Locations in Chicago & Glenview, IL

What’s the difference between BBL HERO and BBL HEROic
In Chicago & Glenview, IL

Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa in Chicago & Glenview, IL is led by Dr. John D. Rachel, MD, FACS, a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who is quadruple board-certified.

Medically reviewed for accuracy.

BBL® HEROic™ vs. Regular BBL: Understanding the Difference

Not all laser and light treatments are the same, and BBL HEROic by Sciton is the latest innovation in BroadBand Light (BBL®) therapy. Designed for all skin types and concerns, BBL HEROic offers advanced technology and enhanced effectiveness, making it one of the most powerful and versatile skin rejuvenation treatments available today. Both BBL (BroadBand Light) and BBL HEROic are powerful technologies for treating pigmentation, sun damage, and skin concerns, but they differ in speed, effectiveness, and comfort. Here are five differences to help you understand which treatment is right for you:

1. Technology & Treatment Precision

  • BBL HEROic: The latest and most advanced version of BBL, featuring enhanced filters that deliver higher energy levels while maintaining safety. This allows for deeper penetration and more effective treatment of stubborn pigmentation and skin concerns.
  • Regular BBL: Uses a range of adjustable wavelengths and filters to target various skin concerns, making it versatile but less powerful than BBL HEROic.

2. Treatment Speed

  • BBL HEROic: Designed with a larger spot size (15x45mm) and a higher repetition rate, allowing it to treat larger areas faster. This reduces overall treatment time, making it more convenient for both patients and practitioners.
  • Regular BBL: Effective but requires more time and multiple sessions to achieve similar results. Treatment time varies based on the settings and area being treated.

3. Comfort & Safety

  • BBL HEROic: Features an integrated cooling system and advanced technology to minimize discomfort. Patients experience less pain, redness, and swelling, making it a more comfortable option.
  • Regular BBL: Generally well-tolerated but may cause mild discomfort, often described as a snapping or warming sensation during treatment.

4. Downtime & Recovery

  • BBL HEROic: Designed to reduce downtime, making it ideal for busy individuals who want effective results with minimal disruption to their routine.
  • Regular BBL: Also has minimal downtime, but redness and mild swelling may last a bit longer compared to BBL HEROic.

5. Results & Effectiveness

  • BBL HEROic: Provides faster, more noticeable results, especially for deeper pigmentation issues. Fewer sessions may be needed compared to regular BBL.
  • Regular BBL: Works well for mild to moderate pigmentation but may require more sessions to achieve the same level of improvement as BBL HEROic.

Why Choose BBL HEROic?

BBL HEROic offers four times the speed, three times the peak power, and twice the cooling capacity of traditional BBL. Its smart filters, large spot size, and magnetic adapters allow for treating multiple skin conditions on the face and body in a single session. Large areas, such as the back, arms, and legs, can be treated in as little as 2–5 minutes.

Which Treatment is Right for You?

Both BBL HEROic and regular BBL are effective, but the best option depends on:
Your skin concerns (mild vs. stubborn pigmentation)
Your desired results (fewer vs. more sessions)
Your lifestyle (minimal vs. slightly longer downtime)
Your provider’s recommendation

A qualified esthetician or healthcare provider can assess your skin needs and help determine if BBL HEROic is the right choice for you. If you’re looking for faster, more effective, and more comfortable skin rejuvenation, BBL HEROic is the superior choice.

Chicago Aesthetics Dr. Kafali And Dr. Truong

About Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa

At Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa, we offer state-of-the-art laser treatments for the face and body. Our experienced team specializes in a wide range of skin, body and facial rejuvenation treatments including laser hair removal, skin resurfacing, and more. Achieve flawless, radiant skin with and contact us 312.846.1629 or fill out a contact form request today.

Chicago Aesthetics
Reviews & Testimonials

Excellent4.8255 reviews
4.8
Excellent255 reviews
Valentina Cortez profile picture
Valentina Cortez
September 15, 2026
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Just got laser hair removal with Stephanie for the first time, and I had such a great experience. The process was super fast and easy, and Stephanie was great. Looking forward to my next appointment!
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Ruby Kelly
September 13, 2026
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I’ve been seeing Carol for Botox for over two years, and she is absolutely amazing! I trust her completely with my face. She always takes the time to listen to what I want and makes sure my results look natural and beautiful—she never overdoes it. I especially appreciate how honest she is; she will tell you when you don’t need something rather than trying to sell you more treatments. Carol truly cares about her patients and always makes me feel comfortable, welcomed, and at home. She is professional, knowledgeable, gentle, and incredibly attentive. I always leave feeling confident and happy with my results. It’s hard to find someone you can trust this much, and I’m so grateful I found Carol. I wouldn’t trust
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Daniella Bella
September 13, 2026
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I had Lipo 360 and a Skinny BBL this summer, and I am so happy with my results. I was always extremely nervous about going under the knife, but I really wanted to do something that would help boost my self-confidence. Dr. T and his entire team were truly amazing throughout the whole process. I am naturally pretty skinny, so I was always worried about whether this procedure would work well for my body type, but I honestly wish I had done it sooner. I am currently about five weeks post-op, and I am already so pleased with how everything is turning out. My results continue to improve as I heal, and I’m excited to see the final outcome. I’m very grateful to Dr. T and his team for making me feel comfortable and confident throughout the experience.
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Stephanie Sanchez
September 9, 2026
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carol’s the absolute best! very fast and great at what she does. My go to for any botox or filler!
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Roberta Livingston
September 6, 2026
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Tom is amazing!! Caring and knowledgeable very, very excellent experience.
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Kim Jones
September 2, 2026
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I’ve been seeing Carol for 10 + years She’s the best and has a perfect eye for what’s needed and what is not. I’ve always trusted her completely and highly recommend!
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Mary S
August 29, 2026
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Wonderful service, everyone is knowledgable and friendly. Dr. Rachel is fabulous and quadruple board certified. I would not trust any other company.
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Laura Rosenhauer
August 28, 2026
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Carol is the best in the business! She is professional, kind, and incredibly attentive throughout my experience. She took the time to understand my concerns and made sure I felt comfortable. I love my results! I truly appreciated her expertise and attention to detail. I highly recommend Carol!
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Angel
August 28, 2026
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Nurse Carol always does an outstanding job no matter the procedure. She literally has light hands and you barely feel a thing. She brightens my day whenever I have an appointment with her. Very kind, professional and very knowledgeable. I have never had anyone as thorough as her. She communicates with me before and after all appointments and reaches out to ensure I safely drive there sooner due to the weather conditions. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I cannot say enough wonderful things about Nurse Carol Donohue. After four years as her client, I can genuinely say that the trust, care, and relationship we have built over the years means so much to me. Carol has always been incredibly easy to communicate with and accommodating with my schedule. She consistently goes above and beyond for her clients—even coming in early before her shift to make sure she can see me when needed. That level of dedication and care does not go unnoticed. What I appreciate most about Carol is her integrity. She doesn’t simply recommend a cosmetic procedure because she can perform it. She takes the time to honestly tell me what would be beneficial, what may be unnecessary, and what she believes is best for me. My health, well-being, and safety have always come first, and that has given me an incredible amount of confidence and trust in her. Carol is knowledgeable, professional, friendly, and genuinely welcoming. She explains everything in detail, makes sure I understand every step of the process, and always makes me feel comfortable and cared for. She values her clients as people, not just appointments. Beyond her professionalism, Carol’s kindness has touched me personally. There have been days when I walked into her office feeling at my lowest, and simply being met with her warmth, compassion, and kindness helped me leave feeling a little more confident and a lot better than when I arrived. That is something I will never forget. Thank you, Nurse Carol Donohue, for four wonderful years of professionalism, honesty, compassion, and exceptional care. I am incredibly grateful for the client-and-nurse relationship we have built, and I look forward to many more years to come. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for a provider who combines expertise with integrity and truly cares about the people she serves.
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Julie Rosenhauer
August 28, 2026
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I’ve been getting Botox from Carol for several years now, and I couldn’t be happier with my experience! She is incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and professional, and she always takes the time to make sure I feel comfortable and confident throughout the process. I truly trust her expertise and appreciate how carefully she listens to what I want while providing honest, thoughtful recommendations. My results have always looked natural and beautiful, which is exactly what I’m looking for. I highly recommend her to anyone considering Botox or looking for someone skilled, trustworthy, and genuinely caring!

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Enhance your natural beauty with personalized skin, body, and wellness treatments from Chicago’s trusted med spa, led by Dr. John D. Rachel.