|
BLU-U ACNE LIGHT TREATMENT
(Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy)
This procedure is non-invasive and pain free, with full-face
and neck treatments taking approximately 15 minutes. The BLU-U
acne light works with all skin types (I-VI) and it is just fine if
you have a suntan! Blue light photodynamic therapy acts by killing
acne causing bacteria.
Blue
light photodynamic therapy acts by killing acne causing
bacteria.
This light is comparable to other acne light treatments such as
the Clearlight™ and the Omni-Lux™, and equally effective.
Patients simply sit comfortably in a chair while the light is
applied to the affected area; they can even listen to music
while being treated.
Patients
simply sit comfortably in a chair while the light is applied to
the affected area; they can even listen to music while being
treated (iPods are encouraged.)
Once the treatment session is over, patients can immediately
return to their daily routine. This means no downtime or
inconvenience, especially important factors for active teens and
young adults.
Acne is estimated to affect more than 80% of the world’s
population at some time during their life. In the U.S., billions
of dollars are spent on anti-acne medications and treatments, but
many oral acne treatments (Accutane® and other antibiotics) are
known to have serious side effects. Blu-U acne light therapy is
effective, painless, and has no known side effects.
How many treatments are required?
Typically, treatment sessions
are approximately 15 minutes long twice a week for up to 10 weeks.
It is important to keep the treatment appointments recommended. By
following the treatment plan, you'll see maximum results and enjoy
clearer skin. For optimum results, a maintenance treatment session
once a month is recommended after completion of the initial
series. 
How safe is it? Are there any side-effects?
The BLU-U treatment is very safe. The blue-violet light penetrates
just deep enough into the tissue to reach the acne target. It only
affects the P. acnes bacteria, not the normal tissue. Even though
there is no evidence of complications, we will not perform this
treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How do I prepare for my treatment?
The face should be cleansed
with soap and water and free of any oil. Ladies need to be make-up
free during the treatment. Make-up may be re-applied immediately
after the treatment. We will provide a skin preparation pad to
further cleanse oils from the skin. We may recommend a skin
exfoliation product to further enhance the photodynamic therapy.
How do lasers help clear acne?
Light pulses are delivered
through the skin's surface, targeting an organic compound
generated by the Propionibacterium acnes (p. acne) bacteria called
porphyrin. These porphyrins are photosensitive and when targeted
by light, generate singlet oxygen, which kill the p. acne bacteria
that cause inflammation.
How long should the treatment take?
Treatment times will vary depending on the size of the treatment
area, though a full face will frequently take about 20 minutes.
How many treatments should I need?
Our doctor frequently starts
with a four treatment course, two per week for two weeks. More
treatments may be needed for those with more severe acne.
How
long do the effects last?
Clinical data suggests that most
patients find their acne improves after two weeks of twice weekly
treatments. While many patients continue to improve over the
months following treatment, some patients experience a plateau in
their improvement. Repeated treatments may be necessary to
maintain results.
How effective are lasers in the treatment of
acne?
In studies conducted at Wellman Labs in Massachusetts and at
a private facility in California, 91% of patients saw their acne
improve by an average of 66%. In the most recent clinical study
patients saw their acne become 81% less severe.
What will happen
in the procedures?
After discussing your medical history, including any drugs
you are currently taking, with your medical practitioner, the
treatment area will be cleaned and a thin layer of clear gel
will be applied. Our doctor will glide the laser handpiece over the treatment area in a brushing motion as the
laser light is pulsed safely through the skin. If an IPL treatment
is offered, the laser head will be placed directly on the skin.
Is it painful?
Many patients describe the laser pulses as feeling
like the snap of a rubber band against the skin, however
treatments done over active lesions may be more uncomfortable.
Your medical practitioner may recommend a topical anesthetic in
order to make treatments more comfortable.
When should I see
results?
Patients frequently see results within the first week
following treatment. Most will see results within two weeks.
Are
there side effects?
Immediately following the procedure patients
may experience mild to moderate redness and swelling that will
fade in as little as a couple hours to as much as a few days.
Can I apply make up right afterwards? Yes.
If Blu-U and Laser do
not control my symptoms, do you have an even more effective acne
treatment?
Yes. Doctors in Orange County California Laser and Cosmetic Center
offers far more than hope and a prescription. We offer a
combination of Levulan with
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT).
Photodynamic acne therapy
involves the application of Levulan ( 5-aminolevulinic acid), a
photosensitizing agent, which is then activated with blue-light.
This results in significant improvement in moderate to severe
cystic acne.
Blue Light Levulan acne treatment involves three mechanisms of
action against acne. Levulan treatment inactivates the bacteria
that trigger acne, exfoliates the skin to unclog pores, and the
most exciting mechanism is that Levulan treatment shuts down the
sebaceous glands in the skin. This is exciting because sebaceous
glands are the root cause in the formation of acne so it has a
long lasting effect even on severe acne.
Resistant and Cystic Acne frequently fails to respond to
typical measures of control. A safe topical two-step treatment
which chemically coats and then destroys acne bacteria offers a
new solution.
PhotoDynamic Therapy is one of those rare acne treatments
delivering what it promises, often more. Used for resistant acne,
PDT offers life-altering improvements. Cystic acne, the kind that
creates painful inflamed lumps deep in the skin, is a harsh
reality for thousands of teens. The psychosocial impact of this
type of acne can be overwhelming leading to depression, shyness
and loss of confidence.
By the time our physicians recommend Levulan/Photodynamic
Treatment (L-PDT), topical and systemic (oral) antibiotics have
failed. Although they are helpful in the treatment of cystic acne,
they are not usually sufficient to provide adequate control. Left
under treated or untreated, cystic acne will almost always leave
permanent scars on the face or other affected areas such as the
chest and back. An acne sufferer, therefore, suffers twice once
with the active acne and then with embarrassing and sometimes with
disfiguring scars. Proper treatment brings great relief on both
levels by minimizing the acne and thus preventing the scarring
that would otherwise come from it. The positive emotional impact
of controlling acne is immeasurable.
Our doctors apply light-activated Amino-Levulinic Acid (Levulan,
the liquid agent that penetrates the offending acne cells) and
then chooses Blu-U light or laser to turn on the action. The
activated Levulan selectively destroys acne bacteria and shrinks
overactive oil glands which supply nutrition for acne bacteria.
We suggest two Levulan treatments, two weeks apart for initial
treatment. Subsequent maintenance treatments are usually required.
The impact on acne is immediate and long-lasting. Levulan- PDT is
the "big gun" in the war against acne and if used appropriately,
will improve acne conditions faster and more completely (with the
least side effects) than any other treatment available.
What is the procedure?
- After 1-2 hours Levulan will be activated with IPL,
laser or Blu-U. • You may be given an anesthetic topical cream
applied prior to the light exposure.
- You will be given special
goggles to wear to protect your eyes during the treatment.
- During the treatment you may feel stinging, tingling, prickling,
or burning of the lesions, but this should go away after the
treatment.
- You should stay out of the sun and bright light as
much as possible for the next 48 hours
- The skin will turn red
and swollen in the following 3-7 days • Some crusting may be noted
- There should be some discomfort, but no significant pain.
- After 1 week, there might be some residual redness that will
subside after a few days and can be covered with make up.
Post-treatment instructions It is extremely important that you
stay out of the sun for 48 hours after your treatment! Your skin
will be sensitized to the sun and you can get severely sunburned.
Use a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30 even when indoors. 1.
You may be red following the treatment for several hours to
several days. You may have a sun-burned look for 1-7 days. Light
peeling can occasionally occur. Swelling may occasionally occur,
especially around the eyes. Blisters and scabbing can occur if you
do not follow directions. 2. If your skin stings indoors, stay
away from bright lights and windows. 3. If your skin feels
uncomfortable or if swelling develops, apply cold compresses or
ice packs as needed. Take Tylenol® or Advil® if needed.
Hydrocortisone 1% cream, preferably with Aloe (non-prescription)
can be applied if skin is puffy and inflamed. Most of the time,
pure aloe vera gel is also soothing and speeds healing without the
use of any actual medications. 4. Continue to wear sunscreens and
a hat while outdoors for 2 weeks after each treatment. 5. Call our
office if you experience any extreme pain or unusual
circumstances.
Does it hurt?
Patients don't mind the temporary discomfort and redness or the
peeling because they see the improvement in their skin and in
their lives very quickly. Is PDT the cure? No. There is no "cure"
for acne, but there is control. Levulan-PhotoDynamic Therapy
offers acne sufferers the improvement needed to improve their
quality of life!
Levulan acne therapy can even work in patients who have failed
Accutane. Accutane also targets the sebaceous gland but Accutane
has fairly toxic side effects. Levulan is a very safe alternative
to Accutane treatment.
|
