ACNE TREAMENT

WHAT ACNE SKIN CARE OPTIONS ARE THERE?

Acne is a medical skin condition that can be painful and have devastating effects on the patient and their skin. The latest treatment utilizes the Profile Thermascan™ 1.319µm laser. The laser energy delivered by this technology will heat the target area in the skin containing the sebaceous glands (oil glands). This reduces oil production in the sebaceous glands leading to fewer acne lesions or outbreaks. It is also believed that the raised temperature reduces bacterial counts in the skin which helps to reduce the occurrence of acne lesions.

The cooling plate and computerized scanner allows quick treatments with specific temperature reaching the target area without causing thermal damage to the superficial layers. A minimum of 8 treatments twice a week is recommended. Prior to treatment, you will be asked to removeall lotion and oils from the skin to ensure proper and uniform penetration of the laser energy.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING TREATMENT?

This a gentle, non-invasive procedure with minimal to no discomfort. You will feel the cooling sensation of the cooling plate set at 10° to 12°C. You may also experience a warming sensation in the skin or the odd, 'rubber band' snap sensation. This varies from patient to patient and depends on the intensity of the treatment. The intensity is individualized to each patient's response. The treatments typically last from 20-30 minutes. Protective eyewear will be provided. Tattooed areas cannot be treated. The tattoo ink may absorb the laser energy resulting in a color change in the tattoo or thermal damage to that area.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER TREATMENT?

You may experience a little redness for up to 1 hour following treatment. Since no wounds are created, it is safe to resume normal daily activities. Most patients see a reduction in the amount of acne lesions after 2 weeks or 4 treatments. A reduction in acne continues to be noted over 6 months. Due to Collagen re-modelling, an improvement in skin texture is also noted after 3-6 months. For long-term results, maintenance therapy may be necessary.

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PHOTO REJVENATION (Intense Pulse Light - IPL) & Blu-U with Levulan

Photo Rejuvenation is a series of treatments that combines Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Blu-U that utilizes blue light photodynamic therapy. In combination, they are used to improve the appearance of fine lines, Rosacea, flusing, sun-damaged skin and photo-aging. The painless treatment also targets and neutralizes bacteria that can cause acne and destroys pre-cancerous lesions.

HOW DOES THE TREATMENT WORK?

Before the blue light can be applied to the skin, a drug called Levulan ALA is applied. Depending on the condition being treated, the medication is allowed to penetrate the skin from 30 minutes to 3 hours. The blue light source is used to activate the Levulan ALA, which drawns light deep into the targeted cells. Following the Blu-U, IPL (intense-pulse light) is applied in a series of gentle pulses over the treated area. The combined treatment causes damage to the targeted cells and the body begins the natural healing process. Often, brown spots or 'liver spots' will darken before flaking off.

WHAT IMPROVEMENT WILL I SEE?

In controlling moderate acne, the treatment kills bacteria in the skin that cause acne. A series of treatments are recommended for best results. After some weeks, you will gain control of your acne or it may clear up for a very long period. For sun damage and fine wrinkles, 3-5 treatments are usually recommended for optimal results. After each treatment, the skin will feel smoother and appear to have a more even tone. Some patients see significant improvement in 2-3 treatments while others require more. Follow up treatments may be desired once a year to maintain results.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF PHOTO REJUEVNATION IN TREATING ROSACEA?

Many individuals have undesirable redness and/or sun damaged skin. Sun exposure, alcohol, medications, smoking, stress and aging are common causes of Rosacea. Rosacea is a common skin condition characterized by redness and flushing skin. Photo Rejuvenation controls flushing and in many cases reduces the need for topical cortisone creams and antibiotics.

ARE THERE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF PHOTO REJUVENATION?

Side effects are rare. Immediately following treatment, the skin may appear flushed, brown-pigmented spots may appear darker, and capillaries may be more visible. In rare instances, temporary swelling can occur. Limiting sun exposure for several weeks before and no sun exposure for 48 hours after will greatly minimize the risk of complications.

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