This FDA-approved approach reduces acne by using the body's own natural defenses.
Acne Vulgaris (Acne) (Cutaneous Lesion)
Excessive secretion of oils from the sebaceous glands accompanies the plugging of the pores with naturally occurring dead skin cells (corneocytes) blocking hair follicles. Oil secretions are said to build up beneath the blocked pore, providing a perfect environment for the skin bacteria Propionibacterium acnes and the lipophilic (oil/lipid-loving) yeast Malassezia to multiply uncontrollably. In response to the bacterial and yeast populations, the skin inflames, producing the visible lesion. The face, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms are especially affected.
The typical acne lesions are:
Laser acne treatments offer a no down-time approach to help clear acne lesions and help reduce the severity of future break-outs. You can return to work or school immediately after treatment - the only side effect will be slight facial redness. Laser treatments do not have the side effects seen with oral and topical treatments. Laser treatments DO NOT induce prolonged dryness, severe redness or mental depression.
Effects are cumulative. After the first treatment, you might see improvements. The number of lesions and severity of break-outs should reduce over the course of treatment and beyond. Some patients continue to improve two months after their last treatment.
The typical course of treatments is two weeks, two treatments per week. However, your doctor might recommend a different treatment schedule.
Immediately following the procedure you may experience some redness and slight swelling. The redness and swelling usually dissipate within one to three days. If necessary, makeup can be applied to the treated area immediately. It is extremely important to apply a moisturizer with SPF30 sunblock and avoid sun exposure on a daily basis to prevent sun damage.
This treatment takes approximately 15-30 minutes.