BBL® HEROic™

APDerm now offers BBL® HEROic™, the newest BroadBand Light platform for treating sun damage, redness, and uneven texture, exclusively at our Manchester, NH location.

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Setting a New Standard in Skin Renewal

APDerm has served New England families since Dr. Samuel Goos founded the practice in 1992, building a physician-led network dedicated to bringing the latest dermatology technology to the communities we serve. Adding BBL HEROic to our Manchester, NH location continues that commitment. As one of the first practices in New England to adopt No Shave FUE hair restoration, APDerm has a track record of investing in advanced tools before they become widespread, and BBL HEROic is the latest example. Patients throughout southern New Hampshire can now access this technology without traveling out of state.

What Is BBL® HEROic™?

BBL HEROic is an advanced BroadBand Light (BBL) device, a form of intense pulsed light (IPL) technology that delivers multiple wavelengths of light rather than the single wavelength used by traditional lasers.

According to a device clearance filing reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, intense pulsed light systems are cleared to treat benign pigmented lesions, such as dyschromia and benign vascular lesions, including facial redness and telangiectasias. BBL HEROic's wider wavelength range allows a provider to address several of these concerns in a single session, rather than scheduling separate visits for each.

The treatment works through a process called selective photothermolysis. Light energy is absorbed by specific structures in the skin, called chromophores, which convert it into controlled heat. As one clinical review notes, IPL devices target oxyhemoglobin in blood vessels and melanin in pigmented cells, leaving the surrounding tissue unaffected. That selectivity is what allows BBL HEROic to treat visible concerns without extended downtime.

What Skin Concerns Does BBL® HEROic™ Treat?

Patients typically come in for one or more of the following:

Sun spots, age spots, and freckles
Rosacea, broken capillaries, and facial flushing
Uneven texture, enlarged pores, and dullness
Fine lines and early signs of aging
Active acne and post-acne marks

Treatment isn't limited to the face. APDerm providers can apply BBL HEROic to the neck, chest, hands, arms, legs, and back, depending on where sun damage or redness has developed.

BBL® HEROic™ vs. Other Laser & Light Treatments

BBL HEROic isn't the only light-based option APDerm offers. Patients with concerns limited to a single issue, such as isolated leg veins or a stubborn pigmented lesion, may be better served by targeted laser treatment rather than broad photorejuvenation. During your consultation, your APDerm provider will compare BBL HEROic with our other Lasers & Light options to recommend the technology that fits your specific goals.

Are You a Candidate for BBL® HEROic™?

Most adults with visible sun damage, persistent redness, or uneven skin tone are reasonable candidates for BBL HEROic. You may be a good fit if you have:

Visible sun damage or age spots
Persistent facial redness or broken capillaries
Uneven skin tone or texture
Early signs of aging you want to address before they progress

BBL HEROic may not be appropriate if you have very dark skin (your APDerm provider will assess your specific skin type), are currently taking photosensitizing medications, have an active skin infection in the treatment area, or are pregnant or nursing. A consultation with an APDerm provider is the only way to confirm candidacy for your specific skin.

Why Choose APDerm?

APDerm's Manchester, NH location is currently the only APDerm practice offering BBL HEROic, giving local patients access to a device that isn't yet available at our other New England locations. That exclusivity reflects the broader APDerm Network advantage: patients get access to the latest medical and cosmetic technology alongside a team of board-certified clinicians, without having to seek treatment outside the practices they already trust.

Every BBL HEROic treatment plan at APDerm starts with an in-depth evaluation of your skin type and goals, not a one-size-fits-all setting. Because BBL HEROic automates much of the pulse delivery, your provider can spend consultation and treatment time observing your skin's response and adjusting the plan accordingly, rather than managing the equipment.

What to Expect Before, During, and After

Consultation

A consultation with a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant is $150, and $100 of that fee applies toward treatment if you book within 90 days. Complimentary 30-minute consultations with a licensed aesthetician are also available if you want to discuss skincare goals before committing to a physician visit.
Your total cost for BBL HEROic depends on a few factors:

The areas being treated
The specific concerns being addressed
The number of sessions your provider recommends

All pricing is an estimate. A consultation is required to determine your exact cost.

Treatment

BBL HEROic is performed in-office with no recovery time required. During your session, your provider cleanses the treatment area, you wear protective eyewear, and the BBL handpiece is applied to your skin.
Each pulse produces a quick, warm sensation, often compared to a light rubber-band snap, while integrated cooling technology keeps the skin comfortable throughout. Most sessions take 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area.

Before your appointment, plan to:

Limit sun exposure for two to four weeks
Pause retinoids and exfoliating products for a few days
Arrive with clean skin free of makeup, lotion, or sunscreen
Tell your APDerm provider about any medications you're taking so the treatment can be adjusted for your safety

Recovery and Results

Recovery unfolds gradually over the weeks following treatment:

Immediately after: Mild warmth and redness, similar to a light sunburn.
Days 1 to 3: Pigmented spots darken as vessels close.
Days 4 to 7: Pigment flakes off and redness fades.
Weeks 2 to 4: Tone appears clearer and more even.
Months 1 to 3: Continued improvement in texture and tone.

Isolated concerns, like a small cluster of sun spots, often clear in a single session. More extensive sun damage or multiple concerns typically call for two to four treatments spaced three to four weeks apart.

With daily sun protection, results generally last one to two years, and annual maintenance sessions help preserve them. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher applied to all sun-exposed skin, which is especially important while your skin heals after BBL HEROic.

A Comprehensive Skin Refinement Solution

Deciding on the right skin renewal treatment starts with an accurate diagnosis, and that's where APDerm's board-certified providers make the difference. Every consultation includes a hands-on evaluation of your skin type, sun damage history, and goals, so the plan you leave with is built around your skin, not a generic protocol.

APDerm's providers also follow your progress after treatment, checking in as pigment clears and tone evens out, so your plan can be adjusted if needed. That ongoing support, backed by more than three decades of dermatology care across New England, is part of what patients can expect when they choose APDerm.
If you're ready to address sun damage, redness, or uneven texture, contact us today to book your consultation.

BBL® HEROic™ FAQs

How many BBL HEROic treatments will I need?

Most patients need between one and four sessions, spaced three to four weeks apart, depending on the severity and number of concerns being treated.

Is there any downtime after BBL HEROic?

No extended downtime is required. Most patients return to normal activities immediately, though mild redness and, later, pigment darkening are expected as the skin heals.

Does BBL HEROic hurt?

Most patients describe the sensation as a quick, warm snap. APDerm's device includes integrated cooling technology to keep the treatment comfortable.

What are the risks of BBL HEROic?

As with any light-based treatment, temporary redness, swelling, or changes in pigmentation are possible. Your APDerm provider will review your specific risk factors during your consultation.

Is BBL HEROic available at all APDerm locations?

Currently, BBL HEROic is available exclusively at APDerm's Manchester, NH location.

Sources

U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Intense Pulsed Light System 510(k) Clearance Summary
National Center for Biotechnology Information, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy, StatPearls
American Academy of Dermatology, How to Decode a Sunscreen Label
Sciton, BBL® HEROic™ and BBL® HEROic™ Treatment Overview

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist. Outcomes, risks, and suitability vary from patient to patient.