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What is acne?
Acne is a common chronic skin condition caused by inflammation of oil-producing sebaceous glands. Acne usually begins between the ages of ten and thirteen and persists for five to ten years. Acne is most common on the face, but can also occur on the back, shoulders, neck, chest, scalp, upper arms and legs. Acne develops when the skin cells don’t shed properly — they stick together and plug up the pores. This blockage encourages an oil called sebum and a bacteria called p.acnes to build up in the skin pores, leading to inflammation.
Can acne be prevented? How is it treated?
Acne is a fact of life for many adolescents. Approximately 90% of all adolescents and 25% of all adults experience acne at some point in their lives. In adolescents, acne breakouts are related to the natural release of androgen hormones, which occur during puberty. In adult women, acne is often related to the monthly menstrual cycle. Contrary to popular belief, acne is not caused by eating chocolate, greasy foods or bad hygiene. In the U.S. alone, over one billion dollars is spent on acne medications and treatments each year. In many instances, the money spent yields less than satisfactory results, is cumbersome or causes side effects. Conventional treatments include over-the-counter cleansers and lotions, prescription antibiotics, retinoids and hormonal therapies.
What happens during a treatment?
With Blu-U, a typical treatment session requires approximately 16 minutes. Patients sit comfortably in a chair while the therapeutic light is applied; sometimes there is a slight warming sensation. BLU-U light treatments are described as easy, even relaxing, but most importantly, safe and painless. Patients often listen to music while being treated.
With the Image, a typical treatment session requires approximately 20 minutes. Patients lie comfortably on a bed while the Laser light is passed over the skin; sometimes there is a slight warming sensation. Image treatments are described as easy, even relaxing, but most importantly, safe and painless.
How many treatments are required?
We develop treatment plans based on individual patient needs. Typically, Blu-U Light treatments are given twice a week for four weeks, then once a week for four weeks. It is important to keep recommended treatment appointments in order to see maximum results. We may choose to utilize several Laser options for your treatment protocol.
How effective is Blu-U and Image?
The BLU-U and Image Light systems effectively clears 70% of moderate, inflammatory acne in 4-8 weeks. Results are especially impressive when used with conventional treatments, such as topical creams and oral antibiotics.
Will skin be blemish-free at the end of the Blu-U or Image Treatments?
Though the inflammation will be gone for a majority of patients, some may experience residual redness where the inflamed blemish was located. The redness will dissipate over time.
Are the results permanent?
BLU-U and Image treatments alone usually help control acne breakouts for four to eight months, but we will give you monthly treatments for a period of 1 year for the same price; after that, occasional touch ups may be necessary.
Is Blu-U Image Treatments safe? Are there any side effects?
The BLU-U is one of the safest acne treatments available. The system’s blue-violet light penetrates just deep enough into the tissue to reach the acne target, without adversely affecting surrounding skin. Blu-U have no known side effects..
Who can be treated with Blu-U?
Most people can benefit from treatment. The Blu-U has been proven to be very effective on mild to moderate, inflammatory acne. People who are on photosensitive medication or wemon who are pregnant have no problem..
Do patients need to prepare their skin before coming in for a Blu-U or Image treatment?
Yes. The affected area should be washed with a mild acne cleanser, then rinsed with water and dried. Women should remove makeup before treatment sessions, and should only wear oil-free make-up between appointments. Make-up can be re-applied immediately after a treatment session has been concluded.
What type of skincare is needed between Blu-U or Image treatments?
Patients should consult with their physicians regarding the daily use of a non-irritating, anti-acne cleanser such as salicylic acid. Patients should avoid touching or picking blemishes at all times. The use of Salicytic acid enhances the effectiveness during and after treatments.
Are Blu-U and Image treatments FDA-cleared?
Yes. The Blu-U system is the first device to receive FDA clearance to market for the safe and effective treatment of moderate inflammatory acne. After 12, regularly spaced treatments, patients show significant improvement with no side effects noted. The Image system is being researched for FDA approval for acne care but has shown wonderful results in our practice. Image 1064nm Nd:YAG is FDA approved safe for all skin types.
What are the features of Blu-U?
Blu-U Features:
• New paradigm for acne treatment
• High-intensity, narrow spectrum blue-violet light destroys P. acnes bacteria
• Short treatment regimen; 12 treatments over eight weeks to achieve impressive results
• No side effects, no pain, no downtime
you or for your children. It is especially great for kids because the procedure is painless and simple.
What is Blu-U and ClearLight™? How does it work?
The Blu-U system uses a unique high-intensity blue-violet light that activates the bacteria-fighting militia called porphyrins. The porphyrins start a chemical reaction that produces peroxide, which destroys the P. acnes bacteria.
Before - BLU-U technology uses high-intensity, 405-420nm wavelength light, which permeates the tissue to reach the P. acnes target safely and effectively.
During - This unique spectrum of high-intensity light triggers the proliferation of endogenic porphyrins, which attack and destroy P. acnes bacteria within the skin.
After - Blu-U creates a destruction rate that surpasses the normal proliferation rate of the P. acnes bacteria, assuring a significant decrease in P. acnes bacteria.
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