ACNE & SCAR TREATMENT CHAMPLIN, MN
SCITON BROAD BASE LIGHT (BBL™) Acne Therapy
Broad Based Light (BBL™) has now proven to be helpful in the treatment of acne. In many cases, this offers an alternative to oral medications such as Accutane or long-term antibiotics. The shorter wavelengths of BBL™, in the blue-light spectrum, attack p-acne bacteria on the surface and in the sebaceous gland. Along with a home skincare program designed for acne-prone skin, you can experience significant long-term clearance.
What Causes Acne?
Acne occurs when hair follicle pores are blocked by natural components of the skin. This is the root of most acne lesions. Once blocked, inflammation and bacteria overgrowth occur leading to red bumps and cysts in the skin. Sebaceous or sweat glands of the skin can contribute excessive amounts of sebum into the plugged follicle increasing inflammation. Hormones can also play a role. Most teenagers are affected to some degree. Adults, often, get acne for the first time while others have suffered since the teenage years. Acne is not life-threatening, but it can cause physical disfigurement (scarring) and emotional distress if not treated early.
Treatment for acne varies depending on which of the above factors is causing your acne. This is different for each person. On average, results are visible in six to eight weeks with topical and oral medications.
What Options Do I have Besides Oral Medications?
Broad Based Light (BBL™) with or without Levulan (Photodynamic Therapy) has now proven to be helpful in the treatment of acne. BBL™ treatments are often combined with Skin Microlaser Peels and ProFractional Laser treatments. Micodermabrasion, Chemical Peels and Skin tightening and firming also offer alternative ways to remove persistent and stubborn acne
How Does the BBL™ Treatment Work?
Sciton BBL™ is a FDA approved treatment that utilizes a blue filter to selectively target the p-acnes bacteria that are partially responsible for acne in the skin.
What is the Treatment Like?
A thin film of gel is applied to your skin, followed by the BBL treatment. Most patients have minimal discomfort. Treatment sessions last 20-30 minutes.
What Should I Expect After Treatment?
After treatment is completed, some may experience temporary reddening and and minimal swelling of the acne, and surrounding skin for 1-2 days. This is transient and usually associated with minimal to no downtime. Makeup can be applied immediately, if desired.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
To achieve maximum improvement with BBL™, a series of 8 weekly treatments is most effective. Most patients will need periodic touch up treatments ranging from monthly to every 6 months, depending on your acne type and severity.
How Does the BBL™ with Levulan Photodynamic Treatment Work?
Levulan Photodynamic Therapy with Sciton BBL™ is a FDA approved treatment utilizing a solution called Levulan also known as aminolevulanic acid or kerastick. Levulan acne treatment inactivates the bacteria that trigger acne, exfoliates the skin to unclog pores, and decreases the activity of overactive sebaceous glands in the skin. ALA/PDT treatment has the unique ability to minimize pores and reduce oil glands, effectively treating moderate to severe acne vulgaris, acne rosacea, sebaceous gland hyperplasia, and even improve the appearance of some acne scars.
What is the Treatment Like?
The Levulan solution is applied to the skin and will be absorbed by the skin for 15-30 minutes (or up to one hour). The skin will become highly photosensitive, meaning that skin will be very sensitive to light. At the appropriate time, the solution is washed off the skin and the patient undergoes an intense pulse light treatment with the Sciton BBL™. Treatment sessions last 30 minutes.
What Should I Expect After Treatment?
After treatment is completed, almost all patients experienced some temporary reddening and some patients experienced minimal swelling of the acne, and surrounding skin for 1-2 days. Peeling may occur for a few days. This is transient and usually associated with minimal to no downtime. Patients are must avoid the sun for 24-48 hours after Photodynamic therapy.
Are There Any Additional Benefits?
Patients with severe sun damaged skin, tone changes and skin laxity will also see improvement in quality of their skin. Photodynamic Therapy improves the entire facial area, creating one color, texture and tone.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
One Levulan and BBL™ combination treatment, can achieve the same results of 4 treatments of BBL™ alone. At least 2 monthly sessions will be necessary and more may be needed. However, there is downtime with Photodynamic therapy and strict sun avoidance is necessary for 48 hours post treatment.
<The most important safety aspect of any treatment is the careful evaluation performed by a trusted physician.
Contact Us for a Consultation
If you have questions about Acne and Scar Treatments please contact one of our staff by calling V-Kare Family Dentistry & Cosmetics Clinic, Champlin, MN at 763-323-6564, or you can send us a message through our online Contact Us Form