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About Acne
Acne is something most of us have experienced at one time or another. As many as
three out of four teenagers have experienced it to some extent. It is most prevalent
during adolescence because hormonal changes stimulate the sebaceous glands (oil
glands) into producing more sebum (oil), increasing the chance of acne. While mos
t people outgrow acne in their late teens or early twenties, many continue to be
affected much longer. Aggravation of acne in later life may occur with menstrual
periods, use of birth control pills, use of oil-based products and stress.
What causes acne?
Acne occurs when the oil produced by sebaceous glands does not reach the surface of
the skin but is trapped in tiny pores or follicles. This plug may close off the pore,
causing the follicle wall to bulge, which creates a whitehead. If the pore stays open, the
top surface of the plug may become darkened, causing a blackhead. In both cases, the
bacteria, P. acnes, thrives in the clogged follicles. When the bacteria and pus leak from
the follicle into the surrounding tissue, pimples are formed.
Common acne scar treatments
Injections with Artesense™, Restylane®, and Radiesse™ are good treatments for shallow
and deep acne scars. These fillers can be injected into the area of the scar, smoothing
depressions. Results are immediately apparent. Patients usually require touch-up treat-
ments every 6 months to 2 years.
Microdermabrasion can be likened to a superficial “skin polishing” using micro-crystals
vacuumed over your skin’s surface to remove damaged skin cells. These gentle
treatments can provide noticeable improvement to acne scars. The treatments are
progressive and are applied through a course of weekly sessions.
Chemical Peels use a chemical solution to burn away the fine outer layers of the skin.
The solutions are available in several strengths, depending on the degree of peeling
desired. Healing can take from 3 days to 3 weeks. A new, smoother layer of skin is
then formed.
Non-Ablative Laser Treatments do not require anesthesia, as they are not painful and
there is no downtime. Most patients receive a series of about 5 treatments. Depending
on the type of acne scar, improvement can be dramatic. The improvement is gradual
and continues to improve even after the treatment stops.
With all of these procedures at our disposal, your treatment can be tailored to achieve
your expectations.
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