BBL stands for BroadBand Light. It is a light-based treatment module of the Sciton Joule system. The FDA record we read names BBL once, in a 2011 clearance for the Joule platform.1
Here is what that record lists BBL for, who the dermatologic surgeons' society says isn't a good candidate for light therapy, and what to ask. It gives no settings. Whether to have it is for you and a clinician.
What the FDA record lists
In the FDA's 2011 clearance of the Sciton Joule Multi-Platform System, the BBL module (300 to 1400 nm) is cleared for surgical, aesthetic and cosmetic uses that need selective photothermolysis, meaning heating a target in the skin with light, in general and plastic surgery and dermatology.1 The record lists these uses.1
BBL uses in the FDA's 2011 record
- Mild to moderate inflammatory acne
- Benign pigmented lesions, including melasma and freckles
- Warts, scars and stretch marks
- Benign vascular lesions, including rosacea, facial and leg spider veins, port wine stains and birthmarks called hemangiomas
- Unwanted hair, and stable long-term or permanent hair reduction, for all skin types
- Topical heating for temporary relief of minor muscle and joint pain and stiffness
This is a clearance, which is not the same as an approval: it finds a device substantially equivalent to one already on the market.1 The later Sciton Joule clearances we read, from 2018 to 2025, don't name BBL.1
Who isn't a candidate
The dermatologic surgeons' society (ASDS) describes laser and light therapy as a non-invasive procedure that uses light energy. It lists these as reasons a person isn't a good candidate.2
Not good candidates for laser or light therapy, per the ASDS
Medicines and history
- Taking or recently taken Accutane
- Subject to keloid scarring
- Severe or unusual scar formation
- On blood thinners
- Skin resurfacing disorders
Skin and circumstances
- Pregnant
- Recently tanned or severely sunburned
- Active acne
- Dark skinned
The FDA record lists hair removal for all skin types, while the ASDS lists dark skin as a reason not to be treated. Ask your provider what they know about results in your skin type and what the plan is for it.
Myth
BBL is an FDA-approved treatment for any skin concern.
Fact
The FDA's 2011 record is a clearance for listed uses: acne, pigmented and vascular lesions, scars and warts, hair removal and topical heating. It is not an approval, and it doesn't cover wrinkles or tightening.
Before and during
The ASDS says the doctor usually reviews your history and examines you first. It advises avoiding sunbathing, tanning beds, waxing, chemical peels and collagen injections for two weeks beforehand, avoiding perfumes, deodorants and other irritants in the treatment area, and avoiding aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements, because of an increased risk of bleeding.2 During the procedure you may feel a pinch like a rubber band snapping. A topical anesthetic or chilled gel can be used.2
What med spas name
892 of the 7,475 med spas we list name BBL. That doesn't show who runs it or what they treat with it, so ask.3 Which licensed professionals may operate a light or laser device depends on your state. See our guide to who may inject.
Here is what to bring to a consultation.
Questions to bring
The device and the person
Me and the plan
Cost
We don't give prices on this page.
Find clinics
Each listing shows what the clinic’s own website offers, its Google reviews and its hours. No clinic is graded yet.
Common questions
What is BBL?
BroadBand Light, a light-based treatment module of the Sciton Joule system. The FDA's 2011 clearance record lists it for acne, pigmented lesions, warts and scars, vascular lesions, hair removal and topical heating.
Is BBL FDA-approved?
It is FDA-cleared for the uses in the 2011 record, which isn't the same as approved. The record doesn't list wrinkles or skin tightening.
Who shouldn't have BBL?
The ASDS says people taking Accutane, prone to keloids, pregnant, recently tanned, with active acne, with dark skin or on blood thinners aren't good candidates for laser and light therapy.
Can BBL be used on dark skin?
The sources differ. The FDA record lists hair removal for all skin types, and the ASDS lists dark skin among reasons not to be treated. Ask your provider about your skin type.
Sources (3)
- FDA 510(k) summary K101916, Sciton JOULE Multi-Platform System (cleared 2011-03-18) · US Food and Drug Administration, 510(k) database. Read in full on 30 Oct 2026, with the later Sciton Joule clearance summaries K173285, K180508, K182173, K213350, K213761, K222958 and K251077, none of which names BBL. · read 30 Oct 2026
- ASDS, Laser/light Therapy · American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), a professional society of dermatologic surgeons · read 30 Oct 2026
- Clinic websites: what they say on their own pages · Our own read of listed clinics' websites in the 14 states we cover, October 2026. A clinic counts once. · read 30 Oct 2026