 |
 |
|
What is acne? Acne is a common chronic skin condition caused by inflammation of oil-producing sebaceous glands. Acne usually begins between the ages of ten and thirteen and persists for five to ten years. Acne is most common on the face, but can also occur on the back, shoulders, neck, chest, scalp, upper arms and legs. Acne develops when the skin cells don’t shed properly — they stick together and plug up the pores. This blockage encourages an oil called sebum and a bacteria called p.acnes to build up in the skin pores, leading to inflammation. Can acne be prevented? How is it treated? Acne is a fact of life for many adolescents. Approximately 90% of all adolescents and 25% of all adults experience acne at some point in their lives. In adolescents, acne breakouts are related to the natural release of androgen hormones, which occur during puberty. In adult women, acne is often related to the monthly menstrual cycle. Contrary to popular belief, acne is not caused by eating chocolate, greasy foods or bad hygiene. In the U.S. alone, over one billon dollars is spent on acne medications and treatments each year. In many instances, the money spent yields less than satisfactory results, is cumbersome or causes side effects. Conventional treatments include over-the-counter cleansers and lotions, prescription antibiotics, retinoids and hormonal therapies. What is ClearLight™? How does it work? The ClearLight system uses a unique high-intensity blue-violet light that activates the bacteria-fighting militia called porphyrins. The porphyrins start a chemical reaction that produces peroxide, which destroys the P. acnes bacteria. What happens during a ClearLight treatment? With ClearLight, a typical treatment session requires approximately 15-20 minutes. Patients lie comfortably on a bed while the therapeutic light is applied; sometimes there is a slight warming sensation. ClearLight treatments are described as easy, even relaxing, but most importantly, safe and painless. Patients often listen to music while being treated. How many ClearLight treatments are required? Physicians develop treatment plans based on individual patient needs. Typically, ClearLight treatments are given twice a week for four weeks. It is important to keep treatment appointments recommended by the doctor in order to see maximum results. The ClearLight system effectively clears 70%-90% of moderate, inflammatory acne in four weeks. Results are especially impressive when compared with conventional treatments, such as topical creams and oral antibiotics. Will skin be blemish-free at the end of the ClearLight Treatments? Though the inflammation will be gone for a majority of patients, some may experience residual redness where the inflamed blemish was located. The redness will dissipate over time. ClearLight treatments usually help control acne breakouts for four to eight months; after that, occasional touch ups may be necessary. Is ClearLight safe? Are there any side effects? ClearLight is one of the safest acne treatments available. The system’s blue-violet light penetrates just deep enough into the tissue to reach the acne target, without adversely affecting surrounding skin. ClearLight has no known side effects. Who can be treated with ClearLight? Most people can benefit from treatment. ClearLight has proven to be very effective on mild to moderate, inflammatory acne. Pregnant women and people with photosensitivities should consult with their physician. Do patients need to prepare their skin before coming in for a treatment? Yes. The affected area should be washed with a mild acne cleanser, then rinsed with water and dried. Women should remove makeup before treatment sessions, and should only wear oil-free make-up between appointments. Make-up can be re-applied immediately after a treatment session has been concluded. What type of skincare is needed between treatments? Patients should consult with their physicians regarding the daily use of a non-irritating, anti-acne cleanser such as salicylic acid. Patients should avoid touching or picking blemishes at all times. Are ClearLight treatments FDA-cleared? Yes. The ClearLight system is the first device to receive FDA clearance to market for the safe and effective treatment of moderate inflammatory acne. After eight, regularly spaced treatments, patients show significant improvement with no side effects noted. More information is available regarding clinical studies involving the ClearLight System in the Links and Resources page. Are light-based treatments covered by insurance? Insurance reimbursement varies from state to state and carrier to carrier. It’s best for prospective patients and/or their families to consult with individual carriers for more information.^ Return to Top |
|
|
|
||
  |
||
  |
||
|
||
|
||
|
Treatment for: Acne |
||
 |
|
| |
|
