If you’ve ever searched for laser treatments in Evansville, you know it’s easy to get stuck in a rabbit hole of research. At Midwest Facial Plastic Surgery, we talk with patients every day who are looking for clear information and practical advice: What are these treatments actually like? What’s the recovery time? How do I figure out which option is best for my skin?

In this blog post, we’ll break down two of our most popular laser treatments: BBL® HEROic™ and MOXI® by Sciton. Continue reading to learn who benefits the most from each and the results you can expect so you can make a decision that fits your skincare goals.

What is a BBL HEROic Treatment?

BroadBand Light (BBL) is a modern type of light-based treatment that offers a gentle, targeted way to improve the look and feel of your skin—going beyond what you can achieve from standard facials or creams. If you’ve noticed persistent redness, dark spots, or uneven skin tone that just won’t budge no matter what products you try, a BBL treatment could be worth considering. BBL HEROic is Sciton’s most advanced BBL treatment and a favorite of many of our patients.

Here’s how it works:

BBL HEROic uses quick bursts of light energy that deeply penetrate the surface layers of your skin. This laser is precisely calibrated to seek out and treat unwanted pigment, redness, and damage from sun exposure. Think of it as gentle but highly targeted spot-cleaning for your skin. The pulses go right to the trouble areas, such as brown spots, redness, or places where you’ve seen a little too much sun over the years.

BBL HEROic does more than just fix what you can see. A BBL HEROic treatment also nudges your skin to ramp up its own production of collagen, a protein crucial for firm, youthful skin. Over time, you’ll start to notice that your skin feels firmer, looks more even, and has a more refreshed look.

One of the primary reasons our patients love BBL HEROic is its convenience. There’s minimal downtime for recovery, meaning you can quickly resume your daily routine. Most patients notice their skin is a little red—similar to a sun-kissed glow—for just a few hours after treatment. Dark spots may briefly get darker as they rise to the surface before flaking away, revealing clearer skin underneath. Makeup can usually be applied as soon as any redness fades, making it easy to return to your daily life.

What is a MOXI treatment?

The MOXI® Laser by Sciton is an innovative solution designed for “prejuvenation,” helping patients address early signs of skin aging and sun damage before they progress. It is a fractional, non-ablative laser that works below the skin’s surface, making tiny channels while leaving most of the outer layer intact. This process helps the skin renew itself, leading to a healthier, more radiant appearance.

• Perfect for anyone wanting to prevent or reduce early signs of aging.
• Reduces enlarged pores and improves overall skin texture and tone.
• Safe to use in any season without worrying about sun exposure or changing your lifestyle.
• Safe and effective for a broad range of skin types and tones.

Like BBL HEROic, the recovery time for a MOXI treatment is minimal. Redness usually peaks during the first 24-48 hours, similar to a light sunburn. Your skin might feel dry or slightly rough for a few days. But behind the scenes, that gentle disruption triggers your body’s repair response, prompting new collagen production and healthier skin. As those rough patches naturally slough away, you’ll start to notice a smoother, more vibrant complexion.

Key Differences Between BBL HEROic and MOXI

BBL HEROic and MOXI deliver noticeable improvements, but each works differently and has unique advantages. Let’s break down what truly sets these treatments apart:

• BBL HEROic: Targeted Power for Pigment and Redness
  BBL HEROic is especially effective if your main concerns are brown spots, sun damage, or redness. It zeros in on unwanted pigment and blood vessels, making it a go-to for correcting color and tone issues.
  
• MOXI: Gentle Resurfacing for Texture, Tone, and Melasma
  MOXI, on the other hand, is more about skin renewal. Choose MOXI if you’re bothered by fine lines, rough texture, or hard-to-treat melasma. Its fractional, non-ablative approach makes it suitable for a range of skin tones and for those seeking overall skin refinement.
  
• Downtime and Recovery
  Both treatments fit into most lifestyles without major recovery time. BBL HEROic boasts the shortest downtime, typically just a few hours of mild redness. MOXI involves slightly more downtime, with a day or two of redness and a brief period where your skin feels a bit rough, but still very manageable.

Ultimately, your skin goals and concerns will influence which treatment is right for you. If you’re focused on erasing pigment and redness fast, BBL HEROic might be your top choice. If you crave smoother skin and help with stubborn concerns like melasma, MOXI may be the better option.

Both treatments are recommended in a series of three that are performed one month apart. During this time between treatments, the skin is able to fully recover while boosting collagen and elastin cells deep within the skin.

Combining BBL HEROic and MOXI for Enhanced Results

Both BBL HEROic and MOXI are highly effective on their own for specific concerns, but if you’re hoping to address a mix of issues at the same time, combining both treatments can sometimes offer more comprehensive results.

BBL HEROic and MOXI treatments work beautifully together. BBL HEROic targets visible concerns on the surface, like redness and dark spots, while MOXI goes deeper, refining texture and smoothing areas that need a little extra care. This approach can lead to healthier-looking skin and more consistent improvement, making it especially valuable for those who want a well-rounded solution instead of a single-focus fix.

Clinical Studies Supporting BBL HEROic and MOXI

Both BBL HEROic and MOXI aren’t just beauty buzzwords—they’re backed by years of research and real clinical results.

A study published by The Study of Investigative Dermatology proved rejuvenation at a molecular level by altering the gene expressions associated with aging. The researchers found that BBL doesn’t just make skin look younger on the surface—it literally changes gene expression within skin cells, shifting them toward a more youthful profile.

Recent research published in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology shows that using BBL and MOXI together leads to stronger and longer-lasting results than using either treatment on its own.

Here’s why:

• BBL HEROic targets dark spots by using light energy, which is absorbed by melanin in the skin and breaks down the pigment.
  
• MOXI uses a fractionated, non-ablative laser to create tiny channels in the top layers of the skin, which stimulates new collagen and targets cells that cause stubborn discoloration.

This dual-action approach isn’t just about looking better now—it’s about building stronger, healthier skin for years to come.

MOXI stands out even further because it’s FDA-cleared for treating Actinic Keratosis (AK), a precancerous skin condition typically triggered by years of sun exposure. This means the benefits of MOXI aren’t only cosmetic, since it also addresses skin health and prevention for those at risk.

These clinical findings give real confidence to anyone considering BBL HEROic or MOXI. Whether you’re looking for transformative improvements in youthfulness or simply aiming to stay proactive about your skin’s future, know that these technologies deliver results that are more than skin deep.

So, how do you choose the right path for your skin? Ultimately, the best way to know is through a personalized consultation. Clear communication about your skin type, lifestyle, and goals ensures your provider matches you with the path that’s right for you. By focusing on your unique needs, you move closer to the results you want.

For tailored guidance and an individualized plan, call us at 812-469-3434 or stop by our Evansville office to schedule your consultation. Take the first step toward skin that looks and feels its very best.