Medical Acne Treatment Solutions Pittsburgh

Acne Treatment Frequently Asked Questions

Acne occurs when hair follicle pores become 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 experience affects 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. Acne generally effects young people experiencing dramatic hormonal changes, but can continue into adult life as well. Even after acne disapperas, acne scars may remain as a bad reminder of something you’d rather forget. Sporadic acne is generally treated with over-the-counter medications, but severe acne and acne scars treatments require the expertise of a physician. For more details and information please explore our site and contact us to receive a consultation with one of our physician specialists.

What is BBL or Broad Based Light Acne Treatment Process?

Broad Based Light (BBL™) with or without Levulan (see Photodynamic Therapy) has now proven to be helpful in the treatment of acne. This 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. BBL gently and effectively applies pulsed light directly through the skin layer underneath the surface. 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. Patients with severe sun damaged skin, tone changes and skin laxity will also see improvement in quality of their skin.

First there is a thin film of gel applied to your skin, followed by the BBL treatment. Most patients have minimal discomfort. Patients feel a sensation of sharp snapping during the course of the treatment. The most significant aspect of the treatment procedure is that it kills the bacteria causing acne. The treatment process also increases the enzymes that reduce the acne. Treatment sessions last 20-30 minutes.

BBL also activates our photodynamic therapies such as 20% AHA Levulonic Acid. This treatment is specifically used for severe nodular and cystic acnes. Treatments range from 2-3 weeks apart with limited downtime and acne clearance is 85-90% for extended periods (12-18 months) after the procedure.

What is the effect of the treatment on the skin?

After treatment is completed, some may experience temporary reddening and minimal swelling of the acne, and surrounding skin for 1-2 days. This is transient and usually associated with minimal to no downtime. Immediate makeup use is acceptable. Within only a few days the various sizes of acne starts drying up and a normal skin appears.

At FeelNu Medical Spa and Wellness Center you can experience significant long-term clearance with the help of BBL with or without Levulan (see Photodynamic Therapy).

To achieve maximum improvement with BBL™, a series of 8 weekly treatments is most effective. So most patients will need periodic touch up treatments ranging from monthly to every 6 months, depending on your acne type and severity.

What is Photodynamic Therapy for treating severe Acne?

Photo Dynamic Therapy is a new procedure that treats resistant, hard-to-treat active acne. It combines light and a special light-activated solution that targets and destroys acne activity. This treatment also diminishes older acne scars leaving your skin smoother. It is a form of Blue Light Therapy.

Photodynamic therapy involves the application of Levulan® photosensitizing solution to the treatment area followed by exposure to a light source. The Levulan® solution is commonly used in photodynamic acne therapy and has been shown to significantly improve mild to moderate acne. Therefore Levulan® photodynamic acne therapy is often an effective alternative for patients whose skin has become resistant to antibiotic treatments over time, and for those who want to avoid the hassle of applying topical ointments and creams such as Accutane®.

Levulan® derives from aminolevulinic acid, or ALA, a naturally occurring substance in the body. Because Levulan® makes your skin extremely sensitive to light, it is important to avoid exposure to sunlight and bright indoor lighting while the solution is on your skin and for at least 48 hours after treatment. Sunscreens do not protect the skin from overexposure after treatment with Levulan®.
Within three days acne disappears from the skin and the skin remains clean and clear for many months.

How Acne treatment helps?

At MGR and its FeelNu Medical Spa and Wellness Center, we can help alleviate moderate to severe acne and scars through a variety of different methods or a combination of treatments. Our acne treatment options are much more comprehensive than anything you have tried before. We are using the most advanced technology, products, and services available.

What are the benefits of Acne Treatment?

Our acne treatment services reduce or eliminate acne problems, improve the skin complexion, and make the skin oil free. Since we offer the highest quality technology and products you enjoy an enhanced self confidence with stunning results.