Acne

Acne

Acne (acne vulgaris) is an inflammatory skin condition that involves the pilosebaceous unit (hair follicles and oil glands). Acne generally is confined to the face but also may involve the neck, chest, and back. It is most prevalent in those aged 16 to 18 years and may continue into adulthood, particularly in women. Social and psychological effects, particularly during adolescence can affect daily activities, social and interpersonal relationships. Acne may present as open and closed comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), inflamed papules and pustules. The severity of the acne is typically classified as mild, moderate or severe.

Treatments for Acne

The treatments for acne are related to the type and severity of the acne, and patient preferences. Treatments include:

​

• topical medications such as benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid or tretinoin 

• oral medications such as antibiotics, hormonal agents, antiandrogen therapy and Isotretinoin

• light and laser therapy (such as AviClear®, see below) 

AviClear® is the only laser acne treatment of its kind. It selectively targets and suppresses the sebaceous (oil) glands, helping to eliminate acne at the source without the need for prescription medications. AviClear® is an appropriate treatment for patients with mild, moderate and severe acne and is safe in all skin types.

The course consists of three 45-minute treatment sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart. During the procedure, the patient will experience a slight snapping combined with a cold sensation (a chill- tip is used to minimize any discomfort and protect the skin). Although AviClear® produces long-term results, maintenance treatments can be performed  as needed.

92% of patients treated with AviClear® saw at least half of their acne resolve at 12 months following treatment. Results may continue to improve with time—even several months after your treatment sessions are finished.

Acne Scarring

Scars can form after a cystic or nodular breakout anywhere on the face or body. Acne scarring becomes more prominent with age due to the of loss collagen and elasticity of the skin. There are two textural categories/classifications of acne scars:

1. Raised scarring, also called hypertrophic scarring: these scars are usually found on the neck, back, or chest. 

2. Depressed scarring, also called atrophic scarring: these scars are usually found on the face and neck. There are three types of atrophic scarring, based on their appearance:

• Boxcar: Named for their shape, they look like large, angular pores and usually develop on the cheeks and temples. They’re either deep or shallow.

• Icepick: A classic sign of acne scarring, these deep pits look like a tiny icepick pierced the skin.

• Rolling: Some “bound-down” scars make the skin look wavy.

The following are risk factors for acne scarring:

​

• Deep inflammatory acne marked by swelling, redness, and pain 

• Picking or squeezing acne lesions

• Delayed intervention with acne breakouts

• Genetic component

Treatments for Acne Scarring

There are several approaches to treat acne scarring based on the type and location of the scarring. Options for treating acne scars include:

• Corticosteroids and other medications can be injected into hypertrophic and thickened scars to soften and flatten the scar.

• Collagen-building techniques such as laser resurfacing or microneedling.

• Pulsed Dye Laser: The gold standard in treating redness left behind once the acne lesion heals.

• Surgery: Depending on the scar, a punch elevation technique can lift the base of the scar or the subcision technique can be used to break up the connective tissue tethering down large scars. Certain scars may be treated with excision of the existing scar.  

Services