Beverly Hills Aesthetics

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Tell me about acne.

Acne is one of the most common and stubborn skin problems. Regardless of skin type or lifestyle, approximately 80% of the population will suffer from acne at some point in their lives. Yet many patients fail to respond adequately to current treatment options and others develop problematic side effects. Further, the cost and duration of acne treatment, with topical medications and oral antibiotics, make standard therapy far from ideal.

What are the most common approaches to acne management?

Topical applications, ranging from widely available over-the-counter ointments to prescription creams, are the most popular way of treating acne. In many cases, however, creams often irritate the skin and have minimal long-term effect in actually reducing acne bacteria. Oral antibiotics, although somewhat more effective than topicals, are limited because 40% of acne bacteria are insensitive to oral antibiotics. Additionally, patients must continue the antibiotic regimen for a lengthy period of time (minimum of three-four months) to see results. Since improvement in the patient's condition is often very gradual, permanent scarring may occur before the condition is appropriately managed. Moreover, there is a growing reluctance in the medical community to use antibiotics except when absolutely necessary.

What is ClearLight™ PhotoClearing therapy?

It is a revolutionary technology that gives physicians a highly effective tool for clearing moderate inflammatory acne without side effects, patient discomfort, photosensitivity or downtime. Treatment regimen is short – eight treatments over four weeks will typically achieve impressive results. The results may vary from patient to patient.

How does ClearLight™ treat acne?

The innovative ClearLight™ system is powered by light-based Acne PhotoClearing (APC™) technology, which penetrates the skin and destroys surface and ductal p. acnes bacteria. Its destruction rate surpasses the normal proliferation rate, assuring a decrease in p. acnes bacteria that is unmatched by other treatments. A multi-center clinical study examined the effects of ClearLight™ treatments on more than 120 patients at six centers. The study utilized a high-intensity, 400-watt, enhanced (407-420 nm) metal halide lamp to deliver light to the acne-affected locations. After eight bi-weekly treatments, 80% of the patients, with mild to moderate papulo-pustular acne, showed significant improvement of non-inflammatory, inflammatory and total facial lesions. Inflammatory lesion count decreased by more than 60%. Two weeks after the last treatment, the lesion count decreased by nearly 70%. No side effects of the treatment were observed.

What is ClearLight™ Photodynamic therapy and how does it compare to other acne solutions such as Accutane?

A revolutionary new acne treatment that clears up skin quickly, painlessly and safely in both teens and adults acne patients, eliminating the need for potentially dangerous acne medications. The remarkable advance is called Levulan® Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) and it uses Clearlight™ to kill the bacteria in the skin without damaging tissues. Until recently, the drug Accutane® has been the only solution. Patients are thrilled with Levulan® PDT treatment as an alternative. Family members are scared about the potential side effects from Accutane®, including depression and birth defects. PDT is ideal for patients of all ages, teens and adults. There’s minimal discomfort and it heals quickly. Treatment involves cleansing the face with acetone and then applying Levulan® which makes the acne bacteria more sensitive to Clearlight™. Some patients require only one session, while others need three or four sessions to clear up acne. Teens may need to go back for another treatment in six month to a year. But there is generally no recurrence in adults. The only warning is that the skin is very sensitive to sunlight for 24 –48 hours after treatment. For the first 24 hours patients should stay indoors. For the next 24 hours they should wear SPF 45 sunscreen whenever they are outdoors. Levulan® Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) has totally changed the way we treat acne. Patients’ satisfaction has been incredible. It’s truly a revolutionary breakthrough.