Acne Laser Treatments: San Francisco Aesthetics
What is acne?
Acne occurs when a pilosebaceous unit – a sebaceous oil gland connected to a hair follicle – becomes clogged and inflamed. Pilosebaceous units are found in greatest concentration on the face, back and chest. The formation of an acnitic comodome or cyst begins when one of these units sheds old cells too quickly. The cells clump together and form a plug that causes the follicle to become clogged. Sebum, oil released from the sebaceous gland, as well as naturally occurring bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes then collect within the follicle. As the bacteria multiplies, it produces chemicals that result in inflammation in the surrounding tissue, resulting in the redness, swelling and sometimes pain that is familiar to many acne patients.
What procedures are available to treat my acne?
Dr. Tsai offers two procedures for the treatment of acne: Photopneumatics acne laser and Dusa Blu-U with Levulan. Both of these treatments work best alongside a dermatologist-supervised acne care regimen.
Photopneumatics Acne Laser
The Photopneumatics acne laser is used to treat active cysts resulting from severe cystic acne. This treatment employs a vacuum to apply gentle pressure to open your pores while a laser destroys acne-causing bacteria within them. This treatment also helps to soften and remove dead skin cells and other debris from deep within your pores, resulting in radiant, clear skin that is purified from the inside out.
Dusa Blu-U with Levulan
For moderate to severe cystic acne, the Dusa Blu-U blue light photodynamic therapy is used in combination with a topical photosensitizer called Levulan. Together they comprise a process known as photodynamic therapy. Photodynamic therapy involves three mechanisms of action against acne, fighting it by:
- Killing the bacteria that triggers acne
- Exfoliating of the skin to unclog pores
- Reducing the size of the sebaceous glands underneath the skin
With repeated treatment, patients typically see a significant long-term reduction in acne symptoms including break outs, redness, and inflammation.
Acne laser treatments reduce acne outbreaks and can serve as treatments to reduce acne scarring and discoloration. Treatments usually take less than 30 minutes and involve only mild discomfort and short recovery times.
In addition to laser and blue light therapies, topical medications are also usually recommended.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Tsai to discuss the laser treatment of acne, please contact SF Aesthetics and Laser Center at 415-885-2737.
