BBL Pre + Post Care
TREATMENT TIME: 30-90 Minutes
ANESTHETIC: None
RECOVERY TIME: Varies by individual. Please refer to the post-care instructions for detailed information.
NOTICEABLE RESULTS: Depends on treatment
NUMBER OF TREATMENTS NEEDED: Series of 3 spaced 4-6 weeks apart, with ongoing maintenance.
Pre Care Instructions
To ensure a safe and effective treatment, please follow these instructions carefully:
- Avoid direct sun exposure (including tanning beds) for at least 2–4 weeks prior to treatment.
- Discontinue self-tanners at least 2–4 weeks prior. Skin must be completely free of any self-tanning products.
- You cannot be treated if you are currently taking tanning supplements.
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily.
- Discontinue active skincare products such as retinol, tretinoin, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and hydroquinone at least 5–7 days before treatment to minimize sensitivity.
- Stop photosensitizing medications 7–10 days prior to treatment. These include, but are not limited to:
- Antibiotics (doxycycline, minocycline, ciprofloxacin, Bactrim)
- NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)
- Certain diuretics (such as hydrochlorothiazide)
- Antifungals (griseofulvin)
- Retinoids (Accutane/isotretinoin – must be stopped for 6 months)
- Some antidepressants (such as tricyclics)
- Consult your prescribing provider before stopping any medication.
- Avoid other resurfacing treatments (chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or lasers) for 2 weeks before your BBL session.
- Arrive with clean skin — no makeup, lotions, perfumes, or sunscreen on the treatment area.
Important Note About Skincare Products: All skincare products — including those labeled as natural, organic, or containing essential oils — must be reviewed and approved by your provider no later than 2 weeks before your treatment. Many of these products can contain hidden ingredients that increase photosensitivity and raise the risk of complications during laser treatment.
Required Pre-Treatment Skincare
(Start 2 Weeks Prior) Starting two weeks before your appointment, we require the following pre-treatment skincare to be used consistently. Please note: If you arrive for your treatment without properly preconditioning your skin, we will not be able to proceed with your laser treatment.
- Alastin Nectar – Essential for all BBL and MOXI treatments to support skin healing and improve outcomes. (Apply AM & PM)
- Mystro Active Balance Serum – Highly recommended for redness-prone or reactive skin. (Apply AM & PM)
- Even Tone Correcting Serum – Recommended if you would like to further target pigmentation concerns such as sun damage and discoloration. (Apply AM & PM)
- Even Tone Intensive Correcting Serum – Recommended if you would like to further target more stubborn pigmentation concerns such as sun damage and discoloration. (Apply in the evening or AM & PM) !! DISCONTINUE 3 days prior to treatment !!
Some products may not be required if approved by your provider. Your provider will determine which products are necessary based on your skin type and treatment goals. If you have not been informed of which products to begin, please contact your provider no later than 2 weeks before your treatment to avoid delays or rescheduling.
Additional Precautions
- If you have a history of melasma, inform your provider so your treatment plan can be adjusted accordingly.
- If you are prone to cold sores, your provider may prescribe a preventative antiviral medication.
Post Care Instructions
Proper aftercare is essential to ensure optimal healing, minimize complications, and achieve the best possible results. Please follow these instructions carefully:
Following your Forever Young BBL treatment, you may experience normal skin responses as your skin heals and renews itself. Recovery can vary depending on your age, tissue health, and the specific concerns being treated.
Common Healing Responses Include:
- Redness: Mild to moderate redness is normal and typically fades within 2 to 3 days.
- Swelling: Mild to significant swelling may occur, often peaking around day 2–3 and beginning to improve by day 4.
- Darkening of Pigmentation: Treated pigment may temporarily darken, resembling coffee grounds or freckles, and will gradually fade and shed over 2 to 4 weeks.
- Purpura (Bruising): Small red or purple spots, similar to a bruise or “hickey,” may appear, especially when treating vascular areas. This typically start to resolve within 5–10 days.
- Sensitivity: The skin may feel warm, tight, or slightly tender for the first 24–48 hours.
These are expected parts of the healing process. Avoid picking, scrubbing, or exfoliating the treated areas. Protect your skin from sun exposure and follow all post-care instructions closely to support optimal healing and maximize your results.
Important: Failure to properly protect your skin from the sun after BBL treatment can result in unwanted side effects, including hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) or hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin).
If you experience purpura (bruising) and do not avoid sun exposure, there is an increased risk of hemosiderin staining — a brownish discoloration caused by iron deposits in the skin — which can be extremely difficult or sometimes impossible to treat.
Post-Treatment
- Apply cool (not frozen) compresses to the treated area as needed. Keeping the skin cool is very important to help calm inflammation, minimize swelling, and support optimal recovery.
- Strictly avoid direct sun exposure for at least 2 weeks after treatment.
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50 or higher) daily, and reapply every 2 hours while outdoors.
- Brown spots and pigmentation may darken and feel rough before naturally shedding over 7–14 days. Do not pick, scratch, or exfoliate the treated areas.
- Use a gentle cleanser and a non-irritating moisturizer (approved by provider) for the first several days following treatment.
- Avoid active skincare ingredients such as retinoids, glycolic/salicylic acids, hydroquinone, and exfoliants for at least 7–10 days.
- Avoid heat and sweating — including hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, or strenuous exercise — for 24–48 hours post-treatment.
- Keep your skin well-hydrated with a gentle, non-irritating moisturizer. Drink plenty of water to support your skin’s healing from within.
- Avoid applying makeup for at least 24 hours after treatment, or longer if the skin remains irritated or sensitive.
- Wait at least 7–10 days before resuming hydroquinone or other pigmentation-targeting treatments, as directed by your provider.
- Avoid photosensitizing medications for 7–10 days post-treatment. Consult with your prescribing doctor to determine when it is safe to resume these medications.
- A series of treatments may be recommended to achieve and maintain optimal results. Your provider will customize your plan based on your skin’s needs and goals.
Post-Treatment Skincare:
(Continue for 2 weeks after your treatment)
- Alastin Nectar – Essential for all BBL and MOXI treatments to support skin healing and improve outcomes. (Apply AM & PM for 2 weeks)
- Mystro Active Balance Serum – Highly recommended for redness-prone or reactive skin. (Apply AM & PM)
- Even Tone Correcting Serum – Recommended if you would like to further target pigmentation concerns such as sun damage and discoloration. (Apply AM & PM)
- Even Tone Intensive Correcting Serum – Recommended if you would like to further target more stubborn pigmentation concerns such as sun damage and discoloration. (Apply in the evening or AM & PM)
When to Contact Us
Please contact our office immediately if you experience:
- Excessive redness or swelling beyond normal expectations
- Blistering, crusting, or oozing
- Signs of infection (pus, increasing pain, or unusual discomfort)
- Any other concerning or unexpected reactions
