Acne Treatment

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. Acne is characterized by obstructed sebaceous glands, pimples and sometimes deeper cysts or nodules that occur on the face, neck, chest, back, upper arms and shoulders. Most people who have acne are teenagers or young adults but adults too can suffer with acne.

What causes acne?
Acne appears when a pore in the skin clogs. This clog begins with dead skin cells. Normally, dead skin cells rise to surface of the pore, and the body sheds the cells. When the body starts to make lots of sebum (oil that keeps the skin from drying out), the dead skin cells can stick together inside the pore. Instead of rising to the surface, the cells become trapped inside the pore. Sometimes bacteria that live on the skin, known as p. acnes, also get inside the clogged pore. Inside the pore, the bacteria have a perfect environment for multiplying very quickly. With loads of bacteria inside, the pore becomes inflamed and when the inflammation goes deep into the skin, an acne cyst or nodule appears.

Why treat acne?

• Without treatment, dark spots can appear on the skin as acne clears.

• When severe, acne can often result in scarring. Even less severe cases can lead to scarring, if not properly treated.

• Treating acne may help boost a person’s self-esteem.

All cases of acne are not the same and they will not respond to the same types of treatments. To diagnose acne, Dr. Karina Bibicheff will first examine your skin during your Consultation to make sure you have acne. Vita MedSpa offers the latest technology available for the treatment of acne:

• Photodynamic Therapy (Levulan)

• Acne Lasers

• Chemical peels, Facials and Microdermabrasion

• Pixel Laser for Acne Scars

 
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
This is a special treatment performed with a topical photosensitizing agent called Levulan activated with the correct wavelength of light. This treatment remove the actinic keratosis, minimize pores and reduce oil glands, effectively treating stubborn acne vulgaris, acne rosacea, and improve the appearance of some acne scars. Sun damage, fine lines, and blotchy pigmentation are also improved with this treatment.

Acne Laser
Acne Laser can destroy the oil (sebaceous) glands in the dermis, without harming the outer layer of skin, causing them to produce less oil. It also targets Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), the bacterium that causes acne inflammation. Side effects of Acne laser treatment include temporary redness and swelling of the treated areas. 

Pixel Laser for Acne Scars
The Pixel laser is a fractionated Erbium ablative laser that resurfaces the skin, helping to smooth out acne scars, and improving the overall texture and appearance of the skin. Pixel laser works by creating micro-perforations on the surface of the skin that penetrate down to the level of the dermis and it heats up the deeper layers to stimulate collagen, plumping up the scars to make them less noticeable. Since each treatment builds upon the last, a series of treatments is recommended to achieve optimal results.

Facial, Chemical Peels & Microdermabrasion
Combination therapies of Deep Cleansing Facial, Chemical Peels and Microdermabrasion may be recommended to clean the pores and effectively control acne.