Your First BBL Photofacial: What to Expect

At Center for SmartLipo & Plastic Surgery, we want you to achieve the best possible results from your BBL (BroadBand Light) photofacial. Proper preparation can help minimize risks and ensure your treatment is as effective as possible.

To protect your skin and avoid complications, please avoid direct sun exposure for at least 2–4 weeks before your session. Sunburned or tanned skin can increase your risk of side effects such as burns or changes in pigmentation. We also recommend discontinuing any self-tanning products for at least two weeks before your treatment at our practice.

If you are using prescription or over-the-counter medications, especially antibiotics, retinoids, or any products that increase your skin’s sensitivity to light, please inform your provider during your consultation. We may advise you to pause certain skincare products—like retinol or glycolic acid—about a week before your treatment to ensure your skin is in the best condition for your BBL photofacial.

Please arrive with clean skin—do not apply makeup, lotions, perfumes, or deodorants to the area being treated. If you have a history of cold sores, let your provider at Center for SmartLipo & Plastic Surgery know ahead of time; we may recommend starting antiviral medication to help prevent an outbreak.

At Center for SmartLipo & Plastic Surgery, we want you to achieve the best possible results from your cosmetic and skin care treatments. One key factor in ensuring safe and effective outcomes—especially for procedures involving the skin—is minimizing sun exposure before your appointment.

If you are scheduled for treatments or other advanced skin rejuvenation procedures at our practice, it’s important to avoid sun exposure for at least two to four weeks beforehand. Sun exposure can increase your skin’s sensitivity and the risk of complications like hyperpigmentation, burns, or delayed healing. Arriving with tanned or sunburned skin may require us to postpone your procedure to keep you safe and ensure optimal results.

Even if you’re receiving injectable treatments such as dermal fillers or Botox at Center for SmartLipo & Plastic Surgery, protecting your skin from the sun is still recommended to maintain your skin’s health and enhance your results.

Before your treatment, please discuss your recent sun exposure and skin care habits with our team. We’ll provide personalized recommendations based on your skin type and the specific procedure you’re considering. In general, we advise all patients preparing for skin-related treatments to use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, wear protective clothing, and avoid tanning beds and direct sun exposure in the weeks leading up to your visit.

When you visit our state-of-the-art facility, your comfort and safety are our top priorities. During your BBL photofacial, you’ll relax in a comfortable treatment room while one of our experienced medical providers thoroughly cleanses your skin to remove any makeup, oil, or debris. We provide protective eyewear to shield your eyes from the light and apply a cooling gel to maximize your comfort throughout the session.

Our skilled providers use a specialized, handheld BBL device to deliver precise pulses of BroadBand Light to your skin. As the device glides across the treatment area, you may feel a gentle warmth and a mild snapping sensation—most patients find the procedure very tolerable. The light energy penetrates the skin to target unwanted pigment, blood vessels, and sun damage, stimulating your skin’s natural healing process for a clearer, more even complexion.

A typical BBL photofacial at the Center for SmartLipo & Plastic Surgery takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated. There is minimal downtime; most patients experience mild redness, similar to a light sunburn, that usually resolves within a few hours. You can return to your normal activities right away, though we recommend diligent sun protection to ensure the best results.

BBL (BroadBand Light) photofacial session typically takes between 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of your treatment area and your individual skin concerns. For many of our patients, treating smaller areas—such as the face alone—requires less time, while adding areas like the neck, chest, or hands may extend your session.

During your appointment at our Langhorne office, your provider will begin by thoroughly cleansing your skin and may apply a cooling gel to ensure your comfort. The BBL device delivers precise pulses of light to target sun damage, redness, age spots, and other complexion concerns. While the actual light treatment is quick, we take time to prepare your skin and provide you with detailed post-treatment care instructions to maximize your results.

When you arrive at the Center for SmartLipo & Plastic Surgery for your first BBL (BroadBand Light) photofacial, you’ll be greeted by our friendly team in a welcoming and modern environment where your comfort and safety are our highest priorities. Our experienced providers specialize in advanced cosmetic treatments and will ensure you feel informed and at ease every step of the way.

Your visit will begin with a personalized consultation. One of our skilled clinicians will review your medical history, listen to your skin concerns, and explain the BBL photofacial procedure in detail. This is the perfect time to ask any questions about how BBL works, what results you can expect, and how to care for your skin after treatment.

Before starting the procedure, your provider will thoroughly cleanse your skin to remove any makeup, oils, or impurities, ensuring optimal treatment results. You’ll be given protective eyewear to shield your eyes from the BBL device’s bright flashes of light. To enhance your comfort, a cooling gel will be gently applied to the treatment area.

Next, your provider will carefully move the BBL device over the targeted skin, delivering precise pulses of light to address pigmentation, redness, sun damage, and other skin irregularities. Most patients describe the sensation as a mild snap or warmth, and the entire session typically takes just 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the area treated.

After your photofacial, it’s normal to experience slight redness or a warm sensation, similar to a mild sunburn. These side effects usually fade within a few hours. Our team will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions, such as avoiding direct sun exposure and using gentle skincare products as your skin heals. Results will develop gradually as your skin regenerates, revealing a clearer, more radiant complexion. Your provider will also discuss the recommended schedule for follow-up treatments to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

At the Center for SmartLipo & Plastic Surgery, our commitment is to provide you with a safe, comfortable, and highly effective BBL photofacial experience. We look forward to helping you reveal your healthiest, most luminous skin. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 940 Town Center Drive, Suite F-20 Langhorne, PA 19047. We serve patients from Langhorne PA, Philadelphia PA, Newtown PA, Levittown PA, Bensalem PA, Yardley PA and surrounding areas.