What is Acne?
Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that occurs on areas of skin that contains hair. Although predominantly seen in teenagers, nobody is exempt from this disease. Regardless of skin type and life style, approximately 80% of the population will suffer from acne at some point in their lives.
The causes of acne are multi-factorial, including hormonal changes, stress, diet, allergies, and skin hygiene. Acne is a direct result of the obstruction and plugging of the hair follicle secondary to over- production of sebum (oil produced by the sebaceous glands). In the most severe cases, this will results in rupture of the hair follicle and extension into the surrounding tissue. The combination of the resultant inflammatory changes and growth of the ever present P. acne bacteria will produce superficial infected purulent pustules (pimples) and/or deep painful and firm cysts. All of these acute entities may result in permanent scars.
How is acne treated?
Treatment of acne is based on the severity and extent of the disease. The therapeutic approach is usually based on combination of treatments. These treatments may include antibiotics (topical or oral), retinoids, levulenic acids, medical Microdermabrasions, medical Chemical Peels, Blue/Red Light Therapy (LED), Intense Pulse Light (IPL), and medical lasers.
Emphasis is on elimination or significant reduction of the acne outbreaks and secondary inflammations. Maintenance of skin hygiene and daily use of physician-grade skin care products is a major tool in achieving success.
How is acne scarring treated?
Treatment of acne scarring should be initiated following several months of the remission of acute acne. Steroids (topical or intra-lesion injections) can be used to reduce or eliminate the firm cysts. Topical “bleaching” agents and Intense Pulse Light (IPL) is used to correct the resultant skin color changes. Medical lasers are used to improve the appearance of the skin and to repair the small to moderate sized depressed scars. Both IPL and medical laser treatments will benefit significantly from addition of medical Microdermabrasion and medical Chemical Peel treatments. Soft tissue fillers, such as Restylane®, are used to repair the deeper depressed (ice-pick) scars.
How does medical laser treatment work?
Highly specialized and specifically designed medical lasers use a patented wavelength to penetrate the skin and reach the sebaceous glands. The laser treatment will thermally result in reduction of sebum, P. acne bacterial concentration, and the size of the sebaceous gland.
How frequently I will require medical laser treatment for acne?
Patients are treated every other week. The usual required number of sessions is 4-5.
How fast would I notice the medical laser treatment’s results?
The treatment outcomes are noticed gradually. An approximate 20% reduction of the number of the active lesions is expected with each treatment.
Is the medical laser treatment painful? Would I need anesthetics?
Medical laser treatment for acne is not painful. A unique contact cooling mechanism will make the procedure essentially painless. There is no need for any anesthetics.
What should I do before undergoing IPL or medical laser treatment for acne or acne scarring?
It is imperative to stay away from the sun or tanning booths for 4 weeks preceding a treatment session.
Furthermore, you should abstain from use of self-tanning products for 2 weeks prior to the treatment session.
Advise the medical provider if you have a history of peri-oral herpes (cold sore). You may be prescribed an antiviral therapy prior to the initiation of treatment.
Patients taking prescribed medications must warn the medical provider, since some medications can lead to reaction and sensitivity to light. In these situations, treatment will be postponed.
You should discuss your desired results and the improvement you expect to achieve with your medical provider. Together you can decide if your expectations will be met and if the Acne IPL or Laser treatment is your best option.
What are the immediate results of IPL or medical laser treatment for acne or acne scarring?
For several hours after completion of the treatment session the skin will appear red, resembling mild sunburn. Cold compresses can be applied to the treated area. Patients should be able to resume all normal activities immediately. Make up can be applied immediately post treatment.