Acne

                                                          ACNE


There are different grades of acne, ranging from small open or closed comedones all the way up to deeper cystic and nodular lesions. Treatments for all grades of acne are designed to control the outbreak because as of yet there is no cure for this condition. Patients need to be evaluated in order to determine which method of control will best suit their particular condition. Grade 1 or acne simplex is very unlikely to cause scarring. It is the patient with Grades III and IV acne that have the greatest risk of scarring. Getting your acne under control is the best way to reduce the risk of scars and hyperpigmentation.

There are several ways in which to treat and control acne outbreaks.  All patients with active acne should be on a good home based skin care regime.  The most important treatment for this condition is what you do at home everyday.  For outbreaks that do not fully respond to home care products, we have several options at our disposal.  Dr. Motazedi may need to prescribe medications to augment the effect of your skin care regime.  Laser treatments like the Spectra Peel™, Blu-U Therapy or Levulan may be needed for more difficult cases.

The Spectra Peel™ is a laser based treatment developed by the manufacturer of the Lutronics laser.  This peel is designed to shrink the oil producing glands in the skin that start the acne process.  It also helps exfolliate the skin's surface and the light from the laser destroys Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria responsible for acne formation.  A fine layer of carbon lotion is applied to the skin's surface and the carbon is removed with several passes of laser light.  This vaporization process opens up clogged pores, removes blackheads, shrinks the oil glands, kills bacteria and helps dry up active acne lesions.  Makeup can be applied the next day.  Treatments are usually performed every two to three weeks.  Most patients will require four to six treatments to get maxium result.

Blu U Therapy works by killing off the bacteria responsible for acne outbreak (P. acnes).  It is painless and can be used on all skin types.  Treatments are done twice a week for four weeks and maintanence may be required. If patients have deep cystic acne then Levulan, a medication that is made from a naturally occuring substance found in our environment, may be applied prior to the Blu U treatment.  Levulan comes in a liquid ampule and is applied directly to the surface to be treated.  It is activated by the blue light from the Blu U and causes the oil producing glands to shrink.  It also kills off the P. acnes bacteria and dries up the sebum within the skin. Levulan treatment will cause the epidermis to exfolliate, thereby opening up clogged pores.  Patients will experience a mild to moderate sunburn reaction and because Levulan causes photosensitivity, patients will need to remain indoors for 36 hours following treatment.  Most patients will need three to six Levulan treatments to acheive maximum result and treatments are scheduled one a month. 

Dr. Motazedi will need to evaluate each patient prior to deciding the best course of treatment. The cost of an acne consultation is $75.