Hi, Dr Murray from Absolute Cosmetic. Today we’re talking about BBL HEROic vs IPL;broadband light versus intense pulsed light, and whether the difference actually matters for you.
The Basic Difference Between BBL and IPL
Underneath it all, they’re basically the same machine. Both use xenon flash lamps to create the light. Where they split is filtering. BBL has extra filters that cut the wavelengths off, so instead of a broad spread of light you get a much more concentrated dose of whatever wavelength you’re actually after. Say you want 560 nanometres. A standard IPL gives you a broad peak that stretches up toward 1200 nanometres. BBL gives you a lot more of that 560 and a lot less of everything else.
Why the Filtering Matters (and Where It Doesn’t)
That’s built into the machine, it’s not something the practitioner tweaks on the day. More filtering means more precise delivery, and that’s a genuine plus. I find BBL a very good machine in practice, less footprinting being one of the real benefits. But I’ll be upfront, when you put it next to a really good IPL, like our Lumecca, there isn’t a huge amount in it. One of the potential drawbacks with BBL is you sometimes have to go over the area twice – it’s not an issue though, just an extra pass.
Understanding Footprinting vs. a Missed Spot
We’ve now got BBL HEROic, the latest version of BBL, and as of July 2026 we’re the only clinic in WA offering it. What I love about it is how automated it is. You run the handpiece across the skin and it fires on its own, so the therapist isn’t trying to time each pulse by hand. Gaps and footprinting show up a lot less because of that.
Footprinting can still turn up here and there, though, and if you spot it, don’t assume your therapist missed a bit. More often than not it’s just that the skin has taken up the energy a little unevenly from one patch to the next. In most cases that’s simply the skin absorbing energy unevenly rather than a technique issue, but it’s always worth mentioning to your therapist if you’re unsure.
Getting the Most Even Result
A lot of this comes down to the machine and the person running it rather than anything you need to do beforehand. Because the HEROic pulses automatically rather than relying on the therapist’s manual timing, footprinting tends to be less noticeable in my experience, though results still vary from patient to patient. Older IPL machines still hold their own too, especially on heavier, darker pigment, and honestly I may still reach for that older tech sometimes for various reasons. In my clinical experience, BBL HEROic’s automation tends to give more consistent results on lighter pigmentation, while I sometimes prefer an older-style IPL for heavier pigment but this really depends on individual skin assessment and also operator experience.
So Which One Should You Actually Choose?
Which one suits you comes down to your pigment, your skin type, and what you’re actually trying to fix – sun damage, redness, general tone – whatever it is. That’s worth talking through with your practitioner rather than picking off the name on the machine.
As with any light-based treatment, expect the odd bit of redness, a sensation a bit like a rubber band snap during the session, and a short recovery window. Results vary from person to person, so a proper consultation before you decide is the right call.
For more on IPL and BBL HEROic, or to book a consultation, head to absolutecosmetic.com.au. Take care.
FAQ
Is BBL the same machine as IPL?
Same core hardware, different output. Think of BBL as an IPL with a tighter filter fitted, so the light that reaches your skin is narrower and more targeted.
What does BBL HEROic do differently to older BBL?
It reads the handpiece movement and pulses on its own, so results depend less on how steady or how fast the therapist’s hand is.
Why do I sometimes see footprinting after treatment?
Skin absorbs light unevenly by nature, some patches just take up more energy than others. It’s not a sign anything was skipped.
Is BBL or IPL better for darker skin?
It varies significantly by individual. In general clinical experience, BBL HEROic can suit lighter pigmentation well, while heavier pigmentation may sometimes respond better to an alternative device but a practitioner assessment is needed before choosing either.
Does BBL treatment hurt more than IPL?
Most BBL patients describe a similar sensation to IPL, though this can vary from person to person.
This information is general in nature and does not replace individual medical advice. Results vary between patients, and all light-based skin treatments carry some risk, including redness, temporary discomfort, and changes in pigmentation. Speak with a qualified practitioner to determine whether BBL, IPL, or BBL HEROic is suitable for your skin.
