What is Acne?
Acne, sometimes referred to as acne vulgaris in the medical field, is a persistent skin condition that develops when the hair follicles on the face become blocked with oil and dead skin cells. It primarily manifests itself in regions of the body that contain a disproportionately large number of oil glands, including the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders. Millions of people suffer with acne. Pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and painful cysts are its symptoms. Acne frequently starts in youth but can affect self-esteem and well-being throughout maturity.
Dr Shuai Wang can make recommendations and write prescriptions for prescription-strength acne drugs that are individualized to meet the requirements of each patient. Oral antibiotics, retinoid, and possibly even additional specialty treatments could be included in these drugs. Additionally, Dr. Wang is able to prescribe compounded topical treatments for acne. These medications are tailor-made formulations that are produced to suit the unique concerns and requirements of each individual patient's skin. Because of Dr. Wang's competence, patients are guaranteed to receive therapy that is both comprehensive and individualized for the treatment of their acne.
Although there are several acne treatments, some people opt for laser therapy to alleviate their concerns.
Inflammatory acne on the cheeks of a female adult
What the Procedure Involves:
Dr. Shuai Wang, a qualified healthcare professional, plays a pivotal role in the acne therapy process. One of her examples is that she uses laser to treat acne. Acne laser therapy involves the following steps:
Consultation: Before the procedure, patients meet with a dermatologist or qualified healthcare professional like Dr. Shuai Wang to assess their skin condition and discuss treatment options.
Preparation: On the day of the procedure, the patient's skin is cleansed, and a topical numbing cream may be applied to minimize discomfort during treatment.
Laser Application: The laser device emits focused light energy, which penetrates the skin to target the sebaceous glands that produce excess oil. This process reduces oil production and promotes the growth of collagen, which helps improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of scars.
Post-Treatment Care: After the procedure, patients may experience redness and swelling, which typically subsides within a few days to a week. Sun protection is crucial during the recovery period.
Whether the Procedure is New or Experimental?
Laser treatment for acne is not a new or untested method. It has been used for a long time and has a good track record of treating acne and acne scars well. There are many different kinds of lasers and light-based devices, and a lot of research has been done on their safety and effectiveness.
What are the possible Outcomes of the Procedure, in the short and long term?
Short-term results:
- Reduced Acne Lesions: Patients generally observe a short-term decrease in acne lesions.
- Improved Skin Texture: Laser therapy reduces acne scars and smooths skin.
Long-term results:
- Laser therapy often leads to long-term acne remission.
- Continuous Improvement: Collagen stimulation can enhance skin texture months after therapy.
What are the Risks and Possible Complications associated with the procedure?
Acne laser therapy is typically safe, however, risks and consequences include:
- Skin discoloration: Rarely, skin pigmentation can change permanently.
- Scarring: Laser therapy reduces scarring, however, it may cause or aggravate scars.
- Some individuals may experience discomfort during the treatment despite topical numbing medications.
Contraindications:
There is a possibility that acne laser therapy is not appropriate for everyone. It is generally not suggested for people who have the following conditions:
- Patients who are currently suffering from active skin infections should hold off on laser therapy until the infection has been successfully treated and cleared up.
- Laser therapy is often not recommended for use during pregnancy due to the potential dangers that it could provide to the growing fetus.
Costs
The cost of acne laser treatment depends on a number of things, like the type of laser used, how many sessions are needed, and where you live. A single lesson usually costs between $300 and $500 or more.
Results
Acne laser therapy does not produce instant results, and it may take multiple sessions until the condition is improved to the desired level. After the final treatment session, you might not see the full results for a few months. It varies from person to person how much of an improvement they experience.
Aftercare of the Procedure
After going through acne laser treatment, patients should do these important things:
- Protect yourself from the sun by staying out of direct sunlight and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. The sun can make it more likely that there will be problems after a treatment.
- Gentle Skin Care: To clean and moisturize the treated area, use mild skin care items that won't irritate the skin. May resume actives 7 days after.
- The skin may appear flushed and there may be warmth in the treated skin.
- Avoid the gym, spa, and sauna for 24 hours.
- Avoid products containing active ingredients for 2-7 days dependent on treatment.
- Avoid direct sun exposure and exfoliation for 7 days for all treatments.
- Follow-up visits: Go to all your doctor’s follow-up visits to check on your progress and talk about any worries you have.
Pre procedure laser care:
- No makeup/lotion/deodorant on the day of your appointment (on treatment area).
- Stay out of direct sunlight for at least 3 days prior to your appointment (& 3 days after).
- Do not use self-tanner or spray tan products for at least 2 weeks before your treatment to avoid potential injury.
- Avoid drinking more than 2 alcoholic beverages 24 hours before your treatment.
- Avoid waxing/threading/tweezing in the area for at least 4 weeks.
- Please disclose to Dr Wang your skincare routine, including active ingredients you use in your skincare.
- Please disclose to Dr Wang if you have ever had cold sores.
- Please disclose to Dr Wang all the supplements you take.