Acne Treatment

Aesthera PPx Therapy

The Aesthera PPx is the first light device of its kind to be approved for all four types of acne, including:

• Mild to moderate acne
• Pustular acne
• Comedonal acne
• Mild to moderate inflammatory acne (acne vulgaris)

The PPx System cleans pores while combining the proven therapeutic qualities of broadband light. Multiple clinical studies on PPx Acne treatments have demonstrated impressive clinical outcomes.

Highlights:

• 64% of non responders to orals, topicals and lasers experienced over 75% clearance
• Visible immediate improvement of lesions (between 24 – 48 hours post treatment)
• Patients experienced 88% clearance of papular, pustular, comedonal, nodular, and inflammatory acne
• PPx is Painless Acne Treatment
• Requires no pre-treatment with anesthetics or numbing creams

Photodynamic Therapy

Another exciting new acne treatment called photodynamic therapy involves use of a chemical that renders the bacteria that causes acne, Propionobacterium acnes, more susceptible to being killed by light energy emitted by the Aesthera PPx system. Photodynamic therapy can also be used to treat sun damaged skin. ALA is produced by the body and is necessary in the production of heme, the iron containing structure that allows your red blood cells to carry oxygen. The commercial product is produced and marketed by DUSA Pharmaceutical under the brand name Levulan Kerastick (registered trademark).

The Levulan (ALA) in the Kerastick is applied 30-60 minutes prior to treatment with the Aesthera PPx machine. Levulan is absorbed by the skin and converted to a chemical called protoporphyrin nine (Pp IX). PpIX is absorbed by the bacteria and sebaceous glands. Light energy then activates PpIX inducing a chemical reaction which kills the bacteria and alters function of the sebaceous glands. The result is a marked improvement in your acne symptoms.

So, ALA + acne skin + light energy ==> dead bacteria + less sebum = less acne!

We’re very excited to offer both Aesthera Ppx therapy and photodynamic therapy for treatment of acne. More typical medical treatments may be indicated as well including daily topical medications or possibly oral antibiotics. I don’t often prescribe antibiotics often for acne, however, as their efficacy seems to be decreasing. Some studies show as much as 40% resistance to typical antibiotics for acne. The risk of chronic antibiotic use may not outweigh the benefit.

Although I personally was treated as an adolescent with the drug Accutane (isotretinoin) and it was effective, I don’t recommend or prescribe it for patients. It has severe side effects, is very dangerous in pregnancy, and requires laboratory monitoring of liver function and blood lipid levels. It has also been implicated in causing depression in teenagers. For more information on accutane, please visit the FDA's website.

A very important component in the treatment of acne is daily adherence to an individualized cosmeceutical at home care program. Michelle would be glad to spend time with you discussing the best options for your individual skin type.

If you have significant acne and would like to discuss treatment options, please schedule a consultation with us. I am very passionate about this area of medicine, and will work diligently with you or your adolescent. Please call us or schedule a consultation visit online.

For more information please visit www.aesthera.com.