Acne Treatment

Acne Laser Treatment

What is the Smoothbeam laser?
The Smoothbeam Laser produces an intense but gentle burst of light that selectively alters the sebaceous glands that are the cause of acne without damaging the surrounding tissue. The epidermis is protected during the treatment with the Dynamic Cooling Device, which sprays a cooling cryogen mist onto the skin before and after each laser pulse, which also increases comfort.

Over 80% of skin is made up of water. The Smoothbeam laser emits a wavelength of light that is strongly absorbed by water in the skin. As the laser penetrates into the skin, heat is generated in and around the sebaceous glands in the upper layers of your skin. The heating of the sebaceous glands creates a mild thermal injury that changes the structure and function of the glands.


How does the laser work?
Laser Acne Therapy, the first FDA approved drugless treatment for acne that actually addresses its cause and has shown impressive results without the side effects associated with traditional over-the-counter and prescription treatments.

This non-surgical acne treatment, known as Laser Acne Therapy , works by the use of laser-emitting beams of invisible light which pulsate through the layers of the skin and are absorbed by the oil-producing sebaceous glands themselves.

Additionally, the thermal effect produced by this process also kills the bacteria found within the clogged pores while decreasing the oil production at its source, thus substantially reducing the number of acne blemishes.


How many treatments will I need?
In most cases, four to six treatments are recommended for best results.  You will notice a gradual reduction in the number and severity of acne lesions over the next three weeks after your treatment.


How frequently will the treatments be performed?
Typically treatments are performed every three to four weeks.


How long will the laser treatment take?
The duration of your laser treatment depends on the size of the area you wish to have treated. Most treatments last between 10 to 30 minutes.

Are There Other Procedures To Help My Acne?
Yes, Medical Microdermabrasion, combined with a few medical grade products, work to enhance Laser Acne Therapy. Combination therapy thus yields great additive effects.


Is the treatment permanent?
Unfortunately, as of yet, there is no "cure" for acne. The reason is we cannot change our genetics or completely remove the oil from our skin (and if we could we wouldn't want to because of its many important functions). However, Laser Acne Therapy , the first FDA approved drugless treatment for acne, usually offers dramatic improvements. Laser therapy effectively clears 70%-90% of moderate inflammatory acne in four to six weeks. Results are especially impressive when compared with conventional treatments, such as topical creams and oral antibiotics. Since the treatment can now address the cause of your acne at its source, outbreaks can effectively be controlled for approximately four to eight months; after that only occasional touch-ups may be necessary.


Are there other ways to treat my acne?
Many clients have already tried one or more over-the-counter topical acne products that are currently available. Other alternatives are anti-biotic therapy and in severe acne cases Roaccutane. Each alternative has its own pros and cons.

So while these products do a decent job at killing surface bacteria and removing some of the excess skin oils, they are unsuccessful at producing long-term results because they cannot address the cause of the acne which is actually located below the skin surface, the over-production of oil by the oil-producing glands themselves.
Therefore, unless you can stop the excess oil production at the source, you're not going to stop the bacteria, nor are you going to stop acne & acne scar formation.


Are there any reasons that would not make me a candidate for Smoothbeam therapy?
Clients with darker skin tones may be at an increased risk of hyper pigmentation and hypo pigmentation. We usually perform a skin test on darker skinned clients prior to treatment to make sure the Smoothbeam is safe to use on your skin.

If you have recent sun exposure or have a significant sunburn, you will not be treated until all residual effects have resolved.


Will the laser treatment hurt?
The DCD (Dynamic Cooling Device) which is built into the laser system, delivers a short burst or spray of cryogen just prior to and after the laser pulse is delivered. The DCD has been instrumental in reducing pain associated with treatment as well as reducing the possibility of blister/scab formation. Topical anesthetic can be used if requested. The feeling of a laser pulse has been described as being snapped by a rubber band or a slight stinging sensation. Following laser treatment, the area may continue to feel warm like sunburn.

A small test area can be performed before the entire area is treated to evaluate your pain tolerance. Most patients tolerate this procedure without any need for anesthesia.


Should I continue to use my acne creams and medications?
Most over the counter and prescription creams and medications can be continued during the treatment.  However, use of the drug Roaccutane must be ceased.


Can the laser work on other areas in addition to the face?
Yes, in addition to the face and neck, the laser has been used on the back area and could be used anywhere you might have acne.


How will my face look after the treatment?
Immediately after the treatment, there will be mild redness and swelling in the area treated. This will subside in about one hour. There are rarely any other after effects.


What happens after the treatment?
Most patients experience mild redness and a mild sunburn like sensation in the treatment areas for four to eight hours after treatment. You can return to your normal activities immediately following treatment (no sun exposure).

Do not, however, plan any important social engagement for the same day as your treatment. Do not use make-up or lotion or any other cover-up in the area of treatment for at least 12 hours after treatment; this would not allow for heat dissipation from your skin and may cause blistering or pigment changes.


What can I do to help prevent new acne formation?
Although Laser Acne Therapy treats acne at the source leaving you with clearer looking skin, there are still some things you should do to assist your body with the healing process and promote healthy skin. They are as follows:

    - Use Skinstitut products, as they specifically formulated for acne skin.
    - To help control bacteria transfer, wash your hands more frequently and avoid putting your fingers and hands to your face unnecessarily. Additionally, avoid resting your face on your hands while you read, study, or watch TV.
    - Although greasy foods or chocolate do not cause acne, if a certain food produces an allergic acne reaction avoid it at all costs.
    * Since stress can decrease our body's immune response and slow down healing, practice stress-reduction strategies such as exercise and meditation.
    - Avoid getting sunburned.
    - Eat right and get plenty of sleep - proper diet and rest will keep your immune system strong to fight acne-forming bacteria.
    - Don't squeeze or scratch your skin pimples; this can lead to scar formation.

Remember, although these measures are the best defense against the spread or development of new acne they still cannot alter the cause , nor can you change your genetics. Therefore, as time passes, you may find that you need "touch-ups" if new acne surfaces.


How does the Smoothbeam help improve the look of acne scars?
Aside from treating your acne, the same laser energy level used to treat your acne also works in elevating depressed or pitted acne scars. Laser Acne Therapy achieves this by penetrating the dermal layer of the skin and producing new dermal collagen to elevate the depression. In a short period of time, as this new collagen begins to build up, the appearance of the scar will lessen. Minor acne scarring can actually fade away with time.

Whilst there is no current method or therapy that will completely remove scars, the Smoothbeam laser can improve the look and feel of most scars. Multiple treatments are usually necessary to achieve improvement; the amount of improvement depends on the size and severity of the scar.


Will all my scars improve?
This laser works best with atrophic scars and a 40-50% improvement can be expected. The smaller "ice pick" scars are less responsive.

Will the laser improve my scars and my existing acne?
Yes, if you have active acne, the laser will treat that problem at the same time. In fact, by treating this acne, you will prevent further scarring. There is no extra charge for this benefit.