| Acne is one of the most common
skin problems in the United States, affecting
not only teenagers, but up to 80% of adults. This
hard to treat condition is typically treated with
oral and topical medications, which can produce
good results but often with undesirable side effects.
Now there is an effective alternative to clearing
acne blemishes using pulsed light.
The latest treatment for Acne
- A photodynamic therapy is used to treat acne
blemishes.
- This treatment uses a topical photosensitizing
agent called Levulan and is activated with a
specific wavelength of intense pulsed light.
- The Palomar system used, delivers concentrated
light pulses to attack and kill acne causing
bacteria.
- Acne bacteria are destroyed for a quick clearance
of current acne breakouts. In addition, the
light pulses penetrate into the hyperactive
sebaceous glands to slow down the production
of sebum, which can clog pores and cause future
acne breakouts.
Preparation for an acne treatment
- Avoid sun exposure 2 weeks before and after
treatment.
- Avoid tanning beds and self-tanners as these
darken the skin, decrease treatment effectiveness,
and increase the risk of burning and scarring
the skin.
- No lotion, cream, perfume, or deodorant should
be present on the areas to be treated.
- Avoid all products which increase skin sensitivity
such as retin A, glycolic acid, salicylic acid,
etc.
Do the treatments hurt?
- StarLux pulsed light systems use a unique
long pulse width that delivers energy to the
skin over a long period of time. This makes
the pulses safer and more comfortable
- Some describe the feeling similar to a mild
rubber band snap.
- Various cooling methods keep the light pulses
mild and skin-safe.
What to expect after acne treatment
- Immediately after treatment you may experience
some redness and mild swelling that may last
for 2-3 days.
- You may experience a mild sunburn-like sensation
that may last 2 – 24 hours.
- There may be an initial flare-up of acne,
similar to the kind seen after a peel procedure
or the beginning of a new topical or oral acne
medication.
- Some of the blemishes may appear redder and
will fade over the next 2-3 weeks.
- You will see a reduction in the number of
lesions and the prevention of new lesion formation.
- Patients have been extremely happy with the
results and enjoy the benefits of long lasting
clear skin after just a few treatments.
What are the possible side effects of this
treatment?
- Swelling, blistering, crusting or flaking
of the treated areas, may require one to three
weeks to heal.
- A rare possibility of skin infection
- There is a slight possibility that the treated
area can become either hypo-pigmented (lighter),
or hyper-pigmented (darker). This is usually
temporary, but on a rare occasion, it may be
permanent.
- Scarring is a rare occurrence, but it is a
possibility if the skin’s surface is disrupted.
You should not have this treatment if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Have a seizure disorder.
- Have a history of slow or abnormal healing
(keloid formation).
- Have a history of diabetes (due to poor circulation
and abnormal healing).
- Use medication that increases photosensitivity.
How many treatments will I need?
- The number of treatments vary according to
the severity and number of acne blemishes.
- On average, it is recommended to get 2 treatments
per week for 4 weeks (optimal), or one treatment
per week for 8 weeks.
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