acne treatment with laser / photodynamic therapy

Everyone goes through puberty, where acne can be troubling. Acne is a treatable condition. We offer medical acne treatment to control acne as well as treatment for its scars.

Below are some of our Before and After photos.

 

What is Acne?

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It then gets infected and causes an acute inflammatory skin condition. It is especially distressing in people with dark skin types, such as Asians, as the acne spots leave dark skin scars.
 
The onset of Acne Vulgaris peaks in early puberty, affecting more than 85% of Australian adolescents aged 16-18. It usually resolves in males during their early twenties, but in females can persist into the thirties and forties.
 
Ance is not just a self-limiting disorder of teenagers. It has many of the defining features of chronicity, including prolonged course, the pattern of reoccurrence, acute outbreaks, and psychological and social impact that affects the quality of life.
 

What is the psychosocial impact of Acne?

psychosocial effect of acne. depression and anxiety.
Acne can be embarrassing. Mild acne can have as profound a psychological effect as severe acne.
 
It can lead to social withdrawal, preoccupation with acne, distorted body image, low self-confidence and self-esteem, depression and suicide.
 
Successful acne management treats both physical and psychological effects.
 
A review of the evidence gathered from case reports and small case-control surveys found that:
  • 18% of acne-affected patients reported clinically important depression.
  • 44% reported clinically important anxiety
  • 6% reported active suicidal ideation
  • People with acne had greater impairment in mental health scores than those with asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, back pain, arthritis or coronary artery disease.

What triggers Acne and causes Acne?

Four primary factors interact in a complex manner to produce acne lesions, and it is important to consider all four factors when selecting a treatment.
 
  • Increase sebum production.
  • Cutibacterium acnes colonisation.
  • Disturbed follicular keratinisation and formation of keratin plugs.
  • Release of inflammatory mediators into the skin, triggered by sebum and keratin breakdown products.
People with these conditions tend to have more severe and recurrent acne.
  • History. genetic factors, stress, androgen, excess sweating, crushing syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, smoking
  • Drugs and chemicals.
  • Environment. Exposure to heat and humidity (eg saum), exposure of skin to greases
  • Foods. Diet does not generally affect acne but there is limited evidence that some dairy products, high glycemic index foods and chocolate may aggravate acne.
  • Rubbing and irritation. Mask wearing has increased the rate of acne.
Despite popular myth, lack of exercise, lack of hygiene, and greasy hair hanging over the face do not have any effect on acne.
 

How do you grade the severity of Acne?

There is no standardised grading system, but the condition is often categorised as mild, moderate or severe on the basis of predominant lesion type.
 
 
However, it is important to grade acne. Grading acne helps to determine the appropriate course of treatment and monitor treatment response. Optimal use of acne medication involves recognising the specific acne lesion clinically and then selecting an appropriate treatment.
 

Why do you treat Acne?

Apart from the psychological effect, the biggest problem with acne is the scar. In 2017, in a prospective study of 1942 patients with active acne, 43% had acne scarring.
 
Acne lesions can develop into permanent scars, often due to a lack of adequate and timely treatment.
 
Acne scars can be classified into two main types: atrophic scars and hypertrophic scars.
 
Hypertrophic acne scars are caused by an overproduction of collagen in the skin, which results in an abnormal buildup of tissue that makes the skin appear raised or lumpy. These types of acne scars take longer to heal and may require surgery to remove them completely.
 
Atrophic acne scars are caused by the loss of collagen in the skin, which leads to thinning and depression in the skin. This type of scarring is more common in people who have had acne for many years. Atrophic acne scars can be minimized with certain skincare products.
 
Atrophic scars can be further classified into:
  • Ice-pick scars – these are deep, narrow, pitted scars.
  • Rolling scars – broad depressions with a sloping edge.
  • Box-type scars – broad depressions with sharply defined edges.
  • Although scarring is significantly more likely to occur with severe to very severe acne, mild to moderate acne can lead to atrophic scarring in a surprising proportion of people.

Individuals with these factors are more likely to get scarring:

  • severe acne
  • family history of scarring
  • extent and duration of inflammation
  • time to effective treatment of acne

Additional risk factors may include:

  • manipulation of lesion
  • the young age of onset
  • frequent relapses
  • localisation to the trunk
  • ethnicity

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ACNE TREATMENT OPTIONS

There are so many treatments available, but a lot of them are not useful and can sometimes even be harmful. In this section, Dr. Kim will discuss some of the treatment options.

What are the options to treat the acne and to maintain it?

  • Skin cleanser
  • Chemical Peel
  • Acne cream, ointment, gel, solutions
  • LED light treatments (beautician)
  • Photodynamic Therapy (Doctor)
  • Medications
  • Acne injections

How Does Skin Cleanser work?

To help control acne breakouts, look for a cleanser that is strong enough to remove dirt and keep skin clean but not harsh enough to strip your skin of its natural oils. 

Harsh cleansers and scrubbing will only leave you with red, irritated skin that can promote flare-ups of your existing acne.

How Do Acne Creams Work?

We recommend two creams and they are both prescription medications.

  • They both contain antiseptic.
  • One contains vitamin A which will dry up the oil glands. The other cream contains antibiotics that will prevent acne becoming infected. If one does not work, the other one may work for you. 

How does the LED light therapy work?

There are various colours of lights. Some colours are antiseptic. We generally use mulitple colours of LED. Our experience tells us that the LED light treatment alone is generally insufficient. However, combining LED light therapy with photodynamic therapy is generally very effective.

What is Photodynamic therapy for acne?

It is also known as Photodynamic peel. It works by drying up the oil glands and keep them antiseptic.

Photodynamic therapy is a non-invasive treatment for acne that uses light and topical medication to clear up breakouts.

The patient’s skin is first treated with a photosensitizing cream that makes acne spots more sensitive to light.

When the patient exposes their skin to blue or red light, the active ingredient in the photosensitizing cream becomes activated and kills almost all of the bacteria. It is also effective in shrinking the size of sweat glands so that there is less sebum to clog your pores which causes acne.

The medication used for the ‘Photodynamic Peel’ to treat acne skin is a prescription medication and it is only available to doctors. 

The effectiveness of photodyanmic therapy is operator dependent. Different clinics uses different creams, and differnt lights and parameters. Dr Peter Kim has presented numerous national conference on the effetiveness of Photodynamic therapy since 2008.

Find more information about Photodyanamic therapy below.

How does the chemical peel work?

A chemical peel works by removing the top layer of the skin. The top layer of the skin is a dead skin layer that tends to clog up the pores. By removing it with a gentle chemical peel, your pores will stay open and clean. Some exfoliating skin cleansers do the same thing.

How does the oral medications work?

There are many different types of medications. They are generally:

  • antibiotics – work by antisepsis.
  • hormonal – work by controlling the effect of hormones on the oil glands under the skin.
  • diuretic tablets – work by controlling the effect of hormones
  • vitamin A (Roaccutane) – work by drying up the skin

How does the acne injections work?

Acne injections are anti inflammatory and when they are injected directly into the cystic acne, it shrink them, thereby avoiding the long term scars. It is usually not very painful and well tolerated. It takes a few days for the effect.

What treatment is best for you?

During the consultation Dr Kim will work out the main cause of your acne. He will provide you with treatment options customised to your needs.

Call 9411 4880 for a complementary consultation.

 

Q: What is photodynamic therapy (PDT) for acne treatment?

A: Photodynamic therapy is a treatment that uses a special light and a photosensitising agent to target and reduce acne-causing bacteria and oil production in the skin.

Q: How does photodynamic therapy work?

A: Photodynamic therapy involves three main steps.

  • First, a photosensitizing agent is applied to the skin, which is then absorbed by the acne-causing bacteria and oil glands.
  • Next, a specific light wavelength is used to activate the photosensitizer, killing the bacteria and shrinking the oil glands.

Q: Is photodynamic therapy painful?

A: PDT is not painful. The treatment itself is generally well-tolerated, but some individuals may experience mild discomfort or a tingling sensation during the light activation phase. Dr Peter Kim will ensure your comfort and address any concerns you may have.

Q: How long does a photodynamic therapy session take?

A: The duration of a photodynamic therapy session can vary, but typically it lasts one hour. For a larger areas like back, treatment may take longer.

Q: Are there any side effects associated with photodynamic therapy for acne treatment?

A: Like any medical procedure, photodynamic therapy may have potential side effects. These can include redness, swelling, dryness, and mild skin peeling in the treated areas. These effects are generally temporary and will resolve with time.

It is important to note that you will be photosensitive for 24 hours. It is important that you stay out of sun for 24 hours to avoid sun burns.

Q: How many sessions of photodynamic therapy are needed for acne treatment?

A: The number of photodynamic therapy sessions required for acne treatment can vary depending on the severity of your acne and your individual response to the treatment. Dr Peter Kim will assess your progress and determine the appropriate number of sessions needed for optimal results. Generally speaking, you will need 2-3 sessions followed by maintenance treatment.

Q: Is photodynamic therapy suitable for everyone with acne?

A: Photodynamic therapy is most commonly used for moderate to severe acne. However, its suitability can vary depending on individual factors. It’s best to consult with Dr Peter Kim to determine if photodynamic therapy is the right choice for you.

Q: Can photodynamic therapy be combined with other acne treatments?

A: Yes, photodynamic therapy can be combined with other acne treatments, such as topical medications or oral antibiotics, as part of a comprehensive acne management plan. Dr Peter Kim will tailor the treatment approach to your specific needs.

Q: Are the results of photodynamic therapy for acne permanent?

A: The results of photodynamic therapy can vary from person to person. While it can provide long-term improvement in acne symptoms, individual results may differ. Additionally, maintaining a good skincare routine for acne management can help prolong the results.

Generally speaking, maintainance treatments are required to control the acne outbreaks.

Q: Are there any precautions or aftercare instructions for photodynamic therapy?

A: Dr Peter Kim will provide you with detailed instructions for aftercare following photodynamic therapy. These may include:

  • avoiding sun exposure (especially in the first 24 hours),
  • wearing sunscreen,
  • using gentle skincare products and
  • more regular moisturising of your skin.

It’s important to follow these instructions carefully to optimise healing and minimise any potential side effects.

Q: What happens when the treatment does not work?

Dr Peter Kim will continuosly monitor your acne. If he feels that the treatment has been ineffective, then he will order some tests to diagnose or exlcude more complex and uncommon causes of acne.

Frequently Asked Questions about Acne Scar Treatment Options:

Q: What are acne scars?

A: Acne scars are the marks or indentations that are left behind on the skin after acne lesions have healed. They may be shallow depressions, raised bumps, or discolored patches.

Q: Why do you treat Acne?

Acne lesions can develop into permanent scars, often due to a lack of adequate and timely treatment. 43% of patients who had acne developed acne scar.
 
Hypertrophic acne scars are caused by an overproduction of collagen in the skin, which results in an abnormal buildup of tissue that makes the skin appear raised or lumpy. Anti inflammatory injections is the best first line therapy.
 
Atrophic acne scars are caused by the loss of collagen in the skin, which leads to thinning and depression in the skin. Collagen induction therapy is the best first line therapy.
 
Atrophic scars can be further classified into:
  • Ice-pick scars – these are deep, narrow, pitted scars.
  • Rolling scars – broad depressions with a sloping edge.
  • Box-type scars – broad depressions with sharply defined edges.

Q: Can acne scars be treated?

A: Yes, there are several treatment options available to help reduce the appearance of acne scars and improve the overall texture and tone of the skin.

It is not often we are able to turn scars into completely normal looking skin. So realistic expectation is important. Dr Peter Kim will explain to you what is a realistic outcome.

Q: What are the different treatment options for acne scars?

A: Some common treatment options for acne scars include:

  • laser resurfacing,
  • chemical peels,
  • chemical filling,
  • dermal fillers,
  • microneedling, and
  • surgical procedures such as subcision or excision.

Q: How do these treatments work?

A: The specific mechanisms of these treatments vary, but they generally work by stimulating collagen production, promoting skin regeneration, cutting out the scar and smoothing out the appearance of acne scars.

Q: Are these treatments effective for all types of acne scars?

A: The effectiveness of each treatment option can depend on the type and severity of the acne scars.

Certain treatments may be more suitable for specific types of scars, so it’s important to consult with Dr Peter Kim to determine the best approach for your particular situation.

Q: Are these treatments painful?

A: The level of discomfort can vary depending on the treatment method used. Some treatments may cause mild discomfort or a tingling sensation, while others may require the use of local anesthesia or numbing creams to minimise any potential pain or discomfort.

Q: How many sessions are typically required for acne scar treatments?

A: The number of treatment sessions needed can vary depending on the type and severity of the acne scars, as well as the specific treatment method used.

Generally speaking, multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve optimal results.

Q: Are there any potential side effects or risks associated with acne scar treatments?

A: Like any medical procedure, there can be potential side effects and risks associated with acne scar treatments. These can include temporary redness, swelling, bruising, or changes in skin pigmentation. It’s important to discuss these potential risks with Dr Peter Kim before undergoing any treatment.

Q: Can acne scar treatments completely remove the scars?

A: The goal of acne scar treatments is to minimise the appearance of scars and improve the skin’s texture. While significant improvement is possible, complete removal of scars may not always be achievable. However, the treatments can help make the scars less noticeable and improve overall skin appearance.

Q: Are there any precautions or aftercare instructions for acne scar treatments?

A: Aftercare instructions can vary depending on the specific treatment method used. Dr Peter Kim will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your skin following the treatment, which may include avoiding sun exposure, using gentle skincare products, and following a proper skincare routine.

Q: Can acne scar treatments be combined with other treatments?

A: In some cases, combining different treatment modalities may be recommended to achieve the best results. Dr Kim can assess your individual situation and recommend a personalized treatment plan that may involve a combination of approaches.

Call us for consultation

call now