks

Is broadband light therapy covered by insurance?
BBL is considered a cosmetic procedure, so it is generally not covered by insurance plans.
Do you offer package pricing?

Yes, We partner with Cherry and CareCredit to offer convenient monthly payment plans for qualified applicants.

When can I return to the gym after BBL?
Light exercise is fine the next day, but avoid overheating or heavy sweating for 24-48 hours to keep skin calm.
What skincare products should I use after treatment?
We recommend gentle cleansers, hydrating serums, and broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily. Avoid retinoids and exfoliants for several days unless otherwise directed.

Cost & Insurance

Is broadband light therapy covered by insurance?
BBL is considered a cosmetic procedure, so it is generally not covered by insurance plans.
Do you offer package pricing?
Yes, we provide discounted package rates for multi-session plans and offer financing through CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit.

Lifestyle & Long-Term Care

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