There is Help for Acne Sufferers

Acne is not just a problem for teenagers; it can affect people from ages 10 through 40. It is not unusual for women, in particular, to develop acne in their mid- to late-20s, even if they have never had a breakout. Acne can cause a lot of trouble with self-esteem for those with severe cases. It can appear on the skin as any of the following, wherever there are oily (sebaceous) glands, mainly on the face, chest, and back:

• Congested pores
• Whiteheads
• Blackheads
• Pimples
• Pustules
• Orcysts

For severe acne, we treat our patients with Photodynamic Therapy. The process includes washing the face with acetone. Then a light microdermabrasion is performed. We apply the Levulan (which is activated by the laser light) to the area being treated and it is left on for about 30 minutes. Then the levulan is washed off and laser treatment follows.

Levulan is a 20% solution of ALA (Aminolevulonic Acid is natural substance found throughout our body). The Levulan targets active acne cells and is absorbed by the sebaceous glands. Once the levulan is activated by the laser’s light the skins oiliness decreases. The appearance of pores is minimized, and the entire skin texture improves.

See this video from San Diego Living with Cassandra’s story how we helped her improve her self-esteem and allowed her to wear her hair up, off her face, for the first time. She had a dramatic improvement after just one treatment! We helped her and we can help you too. Contact Scripps Ranch Dermatology & Cosmetic Center to learn more.

Rejuvenation is No Longer Just for Women

Actual Patient Photos - Before Tumescent Liposculpture

Society may be kinder to men when it comes to aging, but no one is immune to the effects of time. Now more than ever, men are feeling younger, living healthier and continue to be active in the workplace and dating scene well into their 50’s, 60’s and beyond. These men want the way they feel on the inside to match the way they look on the outside.

The number of men seeking cosmetic procedures is on the rise. All the time-tested, safe, effective, no-downtime procedures that women have been taking advantage of are now available to men as well. We can give men the natural appearing results they want – without anyone else knowing they are getting cosmetic treatments.

Signs of sun damage and aging on the skin can be erased with elos laser treatments like Aurora, Polaris and ReFirme. Wrinkles, acne scars and skin sagging can be improved with a series of Fraxel treatment or laser skin resurfacing. Botox and fillers like Restylane alone or in combination can flatten wrinkles and take years off almost instantly! Of course unwanted body hair or ingrown facial hair need no longer be a concern with quick and effective laser hair removal.

Actual Patient Photos - After Tumescent Liposculpture

Our options are more than skin deep. Ever wanted a perfect six pack and that “cut” look to your body? Liposculpture can make it possible, ONCE AND FOR ALL. In this simple and safe procedure, fat is permanently removed from bulges and problem areas that even intense diet and exercise can’t help. More than half of the liposculpture procedures we have performed in the past few months were on male necks, abdomens, love handles and chests!

Whatever you may want to improve, change, or take care of – there is no better time than now. Men – it’s finally your turn.

Testimonial from James (shown in photos)

“Dr. Mauricio, I will never be able to fully express how grateful I am for the artistic way you have sculptured my physique. The difference between my before and after photos show your amazing skills at transforming the human body. Not only do I look great, I feel great. I now demonstrate a renewed confidence and uplifted spirit in my day to day life that actually attracts people to me like never before.

The skills and deep concern for your patient’s physical and mental well-being demonstrated by you and your staff go way more than skin deep. Thank you so much for what you have done for my life. You are the premier doctor in this field.”

Very truly always your patient, James B. (Tumescent Liposculpture)

Don’t Give Up on Stubborn Acne

Acne vulgaris affects 40-50 million people in the United States. Acne affects patients of all skin types and a wide age range from teens to ladies in their 50’s. The psychological impact of acne is underestimated. It is now publicized that part of Michael Jackson’s body image problem may have stemmed from having severe acne as a teenager and having to endure embarrassing scars as he faced thousands of people.

Everyday in our dermatology clinic we hear stories of how acne prevents people from fully enjoying life with confidence. Acne can be devastating as we are left with discolored scars which can be embarrassing especially on adults. They may feel like acne and scars make them look less attractive, less professional and hence, less confident to perform or be taken seriously in their line of work.

Ance scars before PDT treatment.

With teens, I believe it is imperative to seek treatment as early as possible because I have seen depression and social withdrawal from having bad acne. These are patients who come to see us for consultation barely looking up, having hair covering part of their faces, wearing unnaturally thick make-up. My message for these patients is always one of hope as treatment for acne has advanced dramatically over the last few years. There really is no more reason to have acne or acne scars!

In our clinic we combine the latest in medical treatment (oral antibiotics, topical treatments) with the most advanced technology to get patients better as soon as possible to prevent scarring. We recommend Photodynamic Therapy(PDT) for patients with more inflammatory and cystic acne. In a study done by Serrano, et al., it was shown that treatment with ALA-PDT showed 50% reduction in the number of lesions (counts) after the first treatment session, 75% after the second session and 92% after the third session. There were no relapses at the end of the 16 week follow-up period.

Acne scars faded after PDT treatment.

A series of PDT treatments done monthly can save patients from having to require Accutane treatment. Most of the patients we see seeking PDT series already have been failed by traditional medical treatment and have been advised they will need Accutane. Many parents of teens hesitate to have their children undergo such a potent systemic medication with known complications and are wondering what else can be done. PDT’s can also offer relief for adult women with stubborn acne who hesitate to take Acutane since they are not sure how long they can put off reproduction.

Although PDT is not 100% effective, the majority of our patients do improve significantly to a point where they can be acne free for many months and at the least, the quality and severity of the acne lesions are now more acceptable, manageable and patients feel better about their skin overall. Once we have the active acne under control we can start discussing options for acne scar treatment. At this point, these once shy, withdrawn patients have a new confidence and spirit! Let us know how we can help you. We welcome your comments below.