Acne

Causes of Acne

Normal skin contains oil glands under the skin that produce an oily substance called sebum. The sebum moves from the bottom to the top of each hair follicle and then spills out onto the surface of the skin, taking with it sloughed-off skin cells. When you develop acne, the structure in which the sebum flows gets plugged up. This blockage traps the sebum and sloughed off cells below the skin, preventing them from being released onto the skin's surface.

If your pore's opening is fully blocked, a whitehead will be produced and if the pore’s opening is open, a blackhead is created. Red pustules or papules can be produced if a whitehead or blackhead becomes inflamed. It is important to not pick or scratch at the lesions because it can make them inflamed, leading to long-term scarring. It is commonly seen on the face, neck, upper back, chest, and upper arms of individuals between 12 and 24 years of age.  Stress, genetic and mechanical factors, hormonal changes, and certain drugs (steroids) can make it worse.

How does acne respond to laser treatment?

The laser kills the bacteria which in turn reduces the signs of acne.

What does the laser treatment feel like?

You may feel a very mild burning sensation.  No anesthesia is required.

Does it work?

Laser therapy is helpful in persons with inflammatory acne under 25 years of age.  It should reduce acne by about 60% after five weekly sessions.  It can be used in conjunction with microdermabrasion.  Laser therapy should not be performed on people who have taken Accutane in the previous six months.

Side effects.

There may be minimal redness but no serious side effects should occur.

How long will the procedure take?

Less than 30 minutes is usually required to treat an entire face.   

How much does the laser treatment cost?

$450 for five sessions usually spaced one week apart. 

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