Fraxel - Acne SCAR and Surgical Scar treatment

Scars are depressions or indentations in the skin that occur after a medical condition such as acne or after a surgical incision. Especially when they're on the face or other visible areas, scars can carry the stigma of adolescent acne long after the acne is gone, or they can serve as unpleasant reminders of a past surgery.

Acne scars can occur as the skin heals from pimples, whiteheads and blackheads that form when oil, bacteria and dead cells get stuck below the skin's surface. Acne scars are typically indented marks or raised, red areas that sometimes give the skin a wavy appearance. Surgical scars, meanwhile, form naturally as skin heals from an incision.

In the decade since Fraxel first pioneered true fractional laser technology, physicians around the world have treated more than 800,000 patients. That’s nearly a million treatments for women and men of all ethnicities, each with their own reasons for wanting to look and feel younger.

Fraxel is for people who want to look good – and want real results – but don’t want the overly change or extended downtimes that comes with surgery. Fraxel fits into any lifestyle and your current beauty regimen:
Non-invasive, clinically proven to be safe, easily managed into your routine
Real change you just can’t get from lotions and creams
Simple, effective treatment that really reverses signs of aging

Levulan - Acne, Pimple, Scar treatment

Photo dynamic Acne Treatment (PDT) also known as Photo dynamic Therapy or “ALA/PDT" or "Levulan with IPL" treatment is a new procedure that treats resistant, hard-to-treat active acne and acne scars. The procedure, combines Photo Genesis (IPL) or light and Levulan. Levulan is a special light-activated topical photosensitizing agent made of a 20% solution of Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA).

ALA is a “natural” product found in all humans throughout the body. The Levulan, which is a clear painless solution, is applied to your skin and left on for 15-60 minutes. The Levulan is absorbed by active cells like acne sebaceous glands, making the targeted acne cells more sensitive to the light. During the procedure, the ALA is activated with the use of Photo Genesis (IPL) light which is far more effective than blue light or other light spectrums. This combined interaction of the solution and the Photo Genesis is what gives rise to the term "Photo dynamic therapy."

Treatments target and destroy acne activity leaving your skin smoother, and in many cases makes it possible to discontinue the use of antibiotics such as Accutane. Levulan has been used extensively for the treatment of a variety of different skin conditions including actinic keratosis, sun damage, and fine lines. Blotchy pigmentation are also improved because of the positive effect of Levulan and the light treatment. ALA/PDT treatments also have the ability to minimize pores and reduce oil glands, effectively treating stubborn acne vulgaris, acne rosacea.

Prior to Photo dynamic Acne Treatment, the best available treatment option for resistant and cystic acne was Accutane. However, with Accutane there are many systemic side effects including birth defects, liver abnormalities, mood depression, and virtually all patients get dryness and night vision changes. Systemic treatments are any medications that are taken orally, injected or infused that affect the entire body system.

Photo-dynamic acne treatment provides a viable alternative to all types of acne treatment without having negative systemic effects.

Frequently asked questions

What is the procedure for the treatment?
We always perform a consultation, skin evaluation and test patch before proceeding with the procedure. The Levulan is then applied to the area for 15-60 minutes. Goggles are then placed over your eyes for protection. When the pulse of light is delivered, you may feel a mild, brief pinching sensation. The actual treatment usually takes less than fifteen minutes, making it convenient for your lunch hour or after work.

How many treatments do I need?
Recommended number of treatments: We recommend 2-3 treatments at 2 to 3 week intervals for maximum results.

What should I expect right after the treatment?
Following the procedure, you may notice some initial reddening of the skin and brown spots may slightly darken. Do not go out into the sun for at least 24 hrs.

Any side effects?
Although patients experience few side effects, the most commonly noticed are slight reddening and local swelling of the skin. In rare instances blistering, scarring or pigment changes may occur. Special considerations are important when lasers are used on darker skin tones to allow for safe and effective treatment. No sun exposure for up to 24 hours after the treatment.