Blemish-Free Skin Is Now Possible
 Step 2: Control Oil Production
During this phase we strive to control oil production so laser and light therapies are often used. However, when used alone laser and light therapies decrease sebum production only temporarily. While acne improves for a few months, the damaged sebum glands eventually recover and acne returns.
We prefer more lasting improvement. Photodynamic therapy (abbreviated PDT) is the answer. PDT is commonly used for acne in both sexes. For PDT to be most effective a series of treatments is needed. 4-6 are sometimes required in moderate to severe acne, 1-3 treatments are common in milder acne. In a Yale University study of mild to moderate acne using the Candela Vbeam® Perfecta laser the average patient required 3 PDT treatments for complete clearance of pimples from the face. In that study 13 months later significant improvement was maintained.
For PDT we often do a chemical peel or a series of them to open and unclog the pores. Then we clean the face thoroughly and apply Levulan®, a photosensitizing agent, to the area being treated for acne. We then wait about 45 minutes. The Levulan® soaks into the skin. It is then activated by laser light using the Candela Vbeam® Perfecta pulsed dye laser. This activated chemical damages or even kills oil glands. The face peels, much like a severe sun burn. After healing there is typically long term improvement in acne. Other possibilities to decrease oil production include prescription drugs such as birth control pills, metformin, spironolactone, and Accutane. Therapies like birth control pills and spironolactone are generally for women only, as they may cause breast development in males.
Matrix RF, a radiofrequency grid therapy system, is also effective at reducing oil production and also decreasing scar. It is a new therapy, only on the market in the US for a few years. How long improvement lasts with this newer therapy is unclear. However, this is a very safe therapy with minimal side effects.
Accutane is toxic, expensive and quite effective. There are still a few patients that require this therapy when all else does not produce the desired result. It has many side effects and is not suitable for everyone. Birth defects in women using this drug are a serious problem. It is a last resort only used for very severe acne that has been poorly responsive to other therapies.
Schedule Your FREE Acne Skin Consultation Today...
To schedule a Free Acne Skin Consultation, with our licensed medical aesthetician or Dr. Van Reken here at the Reno Sparks MedSpa, give us a call at (866) 648-6540 or visit the contact us page
If you'd like to order a FREE copy of the informative Looking Good, Feeling Great™ e-course: The 6 Secrets To Looking Younger Longer, visit the FREE Resources section of our website.
|
