IPL / BBL
IPL / BBL in Chicago, IL
If you have been noticing sunspots, persistent redness, broken capillaries, or an overall unevenness to your skin tone, IPL and BBL treatments offer one of the most effective and efficient paths to correction. These light-based therapies target discoloration and vascular irregularities at the source, delivering a visibly clearer, more radiant complexion without the need for downtime or invasive procedures. At Therahaus Wellness Medspa in South Loop, Chicago, IPL and BBL are among our most requested treatments for patients looking to refresh and even out their skin.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and BroadBand Light (BBL) are non-laser light-based treatments that use precisely calibrated wavelengths to selectively target melanin and hemoglobin in the skin. This means they can address both pigmented concerns like sunspots, age spots, and freckles, and vascular concerns like redness, rosacea, and broken capillaries, all in the same treatment session. The light energy is absorbed by the targeted cells, which are then broken down and naturally eliminated by the body over the following weeks. Results develop progressively, with most patients noticing significant improvement in skin clarity and tone after a series of two to four sessions.
How IPL / BBL Works
IPL and BBL devices emit a broad spectrum of light at multiple wavelengths simultaneously. Filters are used to select the specific wavelengths most appropriate for the concern being treated. Melanin in pigmented spots absorbs the light energy, causing the pigment to fragment and rise to the surface before naturally shedding away. Hemoglobin in blood vessels absorbs the energy as heat, causing the vessel walls to constrict and eventually be reabsorbed by the surrounding tissue. The result is a progressive improvement in skin tone, clarity, and evenness that continues to develop over several weeks following each session. Because the surrounding skin is not targeted, healing is rapid and the treatment is well-tolerated.
Your provider assesses your skin tone, the types of concerns being treated, and your medical history to confirm you are a good candidate and to select the appropriate settings and filters for your skin.
A cool gel is applied to the treatment area to protect the skin surface and improve light transmission. Protective eyewear is provided for both you and your provider throughout the session.
The IPL or BBL handpiece is placed against the skin and pulses of light are delivered in a systematic pattern across the treatment area. You may feel a sensation similar to a light snap or brief warmth with each pulse. Sessions typically take 20 to 45 minutes depending on the area covered.
In the days following treatment, pigmented spots will temporarily darken before flaking off naturally. Redness and vascular irregularities will begin to fade as the treated vessels are reabsorbed. Most patients return to their normal activities the same day.
Who Benefits Most from IPL / BBL
IPL and BBL are well-suited to patients with fair to medium skin tones who are dealing with pigmentation, redness, or vascular irregularities caused by sun exposure, aging, or rosacea. These treatments are most effective when paired with a consistent daily SPF routine to maintain and protect results long-term.
Ideal for patients who:
- Have sunspots, age spots, or freckles they want to fade for a more even skin tone
- Experience facial redness, rosacea flare-ups, or visible broken capillaries
- Want to address multiple types of discoloration including both pigmented and vascular concerns
- Are looking for a no-downtime treatment that fits comfortably into a busy lifestyle
- Want to complement other aesthetic treatments as part of a comprehensive skin renewal plan
The Benefits of IPL / BBL at Therahaus
IPL and BBL deliver a level of skin clarity and evenness that is difficult to achieve with topical products alone. Our patients consistently describe their skin as looking years younger and more luminous after completing a series of treatments, often noticing that others comment on their complexion before they even mention having had anything done.
Targets both pigmentation and vascular irregularities in a single treatment session for comprehensive correction.
Delivers visibly clearer, more even skin tone by fading sunspots, age spots, redness, and broken capillaries.
Stimulates collagen production over time, contributing to gradual improvements in skin texture and firmness.
Minimal downtime means most patients return to work and daily activities on the same day as treatment.
Results continue to improve over several weeks post-treatment as the body clears the targeted cells naturally.
Regular maintenance sessions help prevent new sun damage from accumulating and preserve long-term clarity.
IPL / BBL Aftercare: What to Know
After your IPL or BBL session, the treated skin may appear slightly flushed or feel warm, similar to a mild sunburn. Pigmented spots will temporarily darken in the days following treatment before naturally flaking off over seven to fourteen days. This is a completely normal and expected part of the process and signals that the treatment is working. Vascular redness may appear more pronounced briefly before fading. Sun protection is the most critical component of your aftercare routine following any light-based treatment.
Any Questions?
IPL/BBL treatment is generally well-tolerated, with most patients describing the sensation as a light snap or brief warmth with each pulse of light energy. The treatment area is cooled before and during the session to maintain comfort, and no topical numbing is typically required.
Wearing a broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen every day is the single most important step in maintaining your IPL/BBL results and preventing new pigmentation or vascular damage from forming. Periodic maintenance sessions every six to twelve months help preserve the clarity and evenness you achieve through your initial treatment series.
Most patients achieve significant improvement in skin clarity and tone after a series of two to four IPL/BBL sessions spaced three to four weeks apart. The exact number of sessions depends on the extent of your pigmentation or vascular concerns and the degree of correction you want to achieve.
IPL and BBL are non-laser light-based treatments that use broad-spectrum wavelengths to target and correct both pigmented concerns like sunspots and vascular irregularities like redness and broken capillaries. They are among the most versatile and effective tools for restoring a clear, even complexion at our South Loop medspa.
Following IPL/BBL treatment, pigmented spots will temporarily darken over the next three to seven days before naturally flaking off to reveal clearer skin beneath. Mild redness and warmth immediately after treatment are normal and typically resolve within a few hours.
Yes, one of the key advantages of IPL/BBL is its ability to address both pigmented concerns and vascular irregularities simultaneously in a single treatment session. Your provider selects the appropriate filters and settings to target each type of concern safely and effectively within the same appointment.
We have answers. Whether you are new to medical aesthetics or simply want to know more about what to expect at Therahaus Wellness, we are here to make sure you feel informed, comfortable, and completely confident before you ever book your first appointment.
A Full-Spectrum Wellness Experience
At Therahaus Wellness Medspa, you are in the hands of a team led by Dr. Angeline N. Beltsos, a double board-certified physician with decades of specialized expertise in women's health, hormone medicine, and medical aesthetics. Every treatment we offer, from injectables and laser therapies to wellness programs and specialty care, is delivered with the clinical precision and personalized attention that only comes from a team that genuinely invests in your outcomes. We are conveniently located on Michigan Avenue in the South Loop, Chicago, making expert aesthetic and wellness care accessible to patients across the city. When you walk through our doors, you are not just a patient, you are a person, and everything we do is built around helping you look, feel, and live your best.
Ready for Your Transformation?
Schedule a private consultation at our South Loop office to discuss your goals and develop a customized treatment plan with our medical team.
