Acne Information

It is estimated that 22 million adults and teens suffer from acne, but some cases don’t respond well to many of today’s medications. Acne treatments continue to advance, but for many, the emotional devastation caused by acne requires a more immediate solution. Laser acne treatment, a newer therapy in the treatment of acne, has shown promise in treating the most severe cases of adult and pubescent acne.

The smooth beam laser was approved by the FDA to treat acne in 2002. Since then it has become one of the most effective treatments for severe and recurrent cases of acne.

First, a topical anesthetic cream is applied to the patient’s face, or other affected area. Since acne prone skin is usually very sensitive anyway, this precautionary step relieves most of the discomfort that the patient may feel during and right after the procedure. Next, a smooth, low level laser beam is used on the area to be treated, heating the sebaceous glands under the skin. The pulsating heat slows the gland’s production of oil, eliminating most of the cause of acne. The laser also kills bacteria, the other component of acne.

Most see an improvement after the first treatment, but three to four once a month sessions are needed to complete the treatment. Most patients experience a 95% reduction in pimples and lesions. Side effects are mild, with the most severe being swelling of the treated area. Since the treatments are gentle and quick, some patients even schedule them during lunch hours and breaks. There is no recovery time and very little discomfort. Most patients experience some redness and irritation.

What’s the downside? Most insurance programs don’t cover laser treatments for acne yet. However, if you or a loved one is suffering the emotional consequences of severe acne, you know that the cost of the treatments is well worth it!

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