Acne and Acne Scars
Acne is not only a skin disease that affects teenagers. Many adults, especially females in their thirties and forties, experience acne eruption. Acne is not a benign skin disorder; most people who suffer from acne for over two years will have some sort of scarring on their face.
Traditional acne treatment
Over the years, many treatments have been used to treat facial and body acne. These include topical creams and solutions, chemical peels, antibiotics, fruit acids and the potent acne drug, Accutane. Skin irritation is a common side effect of topical treatment, and oral antibiotics have a limited role because of the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Accutane also has many side affects and patient monitoring through blood testing is needed before and during treatment. There have also been recent reports of oral antibiotic’s association with breast cancer and Accutane’s association with depression.
Early light based acne therapy
Acne light therapy is relatively new. The early use of blue and red light was hampered by different factors, including poor penetration of the light source, machines that put out inadequate power, mixed wavelengths with UV light contamination (eg, Blu-U), light-induced hyperpigmentation, as well as failure to achieve both short term and long term benefits. Although photodynamic therapy (PDT) clears up acne faster, it has at least 1-2 days of downtime and it is also more problematic to use on darker skin tones. Blue light and PDT do not treat acne scars. Some older infrared lasers are extremely painful and frequently cause pigmentation changes; they are therefore not ideal for Asian or Mediterranean skin types.
Advantages of laser in treatment of acne scars
The treatment is almost painless and safe to use on ALL skin types, and it is extremely effective, judging by the extensive body of evidence from Europe, USA and Asia. Post-operative care is unnecessary, there is no need for sun avoidance and the treatment is very cost-effective. Like Accutane, it treats the skin’s oil glands, the root of all acne. But, unlike Accutane, the laser treats both acne and acne scars. It works as fast as Accutane without the fuss of blood tests and moisturizers. At Richmond’s Reviva Medical Laser & Vein Clinic, combination treatments with vascular and pigment lasers as well as other light sources are used to give optimal results, along with a program of medical creams.
What is new in 2009 for acne scar repair?
While shallow acne scars respond adequately to laser, deeper scars are more problematic. As of January 2009, we are able to provide ASCeS for acne scar revision. This is an revolutionay surgical technique available to all acne scar sufferers. Follow this link to learn more about the technique we use. The result can surpass many lasers in the market without the pain, cost and downtime. This is a very powerful and effective method to correct deep scars.
Before |
After ASCeS (untouched photo) |
if you have any questions or concerns, please e-mail or contact us at 604-233-0878
Questions & Answers:
Are the acne/acne scar laser treatments painful?
Most acne/acne scar laser treatments are almost painless. There is mild discomfort with certain laser procedures, but generally speaking, there is no need for any form of anesthesia. The treatment is very gentle and even soothing.
How many laser treatments are needed for improvement?
It depends on the person; most people need 4-6 laser treatments for optimum results. For blue/red/infrared light treatment, a series of eight treatments over six weeks has shown to be very effective in eradicating acne.
Does the acne come back after laser treatment?
Acne can come back after any treatment. The laser or acne drugs will not alter your hormones or prevent the reappearance of the sebaceous glands that cause acne. We know that a regular maintenance program is often necessary to keep acne under control. This may involve just medication or a combination of medications and laser/light procedures.
When should I consider laser treatment instead of acne medication?
In the majority of patients (80%), topical treatment alone can achieve good acne control. However, there are some people who will not tolerate topical medication or topical treatment fails to achieve a satisfactory result. These individuals should do well with laser treatment for acne. Patients who fail oral medication, including Accutane, are excellent candidates for laser treatment.
How long does the treatment benefit last?
It varies between individuals. We have these technologies for a number of months. From our experience, We are confident that the result obtained from the treatment is more durable than any topical cream or oral antibiotics. The textural improvement from the treatment surpasses what the topical treatment can achieve.
How do I know if the treatment is suitable for me?
The treatment is safe in all skin type. It is particularly suitable for people with sensitive skin and have trouble tolerating many topical acne preparation.
How soon can I have a laser procedure after discontinuing Accutane?
Usually three to six months afterwards. People who find that their skin becomes oily again after discontinuing Accutane may initiate laser treatment. However, the treatment should be approached with caution.
Can I return to my usual activities right afterward after Aramis acne laser or PPx treatment?
Yes. There is no redness, scabbing or discomfort after the treatment. You can plan your usual activities right after your appointment. Very rarely, minor bruising can be seen after PPx treatment but that really should not interfere with your daily activities.
What is the cost of the treatment?
The treatment cost depends on the procedure given. The cost is roughly equivalent to a course of Accutane. However, the result is obtained without the side effect and complications of Accutane. No blood test is needed.
What is the response rate of the laser and light treatment?
From our experience, almost 100% of our patients respond to treatment. Dr. Ngai supervises all the treatment progress. Appropriate medical therapy is given along side the laser procedure to ensure success if the procedure. Our patients are very pleased with the result of the treatment.
Can I undergo treatment if I plan to get pregnant?
Absolutely. We can categorically state that this is the preferred treatment option for people who is trying to conceive. Firstly, while there is great concern for the use of oral antibiotics, and Accutane in women in their reproductive period of their lives, there is absolutely no evidence that laser and light therapy poses any harm. We will discuss with you the suitable treatment protocol and precaution if you plan to get pregnant during the treatment interval.
Can I use my regular acne products along side with the treatment?
Yes. In fact, we recommend you to continue your usual skin care regimen if it helps you with breakouts. We will recommend the best medical regimen for you after a thorough skin consultation.
I was told by my doctor that I am unsuitable for laser therapy because my skin is too dark (thin, sensitive, delicate etc.).
I agree with your doctor and what you read in some website. However, we have modified our treatment approach and usual protocol. Our technology and unique methodology are 100% safe and effective in the darkest skin type. Our practice deals with Type I (very light) to Type V (East Indian, Filipinos, darker Chinese, Malaysians etc). We also have experience with Type VI ( Black skin). The result is equally satisfactory across the skin spectrum. Our laser and light treatment is by far safer, less irritating and more efficacious than any topical medications, hormonal treatment, and oral antibiotics. The result comes close to Accutane therapy.
What are the differences between chemical peels for acne and laser treatment?
Chemical peels can be used in combination with laser treatment, and we frequently utilize the two procedures. Dr. Ngai has worked with chemical peels and lasers for many years and is very comfortable with taking advantage of this technology for acne treatment.
