Before and after 8 treatments.
Courtesy of Yoram Harth, MD
Haifa, Israel
What is acne?
Acne is an
inflammatory disease of the oil glands causing a build up of
bacteria within the cells. There are many different types of acne
that range form mild to moderate to severe. Black heads, otherwise
know as comedo, are dark plugs blocking the hair follicle. A closed
comedo is a white head. Palulo/pustular are more superficial and
usually less than 5 mm in diameter. Nodular and cystic acne are
large painful deep solid lesions usually 5 mm in diameter. These are
pus-filled lesions that can cause scarring. Factors that cause acne
are greasy cosmetics, environmental irritations, such as pollution
and high humidity, certain drugs, such as androgens, lithium,
barbiturates, and hormonal changes in adolescence. Acne can cause
social withdrawal due to embarrassment, poor body image, low
self-esteem, frustration and anger, and preoccupation with
appearance.
How Does the ClearLight PhotoClearing System Work?
The ClearLight
system uses a unique high-intensity blue-violet light that activates
the bacteria-fighting militia, called porphyrins, in your own body
to reach the P. acnes target safely and effectively. The porphyrins
start a chemical reaction that produces peroxide, which destroys the
P. acnes bacteria causing your inflamed blemishes (lesions). APC
technology uses high-intensity, wavelength light, which permeates
the tissue.
Is the High-Intensity Blue-Violet Light Harmful?
Absolutely not.
The blue-violet light penetrates just deep enough into the tissue to
reach the acne target. And, it only affects the P. acnes bacteria,
not the normal tissue.
How soon after the treatment can I expect to see results?
After only a few
months, you will see visible results with minimal effort. Applied in
eight treatments over four weeks, the ClearLight system produces
excellent results that will leave you amazed. The simple, rapid
treatment has no downtime, which is an important consideration for
active young adults.
What is the Advantage of ClearLight Treatments Over Other Light-based
Systems?
ClearLight is the
first, and only, system to reach the light intensity that is
required for efficient PhotoClearing (destruction of the P. acnes
bacteria).
How Do ClearLight Treatments for Acne Compare to Topical Creams and Oral
Antibiotics?
Manufacturers
information on topical creams and oral antibiotics indicates that
conventional treatment for acne sufferers have limitations and
require, at least, 3 months of continuous treatment. Some of these
drugs are reported to have side effects that range from mild to
quite severe. For example, Benzyl Peroxide causes irritation to the
skin, and topical antibiotics have a very low efficacy, and topical
retinoids are photosensitive. Oral antibiotics have a relapse of a
few weeks to a couple months at the end of the therapy and the side
effects consist of vertigo, vaginal candidosis, hepatitis, and
lupus. Accutane and Roaccutane cause severe skin and mucosal
irritation, liver enzyme abnormalities, blood lipid elevation, night
blindness, and depression. The ClearLight acne treatment series is
completed in four (4) weeks, with treatments lasting approximately
15 minutes each. Most importantly, ClearLight treatments have been
shown to significantly decrease inflammatory acne lesions in a very
high percentage of patients.
Do I Need to Prepare the Area Effected with Acne in Any Way Before
Coming for my ClearLight Treatments?
Yes. Before
coming in for your ClearLight treatment, cleanse the effected area
with a mild acne cleanser, rinse with water and dry. Ladies, please
only wear make-up that is oil-free, and be sure you are make-up free
during the ClearLight treatment. You may re-apply your make-up after
the treatment has concluded.
What Should I Do Between ClearLight Treatments?
You should avoid
touching or picking your blemishes at all times. In addition, use a
non-irritating anti-acne cleanser such as salicylic acid daily. Many
different products are available for sale at our office.
What is the Recommended Maintenance After Completing My ClearLight
Treatments?
For Comedones
(blackheads & whiteheads): Use comedolytic agents, such as
0.025-0.050% Retinoic acid or Adapalene. For inflamed blemishes:
Use antibacterial agents, such as 2.5-5.0% Benzoyl Peroxide or a
combination of Benzoyl Peroxide and Erythromycin. Posttreatment
options also include the Vitalize Peel™, especially for inflamed
acne and/or dermabrasion for remaining acne scars.
What Visual Changes in My Blemishes Should I Expect to Experience During
the Treatment Period?
You may
experience some minor changes to your blemishes during the treatment
period. If there are any visual changes to your blemishes consult
with your doctor.
Will My Face (or other affected area) Be Blemish-free at the End of My
ClearLight treatments?
Though the
inflammation will be gone for the majority of patients at the end of
the treatment series, you may experience a redness, where the
inflamed blemish was located. This redness will dissipate in a short
time. It is important to remember that ClearLight alone treats only
inflamed mild to moderate acne blemishes. ClearLight in combination
with Levulan®,
a photosensitizing topical medication, can treat cystic acne.
