Acne | Laser Hair Removal

Acne

Acne is the term used when pores become inflamed from an accumulation of oils, dead skin cells and bacteria. It is often inherited. Contrary to accepted myths, acne is not caused by stress (although stress may worsen the condition), eating too much chocolate, or drinking too much soda.  Acne may be worsened during periods of hormone swings, as in puberty, pregnancy and around menses.

Acne is commonly found on the face, neck, shoulders, chest, and back and while not a life threatening disease, it can be both upsetting and disfiguring. When severe, acne can lead to serious and permanent scarring. 

Some people develop ingrown hairs in the beard area (folliculitis barbae), scalp (dissecting folliculitis) and upper posterior neck (acne keloidalis nuchae) that can progress to scarring and permanent hair loss. These conditions are especially common in people of African American descent. 

Although there is no sure way to prevent acne completely, there are several ways to help reduce the frequency and severity of the outbreaks. Washing the skin can decrease the build up of oils and dead skin cells.  Washing too often or too vigorously can cause damage by over drying the skin or irritating existing acne lesions. Use of lotions or make-up that contains oil can aggrevate acne.  Finally, proper nutrition is important. Our skin benefits from getting the right amounts of nutrients and vitamins.

Treatment for acne can be as diverse as the condition itself. Mild acne can often be controlled with gentle cleansers and the application of products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.  In more severe cases, prescriptions for an antimicrobial or a retinoid or even isotretinoin (Accutane) may be required.

Isotretinoin (Accutane) is a naturally occurring derivative of Vitamin A and has been very effective in the treatment of severe acne that is unresponsive to other forms of treatment. The standard isotretinoin (Accutane) course is between four to six months although some patients may need additional treatments. There are risks with this drug, the most serious of which is severe birth defects if the drug is taken during pregnancy. Additional information can be found at OtisPregnancy.org. Consequently, any female of child bearing age must be willing to commit to using two methods of birth control while taking Accutane and agree to never share the drug with anyone.  Patients taking isotretinoin (Accutane) must enroll in the FDA mandated iPledge program, follow up with monthly office visits and have monthly blood tests.

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LightSheer Laser Hair Removal

LightSheer Laser Hair Removal for excessive or unwanted hair may well be the gold standard for laser hair removal.  For most patients, 4-6 treatments will result in an 80-90% reduction in hair. This does not mean that the treated area will be 100% hair free but the hair should be much less dense and less noticable. Ideal candidates are those with pale skin and dark hair however, dark skinned individuals can be treated with excellent results but may require more treatment sessions and are at somewhat greater risk for side effects. 

There are several alternatives to laser hair removal including but not limited to electrolysis, shaving, waxing, threading, plucking, hair removal cream eflornithine (Vaniqa) or no treatment at all.  Women and girls with excessive facial hair may benefit from a laboratory evaluation to rule out underlying hormone problems.

Pre-treatment Instructions

1. Try to avoid tanning for 2 months.  If you tan before treatment we will have to reduce the energy and you may require more treatments but you may still have your laser treatment.  Side effects such as hypopigmentation (white spots), hyperpigmentation (dark spots), blistering, infection and scarring are unlikely but may result from laser therapy.
2. Avoid bleaching, plucking, or waxing hair for 6 weeks prior to treatment. Shaving is acceptable and everyone with thick hair should shave prior to treatment.  This reduces the sensation of heat and makes the treatment easier for the patient.
3. If you have a history of herpes (fever blisters) in the areas to be treated, let the staff know so that a prophylactic antiviral medication can be started.
4. You should not receive laser hair removal if you are pregnant or nursing.
5. Tell us if you or your family members scar or make keloids or have trouble healing.
6. Although not usually necessary, a topical anesthetic may be used to reduce the discomfort of hair removal treatment. This can be applied at home before the treatment session or at the time of treatment.  Anesthetics should not be used over large areas because of the risk of toxicity through the skin.
7. Do not take Accutane or any isotretinoin for 6 months prior to laser therapy.  Retinoids and acid creams should be discontinued for 48 hours prior to treatment. Stop all self-tanning products one week before treatment.

What to Expect and Postoperative Care

1. During laser treatments you will wear goggles or eye shields.
2. Hairs will pop out during the treatment and continue to fall out over the next few days.  Hairs remaining in the follicle will extrude typically within 1-2 weeks.  This looks like new growth but it is the body's way of eliminating the hair from the injured follicle.  Just because the hair falls out does not mean it is destroyed. 
3. Treated skin may be red for 30 minutes to 3 days.  It may have a yellow discoloration for 1-2 hours after treatment.  Minor crusting or scabbing of the treated area can occur and it may be tender.  Apply Polysporin ountment to any raw areas.  Cool packs during the first few hours after treatment will reduce discomfort and swelling. Many patients have no redness at all. Severe pain or pustules are unlikely and could be signs of infection.  Please contact Dr. Sekula Gibbs if you have any concerns.
4. Wash treated areas with mild soap and water. Gently cleanse with your fingertips.  Use of a washcloth or other abrasive instrument is not recommended.  Dove unscented, Cetaphil, Glyderm Gentle Cleanser, Vanicream Bar and Free & Clear Clenaser are acceptable.
5. Use an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen everyday. Avoid unprotected sun exposure and use a sunscreen at all times during the course of treatment to avoid hyperpigmentation (skin darkening) or hypopigmentation (skin lightening).
6. Do not use waxing, electrolysis or tweezing for 6 weeks after treatment. Shaving and depilatories may be used.
7. Make an appointment for your next treatment at the first sign of hair regrowth, usually at 3-6 weeks. Hair regrowth occurs at different rates on different areas of the body. It may take 4-6 six weeks for the upper body and possibly as long as 2-3 months for the lower body.

Side Effects

1. Pain — This varies with the area treated, the number of hairs present and the darkness of the skin.
2. Redness and swelling — This is to be expected and is evidence that the laser is being used with enough energy to remove hair follicles.
3. Bruising
4. Hypopigmentation (white spots), striping of skin
5. Hyperpigmentation (dark spots)
6. Blistering — Apply Polysporin ointment to blisters.
7. Scarring
8. Infection