Acne Therapy
Alpharetta and Roswell acne specialist doctor, Naima Cheema MD, offers the groundbreaking, most up to date therapies for the effective treatment of acne and acne scars.
What is Acne?
Acne is the most common skin condition affecting all age groups and ethnicities. Acne can lead to several complications including scars, lack of self esteem, depression and suicide.
What causes acne?
Acne occurs when the secretion of the sebaceous gland cannot reach the surface of the skin, but instead, gets trapped in the tiny pore due to the formation of a plug. The plug forms because oil and skin cells accumulate faster than they exit. This obstruction closes off the pore, resulting in a tiny bulge known as “white head”. If the pore stays open, the top surface of skin and obstruction may become darkened, causing what is commonly known as “black head”. The bacteria Propionibacterium Acne thrives in clogged pores. When the bacteria and pus leak into the surrounding tissues, pimples or pustules are formed. If these infected areas are deep in the skin, they may enlarge to form cysts.
What are the benefits of Blue LED light?
Blue light, in the wavelength of 407-420 nm has intrinsic antimicrobial activity. In vitro and in vivo studies indicate that no UV blue light in the wavelength of 407-420 nm is an effective therapy for Propionibacterium Acne. The Propionibacterium Acne bacteria naturally release porphyrin in acne lesions.The porphyrin absorbs light in the 407-420 nm wavelength, producing free radicals that destroy the bacteria. The patient is exposed to blue LED light for fifteen minutes. Generally, two sessions per week over a four week period is all that is required.
What is Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)?
Aminolevulinic Acid 20% is applied to the skin for thirty minutes. Then the patient is exposed to blue LED light for eight minutes.
What are the side effects?
Mild swelling and dryness may be noted at the treatment site. Rarely, transient pigment changes may be noticed.
Can I get rid of my acne scars?
Long term acne can result in scarring. Scar treatment should wait until active acne is completely under control. Scars can be:
a) Atrophic Scars: Atrophic scars are one of the following types:
- Icepick scars
- Boxcar scars
- Rolling scars
b)Hypertrophic scars
c)Keloid Scars
Dr. Naima Cheema uses combination approach tailored to the scar type. Following therapeutic options are used :
- Chemical peels
- Subcision
- Dermal fillers
- Microneedling
- Platelet Rich Plasma
Please, feel free to ask any questions you may have during your consultation. Please, call 770-558-2873 or schedule online for your next consultation and treatment with Dr. Naima Cheema
