Acne is a very common problem, affecting over 95% of the population at some time in one's life and for many, it is a chronic problem. Acne is more common during adolescence because hormonal changes stimulate the sebaceous glands (oil glands) into producing more sebum (oil), plugging hair follicles, which sets the stage for acne. A type of bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes thrives in the clogged follicles. When the bacteria and pus leak from the follicle into the surrounding tissue, an inflammatory process begins and “pimples” are formed. In some cases, the inflammation continues, and large, painful cysts develop. Cystic acne can be disfiguring, and as a result, patients often suffer emotional and self-esteem issues. In adolescents, who may often be moody and brooding anyway, cystic acne is devastating. While most people outgrow acne in their late teens or early twenties, many continue to be affected much longer. Aggravation of acne in later life may occur with menstrual periods, use of birth control pills, use of oil-based cosmetics, and stress. If untreated, or even if partially treated, acne can cause permanent, unsightly scars. Even a mild case of adolescent acne can leave permanent scars throughout adulthood.

Traditionally, treating acne meant using over-the-counter preparations containing benzoyl peroxide and/or salicylic acid. If this didn’t work, you’d go to the dermatologist and get Retin-A, which can be very irritating and of varying effectiveness. Then, oral antibiotics would be tried. Long-term treatment was usually necessary, and often was not completely curative – and there was always the problem of antibiotic resistance. If none of the above were successful, the dermatologist would bring out the “big gun” – Accutane. Accutane often cured cystic acne, but the side effects could be severe: liver toxicity, birth defects, and even depression and suicide. Many treatments for acne cause severe drying and irritation of the skin for many patients. In addition, none of these treatments could prevent acne scars, or treat them once they appeared.

Because of all of these concerns, traditional methods of treating acne are gradually shifting from an emphasis on medication to light-based or laser therapies.

Laser treatment of acne and acne scars has truly revolutionized the practice of dermatology. It has produced dramatic clearance of even severe cystic acne, and effectively minimizes acne scars.

Am I A Candidate for Acne and Acne Scar Treatment?

Anyone interested in improving their acne or acne scars and enhancing their complexion can be a candidate.  

What Does Acne or Acne Scar Treatment Involve?

Recent advances in device-based acne and acne scar treatments include:

High Intensity blue-light or photodynamic therapy , is designed specifically to kill the bacteria responsible for acne vulgaris and shrink the oil glands. This treatment also helps with acne scars. Acne treatment using Photodynamic Therapy(PDT) is the most recent advance in acne therapy. Photodynamic acne treatment involves the application of a photosensitizing agent which is then activated with blue light. This results in significant improvement in moderate to severe cystic acne.

Photodynamic acne treatment involves three mechanisms of action against acne. Photodynamic acne treatment inactivates the bacteria that trigger acne, exfoliates the skin to unclog pores, and - perhaps most significantly - shuts down the sebaceous glands in the skin. This is exciting because sebaceous glands are the root cause in the formation of acne so it has a long lasting effect even on severe acne. Photodynamic acne therapy can even work in patients who have failed Accutane treatment. Accutane also targets the sebaceous gland but undesirable side effects. Photodynamic therapy is a very safe alternative to Accutane treatment. Photodynamic acne therapy can also significantly with acne scarring.

The SmoothBeam is a diode laser that shrinks the oil glands at the sites where acne lesions occur, thus significantly decreasing the production of oil at those sites. This brings about a smooth complexion. The SmoothBeam is used to treat both facial and body acne and is the first laser to receive the FDA clearance for laser treatment of acne.

The SmoothBeam procedure is quick, non-ablative treatment done in a matter of minutes and is essentially painless. There is generally no down time. Returning to work or school right after the treatment is perfectly acceptable. In addition to cleaning active acne, the SmoothBeam also greatly improves acne scarring during the same treatment. The laser stimulates collagen production as it passes over the skin, helping to smooth out and fill in the scars. The Smoothbeam can also be used to treat even deep acne scars resulting in significant improvement in the appearance of these scars.

With the first treatment you can experience an improvement in the quality of the skin. A series of four to six treatments are recommended to get maximum results. You will notice a gradual reduction in the number and severity of acne lesions approximately three weeks after your treatment. In a recent study performed on patients with acne, there was a stunning 98 percent clearance of acne lesions. Studies have shown that acne improvement is maintained for at least six months to one year after the last treatment. There are no unusual side effects or adverse reactions.

Having treated thousands of patients, family and friends with the SmoothBeam laser, we have found great joy in the benefits that it provides for them. They experience smooth, clear skin without the hassle of complex daily routine involving medications. The laser works wonders for treating acne and can help decrease acne scarring exceeding our expectations. Most insurance companies do not offer reimbursement for cosmetic procedures; however, you should consult your insurance provider for specific information since acne is a medical condition.

Laser Resurfacing gives your physician precise control as the procedure gently vaporizes the damaged or acne-scarred skin to reveal the smooth, fresh skin underneath. Scars are removed in a precise, rapid, bloodless fashion achieving excellent results. Laser scar removal can be performed with local anesthesia if limited areas are treated, while full face resurfacing is usually performed with the administration of intravenous sedation by an anesthesiologist. Both procedures may be performed in our office. Laser resurfacing has essentially replaced dermabrasion as it is a much more precise procedure and is essentially bloodless.

Injections with fillers such as Collagen, Restylane, and Hylaform are good treatments for shallow and deep acne scars. These fillers can be injected into the area of the scar, smoothing depressions. Results are immediately apparent. Patients usually require touch-up treatments every six months to two years.

Microdermabrasion can be likened to a superficial "skin polishing" using micro-crystals vacuumed over your skin's surface to remove damaged skin cells. These gentle treatments can provide noticeable improvement to acne scars. The treatments are progressive and are applied through a course of weekly sessions.

Chemical peels use a chemical solution to burn away the fine outer layers of the skin. The solutions are available in several strengths, depending on the degree of peeling desired. Healing can take from three days to three weeks. A new, smoother layer of skin is then formed.

Non-Ablative Intense Pulsed Light Treatments or Fotofacials do not usually require anesthesia, as they are generally not painful and there is no downtime. Most patients receive a series of about five treatments. Depending on the type of acne scar, improvement can be dramatic. The improvement is gradual and continues even after the treatment stops.

What Are the Advantages of Acne and Acne Scar Treatment?

Most patients display increased confidence, giving the patient a more visually pleasing and younger appearance.

How Long Is The Procedure?

Depending on which particular procedure is chosen, treatment time can range from 10 minutes to 1 hour.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

One treatment is recommended for many patients, but follow up treatments may be necessary to get the desired look.

How Long Do The Results Last?

Laser procedures demonstrate long-lasting, sometimes even permanent results in the treatment of acne. If injectable cosmetic fillers are used in acne scars, the results generally last several months before re-treatment is necessary.

Will I Have Pain?

Most patients are essentially pain free during the laser procedure. We use the latest technology to minimize any discomfort. We also apply our especially formulated highly effective pre-treatment topical anesthetic cream. This is sufficient for most patients. As an additional measure, we use the Zimmer cold air device, which gently blows cold air against the skin, to facilitate comfort. As every person has a different threshold for pain, for those especially sensitive patients, we have developed other protocols to ensure that the treatment is extremely comfortable and tolerable allowing you to fully enjoy the results without pain.

When Can I Go Back To Work Or School?

You can usually return to work or school the same day; however, laser procedures often cause initial redness, which may be noticeable. Therefore, patients may wish to take it easy for a couple of days until the redness subsides.

Who Will Perform My Treatment?

All treatments are performed/supervised by skilled board certified dermatologists and plastic surgeons.

Is It FDA Approved?

All filler substances used are FDA approved.