Orange County Laser Acne Treatment

Cause of Acne
Acne is caused by overactivity of the sebaceous glands in the skin which causes excess production of sebum. The pores of the skin become plugged by the excess sebum and get infected over and over again, producing acne blemishes and scars. Most acne treatments are antibiotics, designed to attack the bacteria that invade the sebaceous glands. The problem with antibiotic treatments, as well as sun lamp or blue light treatments is re-infection. New laser technology disables the glands, preventing them from producing too much sebum thus decreasing the incindence of infection.



Mild to Moderate Acne
For mild to moderate acne we use the Aura-iT laser which delivers a light pulse through the skin's surface, targeting an organic compound generated by the acne bacteria called porphyrin. These porphyrins are photosensitive and when targeted by light, generate oxygen, which kill the acne bacteria that cause inflammation. This is a completely new approach to the treatment of acne for teens, women who experience breakouts during menstruation, and other acne suffers.
Acne laser treatments frequently start with a four treatment course, two per week for two weeks. More treatments may be needed for those with more severe acne. Many patients describe the laser pulses as feeling like the snap of a rubber band against the skin however treatments done over active lesions may be more uncomfortable. Dr. Roham may recommend a topical anesthetic in order to make treatments more comfortable. Immediately following the procedure patients may experience mild to moderate redness and swelling that will fade in as little as a couple hours to as much as a few days; most patients find their acne improves after two weeks of twice weekly treatments, while many patients continue to improve over the months following treatment. Dr Roham often adds topical Retinoids, antibiotics and benzyl peroxide to your treatment regimen in order to ensure quicker resolution of the acne.