Treatment of Acne

Acne a is widespread and socially frustrating condition involving the face, chest, and back. Acne can't be prevented or cured, but it can be managed effectively*. While most people outgrow acne, some patient will have acne well into adulthood. Our main objective at IVSI is to treat acne in early stages to avoid permanent scarring.

Combination therapy is essential to management of acne. At IVSI, we are proud to be able to offer other options besides mainstream topical and systemic treatments. Modalities like I&D of acne, Photodynamic therapy (PDT), PDL laser, BLU-U lights and are often used as antj alternative or addition to pharmacologic treatment.

Each patient is different and might require different combinations of modalities. Some "acne" patients visiting our clinic for the first time enter unaware that they have bacterial skin infections, polymorphic light eruptions or even skin allergies while acne isn't even on their diagnosis list.

Visit our page on Laser treatment for Acne Scars to learn more.

CO2 laser assisted Incision and Drainage of cystic acne – by opening comedones with a laser, we are able to drain pus from the cystic lesion, and destroy cyst wall structures. We have found that laser assisted I&D prevents recurrent inflammation and scar formation very effectively for most people, and also improves the outcome of pharmacologic treatment. I&D of severe cystic acne is the only acne procedure covered by insurance.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a powerful skin therapy that utilizes light treatments along with an application of aminolevulinic acid (ALA)in order to reduce acne. The aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is applied to the patient's skin and left to incubate for 3-4 hours. Next, the treated skin is exposed to either PDL, or IPL followed by additional exposure to BLU-U Blue Light to activate the ALA
PDT is often used for moderate to severe acne that don't respond well to traditional topical treatments. PDT is an alternative treatment for patients who are not ready to commit to the iPlegde program.
PDT is not for all skin types. Down time after treatment might last 3-14 days, with a burning sensation, redness, and skin peeling as typical side effects. The intensity and duration of the side effects is dependent on the ALA's incubation period, which will vary with the severity of the acne.

Cynosure Cynergy PDL Laser is our signature treatment for acne and post-acne scar reduction. With PDL laser we are able to reduce the inflammation and redness from acne scarring as well as the size and number of comedones. Treatments can be performed on all skin types and over hair-bearing areas without fear of follicular destruction. Post-treatment bruising may occur with higher levels of laser output. From our experience, 1-3 treatments might be needed depending on the severity of your condition. If maintenance treatments are needed, they should be done every 4-6 months. PDL treatment will not prevent the formation of new acne or destroy cystic lesions. It is often used in combination for pharmacologic treatments.

BLU-U Blue Light Therapy - narrow-band blue visible light BLU-U treatments can be offered as alternative to pharmaceuticals and topical therapy, or an adjunct to skin care programs. Due to patient's time restrictions and the fact that 3 weekly sessions are needed for over a period of 5-6 weeks, lasers are a more popular option.

The goal of any acne therapy is to get rid of existing lesions and to prevent the formation of new ones.

Do not delay. Seek medical help and do not wait for your condition to reach advanced stages.

Disclaimer: Every patient is unique; therefore cosmetic results can vary between patients. No two laser treatments will get same results – even if performed by same physician on patients with similar conditions.