What is Acne?

Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by a bacterium called propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes for short!). It is most commonly found on the face followed by the shoulders, back, chest and other areas. The lesions can be non-inflammatory, seen as black heads and white heads, and inflammatory, producing papules, pustules and cysts.

The sebaceous glands increase sebum (oil) excretion, which hardens and blocks the follicle. This is an ideal environment for the growth of p. acnes and inflammation appears as the body’s immune system responds to the growth of the bacteria.

30% of teenage sufferers will continue into adult life with the condition and it can result in scarring, both of the skin and psychologically. Some of the myths surrounding the cause of this condition include that it affects only teenagers, you’ll grow out of it, that it’s due to diet or a poor cleanliness. All of them not true!

It is commonly believed that, in order to get the better of spots and acne breakouts, it is necessary to use strong, alcohol-laden products to dry the skin out. Unfortunately, these same products can often make the situation progressively worse by stripping the skin of its natural oils and encouraging the sebum to work even harder to replace it. This increased production of sebum provides the perfect environment for further bacterial growth of p. acnes.

The Effects of Nlite-V
Laser Treatment on Acne

Without a doubt, the biggest breakthrough for many years in the treatment of Active Acne is the Nlite-V Laser. This laser was introduced to the UK at the beginning of 2000 as a collagen building laser designed for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and treating general signs of skin aging, and has enjoyed seven successful years treating such conditions. During these treatments however, especially for the reduction of scarring that acne sufferers often experience, it rapidly became apparent to the laser users that the active breakouts that were present during the Nlite-V treatment settled very rapidly indeed following the laser treatment. Within a short time Nlite-V clinics had a number of patients who were actually controlling their acne using laser treatment, in conjunction with the correct non-laser regimes.

Since that time, there has been a full clinical trials carried out on the use of the Nlite-V for active acne by Dr Tony Chu, the results of which where published in the Lancet medical journal. This trials have shown that, over a 12-week period, the number of active lesions dropped dramatically, even after only one laser treatment.

How Does the Nlite-V Laser Work?

The way in which the Nlite-V works is twofold:

Firstly, the laser light increases the skins own anti-inflammatory response and its ability to kill the P.acnes bacteria. The whole face is usually treated thereby reducing the risk of infection spreading and further breakouts. Secondly, we see increased amounts of new dermal collagen produced below and around the spots giving a huge boost to the healing process, causing spots to disappear with a decreased likelihood of scarring developing.

The treatment is painless with few potential side effects and we believe that in comparison with current popular treatment options of long-term antibiotics and Roaccutane this is a treatment solution that is very well tolerated and far superior to any other acne treatment that we know of.

What Will Happen at My Appointment?

At Lincoln Laser Skincare we believe in an individual approach for each patient that comes to us for treatment. We begin with a consultation, during which we look at the current skin management regime, including all the products you may be using. A full medical history is taken and an examination of the skin is carried out to assess the current situation. We then inform you about the products and treatments which would be of benefit and formulate a treatment plan. We may suggest some products with the view for the patient to use in a home-care regimen. In clinic procedures, with the Nlite-V laser will also be explained. The treatment is individualised for you; what is suitable for one patient may be unsuitable for another.

Full costing for the products and laser treatments are explained at your consultation visit and the patient is under no obligation to make any decisions at that time. We always encourage people to consider the information before embarking on any course of treatment.

How will my skin be after treatment?

Immediately after your treatment there will be little or nothing to see on the treated skin, however some people do experience mild redness and a warming sensation. At worse you may have occasional small red bruises (purpura) scattered around the treated area, but these often fade within the next few hours. In very extreme circumstances they may persist for a few days, but can be covered with make-up. On sensitive areas, there is a possibility that you may get a histamine type reaction that usually settles after 24 hours. You are advised not to take antihistamines or anti-inflammatory medications to treat these mild symptoms as this can lessen the results from the laser treatment.

Immediately after treatment your skin will not feel any different at all but you may experience a mild itching sensation 30 minutes to an hour afterwards. This is due to the histamine reaction mentioned above and is usually short-lived, lasting a matter of minutes in most cases. Do not scratch the skin. If you skin is tender due to active breakouts, you may experience a reduction in tenderness as soon as one hour after treatment.

How many treatments will I need?

The treatment protocol recommended for live acne drawn up following the latest research are three treatments at four week intervals. Top up treatments may be required periodically but these are very much determined by individual needs.

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