
BBL HERO is advanced BroadBand Light therapy that targets acne at its source, bacteria, inflammation, and excess oil. At SOM Aesthetics in Encinitas, treatments are medication-free, need no downtime, and are planned by dermatologist-trained SOM providers.
BBL HERO is a BroadBand Light (BBL) therapy that clears acne by destroying acne-causing bacteria, calming inflammation, and reducing excess oil. At SOM Aesthetics in Encinitas, sessions take about 15–30 minutes, are medication-free, and need no downtime. Most patients see clearer skin after the first session, with optimal results over 3–5 sessions spaced 2–4 weeks apart. FDA-cleared and safe for many skin types. delivered by dermatologist-trained SOM providers using the SOM Method.
~$400–$650
3–5 for acne
15–30 min
24–48 hours
None to minimal
Every 3–6 months
15–30 minutes
24–48 hours
3–5 sessions for acne
None to minimal
BroadBand Light
Dermatologist-trained provider
BBL HERO is the latest generation of BroadBand Light therapy. It delivers precise pulses of light that target the root causes of acne, the acne-causing bacteria, inflammation, and overactive oil glands, rather than only treating the surface.
Unlike oral acne medication, BBL HERO works locally on the skin with no systemic side effects and no downtime. Built-in cooling keeps treatment comfortable, and larger areas are treated quickly. Your plan is confirmed in consultation.
A dermatologist-trained SOM provider plans and oversees every BBL HERO course.
Clears acne without pills, no blood tests or systemic effects.
Dermatologist-trained providers follow the SOM Method.
Built-in cooling keeps each session gentle on the skin.
Calms redness, refines texture, and evens tone while clearing acne.
• Active inflammatory acne, red or painful breakouts
• Blackheads, whiteheads, or persistent breakouts
• Acne that hasn't responded to topical care
• Oily, acne-prone skin and enlarged pores
• Want a medication-free option with no downtime
• Healthy teen (14+) or adult, most skin types
• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Recently tanned or very dark sun-exposed skin
• Photosensitive condition or photosensitizing medication
• Active skin infection or open lesions in the area
• Recently on isotretinoin (Accutane)
• Want results for deep scarring (ask about resurfacing)
A consultation with a dermatologist-trained SOM provider confirms whether BBL HERO is the right fit for your pigment, redness, or acne concerns.

Dermatologist-trained SOM providers plan and deliver BBL HERO through the SOM Method, with consultation, candidacy review, individualized treatment planning, documentation, and follow-up.
Confirmed in consultation
Available after first visit
Best value as a series; ask about package pricing
Final pricing is confirmed in consultation. 0% APR financing through Cherry and CareCredit for qualifying patients.
A dermatologist-trained SOM provider reviews your skin type and acne, and sets BBL HERO parameters for you.
Skin is cleansed and protective eyewear is placed. Settings are tailored to your skin.
About 15 to 30 minutes. Warm pulses of light with built-in cooling for comfort.
Mild pinkness fades within hours. Return to normal activities; sunscreen advised.
Avoid sun exposure and self-tanner for two weeks before to reduce risk. Pause retinoids 3 to 5 days prior if advised. Arrive with clean skin, no makeup, and tell us about any new medications or recent tanning.
• Avoid sun and self-tanner for 2 weeks prior
• Pause retinoids 3 to 5 days before if advised
• Clean skin, no makeup or lotion
• Tell us about photosensitizing medications
• Plan to use sunscreen after treatment

BBL HERO takes about 15 to 30 minutes. After eye protection and gel, a dermatologist-trained SOM provider glides the BroadBand Light handpiece over the area with quick pulses of light. You will feel a warm snap, like a rubber band. Numbing is usually not needed.
• 15–30 minute session
• Eye protection + gel
• Pulses of broadband light
• Warm snap sensation
• Usually no numbing

Skin may look flushed for a few hours. Pigmented spots can darken, then flake off over 1 to 2 weeks. Avoid sun and heat that day, and use SPF daily. For acne and pigment, a short series spaced a few weeks apart works best.
• Flushed for a few hours
• Spots darken then flake 1–2 weeks
• Avoid sun/heat that day
• Daily SPF
• Series for best results

• Apply sunscreen daily and reapply outdoors
• Keep skin cool and hydrated for 24 hours
• Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser the first days
• Let mild pinkness fade on its own within hours
• Resume your routine as directed by dermatologist-trained SOM providers
• Call us right away with any unusual symptoms
• Do not sun-tan or use self-tanner before or after
• Do not pick or scrub treated skin
• No saunas, hot yoga, or intense heat for 24 hours
• Avoid retinoids and exfoliants for a few days
• Do not skip sunscreen, it protects your results
• Do not replace medical review with online advice
BBL HERO uses broadband light to address selected brown spots, visible vessels, and redness. It is not a resurfacing laser, and deeper wrinkles or indented scars may need another approach.
A series may be recommended for multiple areas of sun damage or persistent redness, while some isolated concerns need fewer visits. Session count and spacing depend on the diagnosis, skin tone, settings, and response rather than one fixed package.
Temporary redness, warmth, swelling, and darkening of treated pigment can occur after BBL HERO. Some patients resume routine activities quickly, but visible spots may take longer to settle and sun protection is essential.
Treated brown spots may first look darker before gradually flaking or fading over the following days to weeks. Do not pick them, and have persistent or changing spots reassessed instead of assuming every brown mark is suitable for light treatment.
BBL HERO delivers pulsed light for selected pigment and vascular concerns, while HALO combines laser wavelengths to resurface tone and texture. The choice depends on the skin concern and acceptable recovery; a combination is not automatically necessary.
Recent tanning and some darker skin types increase the risk of burns or unwanted pigment changes with broadband light. SOM assesses skin tone, sun exposure, and the specific concern before selecting settings or recommending an alternative.
Compare other laser and light treatments.
SOM Aesthetics is at 25 E E St, Encinitas, CA 92024, accessible from Del Mar, La Jolla, Carlsbad, Solana Beach, and Rancho Santa Fe. Call (760) 766-7546.