BBL® Hero™ vs. Traditional IPL: What’s the Difference and Which is Better for Your Skin?
If you’re exploring skin rejuvenation treatments in West Des Moines or Ankeny, IA, you’ve likely come across BBL® HERO™ and traditional IPL. Both target sun damage, uneven skin tone, fine lines, and redness — but they’re far from interchangeable.
Understanding how BBL HERO treatment differs from conventional Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy can help you make a confident choice for your skin. Prepared by the aesthetic experts at Coachlight spas, the following guide breaks down key differences in technology, results, downtime, and ideal candidates.
What Is BBL HERO?
BBL HERO stands for Broadband Light High Energy Rapid Output — the most advanced form of BBL laser treatment available today. Developed by Sciton, it uses high-intensity pulses of light to treat multiple layers of skin in one pass, at 4x the speed of traditional IPL.
Key Features of BBL HERO:
- Faster treatments with larger coverage areas
- More energy delivered per pulse for deeper penetration
- Minimal discomfort and downtime
- Can treat face, neck, chest, arms, and body
- Built-in cooling for enhanced comfort
For those who want the best in broadband light skin therapy, HERO delivers both speed and power. See real results in our BBL® & BBL® HERO™ Before & After Gallery.
What Is Traditional IPL?
Traditional Intense Pulsed Light therapy uses broad-spectrum light to target pigmented cells and vascular lesions. It’s been a go-to for skin rejuvenation for years, helping improve:
- Age spots
- Redness
- Broken capillaries
- Mild sun damage
While effective, traditional IPL requires multiple sessions and is typically limited to the face and neck
BBL HERO vs Traditional IPL: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | BBL HERO | Traditional IPL |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | High-speed BBL with advanced cooling | Standard IPL broad-spectrum light |
| Treatment Speed | Fast — full face in under 5 minutes | Slower, more passes required |
| Comfort Level | More comfortable with advanced cooling | Can feel warm or slightly uncomfortable |
| Downtime | Little to none | Mild redness, occasional flaking |
| Areas Treated | Face, neck, chest, arms, back, legs | Primarily face and neck |
| Ideal For | Full-body rejuvenation, deeper correction | Mild pigment and redness concerns |
BBL HERO also pairs seamlessly with treatments like the MOXI Laser or Halo Laser for deeper skin renewal. Learn how they work together in The Dynamic Duo! BBL + MOXI.
Who’s a Good Candidate for BBL HERO?
Most people looking to improve skin tone, texture, and clarity without downtime are great candidates for BBL facial treatment. It’s especially helpful for:
- Sun damage on face or body
- Rosacea or persistent redness
- Uneven pigmentation
- Skin aging in the neck, chest, or arms
To explore your options fully, we recommend scheduling a personalized consultation with one of Coachlight’s’ licensed laser specialists in West Des Moines or Ankeny. In the meantime, visit our Skin & Laser Services page to learn more.
Experience Transformative Skin Rejuvenation with BBL HERO IPL at Coachlight
If you’re ready to dramatically improve skin clarity, smoothness, and tone with minimal downtime, Coachlight’s expert team is here to help. Whether you want to restore youthful glow or target specific concerns, BBL HERO treatment delivers high-impact results — fast.
Schedule a consultation or book your BBL HERO session online for West Des Moines
or Ankeny today.
