Aesthetic Medicine Physicians & Surgeons Erase The Wrinkles Painless Laser Makeovers 
Clinical Information
Topical agents, such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are approved by the FDA and in controlled studies have been shown to reduce acne by about 20%. Simple cleansing of the skin also helps and these three modalities are all part of the popular Proactive product line. These ingredients are present in many over the counter products as well.
Retin A is found in many prescription products and has been found to reduce acne by about 40% in controlled clinical trials. Retin A can cause redness, irritation, dryness and sun sensitivity.
Acnetrol is our own topical agent which combines several known active ingredients with herbal extracts and minerals and achieved a 70% reduction in acne in several clinical trials. Acnetrol had minimal side effects when used as directed.
Oral antibiotics are often used to help control acne, especially tetracycline and erythromycin derivatives. Interestingly the mechanism of action probably involves reduction in innflamation rather than treatment of the infection. The previously mentioned topical and oral agents can reduce acne for short periods of time but not over the long term. They require continued use to remain effective.
Acutane is a more permanent solution but is very expensive and very dangerous. The side effect profile includes birth defects, depression, suicide, liver and joint disease, dry skin and loss of hair to name just a few. It must be taken for 6 months and may have to be repeated to be effective. It is only indicated for cystic acne but has been prescribed by dermatologists for all forms of acne. It is our opinion that Acutane should be avoided if at all possible.
Another long term solution for acne is laser therapy which is our treatment of choice. Many devices will ultimately to be marginally effective but a few lasers will be found to be extremely effective. Among those is the N-Lite laser.
We have treated hundreds of patients with this laser over the last several years and have gradually developed a protocol which is extremely effective. Six treatments are recommended, the first three at two week intervals and the last three monthly. Even the worst cases of cystic acne have responded to this protocol. During the course of treatment the redness begins to disappear and the size of the blemishes diminishes. Gradually over the next several months the acne begins to disappear. Any residual acne can be treated by a second series of laser treatments. The laser is painless with no down time and no significant after effects. It can also reduce scarring, redness and wrinkles at the same time. We have had patients remain in remission for several years after a series of treatments.
Retin A is found in many prescription products and has been found to reduce acne by about 40% in controlled clinical trials. Retin A can cause redness, irritation, dryness and sun sensitivity.
Acnetrol is our own topical agent which combines several known active ingredients with herbal extracts and minerals and achieved a 70% reduction in acne in several clinical trials. Acnetrol had minimal side effects when used as directed.
Oral antibiotics are often used to help control acne, especially tetracycline and erythromycin derivatives. Interestingly the mechanism of action probably involves reduction in innflamation rather than treatment of the infection. The previously mentioned topical and oral agents can reduce acne for short periods of time but not over the long term. They require continued use to remain effective.
Acutane is a more permanent solution but is very expensive and very dangerous. The side effect profile includes birth defects, depression, suicide, liver and joint disease, dry skin and loss of hair to name just a few. It must be taken for 6 months and may have to be repeated to be effective. It is only indicated for cystic acne but has been prescribed by dermatologists for all forms of acne. It is our opinion that Acutane should be avoided if at all possible.
Another long term solution for acne is laser therapy which is our treatment of choice. Many devices will ultimately to be marginally effective but a few lasers will be found to be extremely effective. Among those is the N-Lite laser.
We have treated hundreds of patients with this laser over the last several years and have gradually developed a protocol which is extremely effective. Six treatments are recommended, the first three at two week intervals and the last three monthly. Even the worst cases of cystic acne have responded to this protocol. During the course of treatment the redness begins to disappear and the size of the blemishes diminishes. Gradually over the next several months the acne begins to disappear. Any residual acne can be treated by a second series of laser treatments. The laser is painless with no down time and no significant after effects. It can also reduce scarring, redness and wrinkles at the same time. We have had patients remain in remission for several years after a series of treatments.
