Acne
Although acne is often associated with teenage hormones, it commonly lasts well into adulthood. In fact, around 85% of Americans will develop acne at some point in their life.
Acne
Acne is more than just a cosmetic skin concern. Patients generally understand how even the most minor breakout can have a detrimental effect on their confidence and self-esteem. When it comes to acne, breakouts can range from the occasional pimple to severe, continuous eruptions that last for several years. Several studies have even linked severe breakouts to feelings of anxiety and despair.
Although there’s no cure or one-size-fits-all treatment for acne, Jordan V. Wang, MD, MBE, MBA and his team of board-certified dermatologists have the expertise, experience, and technology needed to minimize the frequency and severity of breakouts at Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Pennsylvania in the greater Philadelphia area on the Main Line in Devon.
What Causes Acne?
There are 3 common culprits that can cause acne breakouts:
- Accumulation of dead skin cells in the pores
- Overproduction of oil from the sebaceous glands
- Buildup of bacteria and debris in the pores
While acne isn’t necessarily an infection, it is an inflammatory skin condition that can be difficult to prevent and treat without professional medical care. Certain factors that can increase your chances of breakouts include:
- Stress
- Genetics
- Hormones
- Skin care products, makeup, or sweat from working out
- Diet (some studies link products, such as milk and refined, processed foods, to increased breakouts)
Acne Symptoms
Acne can form practically anywhere on the body, but the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders are the most common areas it develops. While blackheads and whiteheads (also known as comedones) are the most prevalent types of acne lesions, inflammatory acne is also common.
These types of inflammatory lesions are also the most prone to leave scarring:
Papules: Small, raised, red bumps that can sometimes feel tender to the touch
Pustules: Pus-filled pimples that can be painful and irritating
Nodules: Large, painful lumps beneath the skin’s surface that are firm, inflamed, and difficult to treat at home
Cysts: Very large, painful, pus-filled lumps that form deep inside the skin
Acne Medications
At Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Pennsylvania, Dr. Wang and his team offer a number of oral and topical medications for acne treatment, including:
Topical Medications:
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Salicylic acid
- Clindamycin
- Sodium Sulfacetamide
- Retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene, tazorotene)
- Azelaic acid
- Dapsone
Oral Medications:
- Antibiotics (doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline)
- Hormone (androgen) blockers (spironolactone, oral birth control pills)
- Isotretinoin (Accutane*)
* Requires regular doctor-supervised monitoring while taking medication
Acne Procedures
Topical and oral medications aren’t always enough to eliminate persistent acne. Fortunately, the board-certified dermatologists at Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Pennsylvania offer a number of procedures to treat acne. These acne treatments include:
- Chemical peels: Remove the outermost layers of the skin to treat acne
- Cortisone injections: Shrink inflamed acne lesions to promote healing
Laser Acne Treatments
As experts in laser therapy, our board-certified dermatologists utilize a variety of lasers to provide customized acne treatments. Laser treatments at our 8,000+ sq. ft. facility include:
Vbeam® Prima: Targets inflammatory lesions and redness from acne breakouts
Clear + Brilliant® Touch: Targets discoloration and blemishes from acne breakouts
Is there an acne cure?
Unfortunately, acne has no permanent cure, but it can be managed through customized treatment regimens. Although acne does have the potential to return, the experienced dermatologists at Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Pennsylvania stay up to date on the latest technologies and treatments to effectively reduce or eliminate outbreaks in individuals of all ages.
Outbreaks are particularly common in younger patients who stop using acne medication, especially topical treatments. Although outbreaks are less likely in Accutane users, you may still experience acne symptoms after completing treatment.
best treatments for acne scars
Acne can affect the tone and texture of your skin long after it’s gone. Residual dyspigmentation and scarring from acne lesions are common, which is why early intervention with laser and energy-based treatment is the best course of action.
If you’re struggling with prominent acne scarring, the expert dermatologists at Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Pennsylvania can dramatically improve the appearance of your skin with laser treatment.
Laser and Energy-Based Treatments:
- Fraxel® Dual
- Clear + Brilliant® Touch
- PicoPlus®
- Infini Genius™ Radiofrequency Microneedling
- Vbeam® Prima
Depending on the severity of your acne scarring, your dermatologist may recommend a combination approach to achieve the best results possible.
Publications
“Prognostic Factors Determining Success in Acne Treatment-Part I: Disease and Patient Factors.” Skinmed. 2021 Aug 1.
“Utility of platelet-rich plasma for treatment of striae distensae: A current exploration.” J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021 Feb.
“Platelet-rich plasma for facial rejuvenation: An early examination.” Clin Dermatol. Mar-Apr 2020.
“Microneedling and PRP for acne scars: A new tool in our arsenal.” J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020 Jan.
“Treatment of acne scars with PRP and laser therapy: an up-to-date appraisal.” Arch Dermatol Res. 2019 Oct.
“Bakuchiol as a Trendy Ingredient in Skincare: Recent Evidence.” Skinmed. 2019 Sep 9.
“The growing trend of cannabidiol in skincare products.” Clin Dermatol. May-Jun 2019.
Real Acne Patients Before and After photos
Acne FAQ
Q: Can I Permanently Get Rid of Acne?
A: Although there is no cure for acne, your dermatologist at Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Pennsylvania can create a custom treatment plan to minimize and prevent acne.
Q: Will Acne Go Away on Its Own?
A: Contrary to popular belief, acne doesn’t always disappear once you enter adulthood. Many adults struggle with acne throughout their lives. The best way to manage acne as an adult is to develop a comprehensive skin care routine and seek treatment from a board-certified dermatologist.
Q: What Is the Best Acne Treatment?
A: At Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Pennsylvania, your board-certified dermatologist individualizes your treatment to suit your specific needs. Your dermatologist takes your age, type of acne, and the severity of your condition into account before recommending treatment. Many patients respond well to topical and oral medication, while others see noticeable improvements after laser treatment.
Q: What Are the Risk Factors For Acne?
A: Although anybody can develop acne, the condition is highly common in teenagers, particularly during puberty. Having a family history of acne also increases your risk of the condition. Stress, an unhealthy diet, and poor skin care may trigger an acne flare-up.
Q: How Much Does Acne Treatment Cost?
A: Our board-certified dermatologists provide individualized treatment for acne. As a result, cost varies from patient to patient.
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Trusted Worldwide
Our dermatology center in the greater Philadelphia area on the Main Line in Devon, which spans more than 8,000 square feet, is a comprehensive cosmetic and medical dermatology facility. Our board-certified dermatologists are leaders in the industry who have trained under distinguished physicians to provide our patients with cutting-edge care.
laser & skin
surgery center of Pennsylvania
Contact us
92 Lancaster Avenue, Suite 120, Devon, PA 19333
Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 6:00pm
Limited Saturdays: 8:00am - 12:00pm
(215) 309-8123
Manhattan:
92 Lancaster Avenue, Suite 120, Devon, PA 19333
Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 7:30pm
Saturday & Sunday: September through June by appointment only
Southampton:
325 Meeting House Lane, Bldg. 1, Ste. C Southampton, NY 11968
Monday - Wednesday, Friday: 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday: 9am - 5pm
Patient Visits Before 8/23:
Patient Visits After 8/23:
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