Orange County PDT Laser Acne Treatment: scars, face, back, levulan

Acne is caused when sebaceous glands in the skin become plugged and infected over and over again, producing acne blemishes and scars. Most acne treatments are antibiotic, designed to attack the bacteria that invades 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 becoming infected again.

For mild to moderate acne we use the Aura-i™ laser 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 totally 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. Your medical practitioner 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.

For severe and nodular cystic acne we use a new procedure that treats active acne as well as older acne scars leaving your skin smoother. The procedure is called Photodynamic Acne Treatment using Levulan. Photodynamic Acne Treatment is a process by which a photosensitizing agent (Levulan) is applied to your skin. The Levulan is then activated with a specific wavelength of light, which "turns it on".

Photodynamic Acne Treatment is done as follows: The Levulan is applied to your skin and left on for 30-60 minutes. Levulan is a clear solution and painless. Levulan is then activated with a specific wavelength of light . The Levulan targets active cells. Acne sebaceous glands are active cells. These cells preferentially absorb Levulan, and these cells are targeted by the Levulan once it is activated; hence the term, photodynamic therapy. The Levulan will also target sebaceous hyperplasia (which are those small (1-3 mm), benign, bumps on your skin) and the papules of acne rosacea. Skin oiliness is decreased, and the appearance of pores is minimized. The entire skin texture improves following a Photodynamic Acne Treatment. The "downside" of Photodynamic treatment (PDT)is that you will be red and have some skin peeling (and crusting if you have skin cancers) for several days after the treatment. Usually, the first 1-2 days are the worst. Pressed mineral base by Jane Iredale (available in our office) will hide most of the redness. We advise remaining indoors the day following your treatment to avoid sun exposure, as you are photosensitive for about 24 hours after PDT. We advise 2-3 treatments at 2-3 week intervals to obtain optimal results. There are no systemic side effects.