| TREATMENT
OPTIONS
Skin care products
An appropriate skin care plan at home is always a good place to start.
Our cosmeceutical pharmacy carries a wide selection of dermatologist-researched
non-prescription skin care products specifically developed to improve
acne-prone skin without the harshness or dryness often associated with
the use of typical prescription products. Bacteria-fighting and oil-reducing
cleansers, oil-free moisturizers, and/or alpha- or beta-hydroxy acid treatment
products may be suggested by Dr. Young or her staff.
Prescription Medications
Prescription medications are available, and can also be very
effective, but tend to be more costly. Oral antibiotics are sometimes
prescribed for moderate or severe cases of acne, especially when a patient
has significant chest and back involvement, however, with so many other
treatment options now available, oral acne treatments are becoming a thing
of the past. Dr. Mitch Goldman, a prominent Southern California Dermatologist,
recently stated at the annual American Society for Laser Medicine and
Surgery Conference that he is able to treat his acne patients very effectively
without the use of oral medications. We are happy to know that our progressive
treatment theories are right in-line with Dr. Goldman’s. Our health
care team makes every effort to control acne without the use of pills
because there are usually associated side effects although they can be
appropriate in some cases.
Medical Combo Aesthetician Treatments
This 30 minute procedure is delivered by our aesthetic staff. It is a
combination of a glycolic acid chemical peel with a complimentary preparatory
microdermabrasion. After a special skin cleansing, the small wand of the
microdermabrasion machine is passed across the surface of the skin. Crystals
expelled through the wand exfoliate the skin. Next, an anti-acne chemical
peel containing glycolic acid and other ingredients is applied for up
to two minutes and is then thoroughly rinsed off. Patients are usually
mildly pink after this treatment and can immediately resume normal activities
with sunblock and/or makeup to protect the skin. The skin will likely
be flaky a few days following this procedure, and this is the “peel”
part of a chemical peel.
Acne Surgery
Also known as “medical extractions” this is performed by our
aesthetic staff. A relatively painless 30 to 45 minute procedure it removes
impacted comedones, which are more commonly known as whiteheads and blackheads.
After a thorough anti-bacterial cleansing, special instruments are used
to gently remove the comedone. Next, an acne-appropriate chemical peel
is applied for up to two minutes and then is thoroughly rinsed off. The
peel also has exfoliating properties and it reduces oil blockages associated
with the acne process. The treated skin usually is somewhat flaky a few
days afterwards.
Smoothbeam Laser Treatments
The Candela Smoothbeam laser at Black Hills Dermatology and Laser Surgery
Centre is a major advance in the treatment of acne. A recent medical study
shows reductions in acne lesions exceeding 98% in as few as four 20-minute
Smoothbeam laser sessions with greater than 6 months remission of the
lesions.
Smoothbeam laser technology is particularly well-suited for the treatment
of acne because it provides for the selective targeting of the sebaceous
glands (oil-producing glands) in the skin, visibly shrinking size and
decreasing the oil production that is often associated with acne problems.
Smoothbeam results can be compared to those of the oral acne medication
isotretinoin (Accutane), but improvement is achieved without the systemic
side effects.
Smoothbeam and V-Beam
Combination Laser Treatments
Our V-Beam laser may be combined with the Smoothbeam laser whenever redness
and inflammation are associated with acne. Both lasers are utilized by
Dr. Young during this efficient acne treatment. The most common side-effect
is pinkness which usually resolves within a few hours. Procedures are
very well tolerated and are usually alternated with regular Smoothbeam
treatments.
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