Condition:
Acne affects virtually everyone at some point in their lives. Some people only suffer occasional outbreaks of acne, while for others acne becomes a chronic problem that can permanently damage their skin and self-esteem.
Typically, acne first begins around puberty and can last well into mid-age. Some people, however, first experience acne as an adult. |
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Acne lesions appear when the skin's oil glands become blocked and trapped oil builds within the glands and inflames them. Inflammation of the oil glands can become more severe if the oil gland or the hair follicle ruptures.
Hormonal changes during puberty, as well as during other stages in life, can trigger acne outbreaks, so can diet and stress. Research has shown that a natural bacteria found on the skin may also play a role in acne outbreaks.
Meeting with a dermatologist at the first stages of an acne breakout can help prevent scarring and more serious acne outbreaks. |
Before
After
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Treatment
SMOOTHBEAM LASER THERAPY
PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY
Blu U Photodynamic Therapy
This is a novel treatment modality using light activated drug- 5-aminolevulinic acid(Levulan) for long term treatment and suppression of acne vulgaris, acne rosacea and sebaceous hyperplasia. In a series of treatments usually spaced every 2 weeks, the bacteria in the glands is inactivated ,but what is even more exciting is that we are able to shut down sebaceous glands in the skin. This is great news because it produces a long lasting benefit to our patients.
This provides a safe and effective solution for our clients without the use of long term antibiotics or Accutane. Even though Accutane has been the gold standard for the treatment of severe cystic acne , its side effects, potential birth defects and side effect of depression in some patients have made many parents unwilling to allow their teenagers to take this route. We have been using this treatment modality for 2 years and our experience has provided wonderful long term benefits for both comedonal and even advanced cases of inflammatory cystic acne.
Our Rosacea clients are also thrilled with the outcomes not only reducing the breakouts and minimizing redness but also in the improvement in quality and texture of their skin eliminating the need for cover up and thick makeup. They are ecstatic to have soft smooth skin again without blemishes.
This procedure usually takes about 90 min's. I use Blu-U and/or VBeam laser for my acne patients. The patients first have a microdermabrasion , then a Levulan Kerastick is applied. We allow the levulan to incubate for about 45-90 min's. This preferentially absorbs into the sebaceous glands and then this photosensitizer is activated with the VBeam laser or Blu Light depending on the needs of that particular patient. Patients can expect 2-3 days of mild redness and swelling. There is no risk pf scarring with this procedure. Most patient require 2-4 sessions for optimal results. This procedure may be combined with the Smoothbeam laser for addressing acne scarring.
Acne treatment has advanced dramatically over the last twenty years and range from some over-the-counter medications that include salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide to more effective prescription medications and topical ointments.
Selecting the right physician is important for long term suppression and treatment of this chronic condition. The treatments may include topical treatments, oral medications, microdermabrasion, chemical peel and possibly laser treatment and/or photodynamic therapy.
SMOOTHBEAM LASER THERAPY
Dr. Chaudhry uses Smoothbeam™ laser technology to provide the most effective acne treatment on the market. The Smoothbeam™ laser uses DCD (Dynamic Cooling Technology) to direct heat into the sebaceous gland where acne originates, eliminating acne while keeping the epidermis cool and protected. Smoothbeam™ laser therapy has been highly successful and is the only laser treatment that has been clinically proven to attack acne at the source.
Unlike other treatments, Smoothbeam™ laser treatment has no known side-effects which makes it safe for all acne patients.
FAQ's
What is acne?
Acne is an extremely common skin condition that is caused from blocked oil glands. Acne lesions include small red bumps, white bumps (commonly referred to as white heads), enlarged pores with black portion (commonly referred to as black heads), large red nodules under the skin that are often painful and scabbed lesions. For people with darker skin tones acne lesions are often surrounded by an area of darker skin. Some forms of acne can leave permanent scarring.
What are the causes of acne?
Acne results from blocked oil glands known as sebaceous glands. These oil gland produce the oil that helps prevent skin from drying out. As we reach puberty, the oil production in our skin increases substantially. As oil glands become blocked, oil builds up inside the gland which causes inflammation. The swelling inside the oil gland can reach a point where the oil gland and the hair follicle associated with it can rupture which leads to larger lesions. Hormonal changes during puberty is one of the most common causes for acne, other causes include stress, heredity and excessive quantities of milk. Though acne is most common during puberty, there are many adults who continue to suffer from acne. For some women, the hormonal changes later in life can also trigger acne. There are recent studies linking acne to a natural bacteria on the skin called propionibacterium.
What symptoms are there for acne?
There are really no symptoms to mild and moderate acne, however, severe acne can be very painful.
How is acne diagnosed?
The diagnosis for acne during puberty is rather simple. The type of lesion and the number/location of lesions is usually characteristic. For adults, however, the diagnosis can be more difficult since the lesions may also be rosacea, folliculitis and reactions from allergies, therefore, the underlying causes must be examined carefully.
What acne treatments are available?
While over-the-counter treatments such as benzoyl peroxide can offer a temporary fix for acne, Dr. Chaudhry offers a long-lasting solution through use of the Smoothbeam ™ laser and Photodynamic therapy which are both highly effective in getting at the source of acne and keeping it away. These treatments are especially beneficial for patients with severe acne who require a long-term alternative.
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