These treatments do not provide a "cure" or "long-term" solution to not only acne but also acne scaring as well. Accutane, the closest solution we have for severe acne, has a far too many adverse side effects on other organs of the body. We find most patients want to avoid Accutane if at all possible.
A "Hopeless" case of acne is shown below. This patient had tried every traditional medical treatment before she came to Hope.
Before and After results of Acne Treatment by Dr. Nadia
A CHALLENGING CASE
This 31-year old woman is a patient of mine, who is a perfect example of someone who suffered for many years with cystic acne and failed with antibiotics, topicals and Accutane. Not only did she have severe, painful cystic inflammatory acne but also scarring and very sensitive skin.
I designed a program that used the SMOOTHBEAM LASER, VBEAM LASER AND PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY for her that over the next two months would get her ready for her wedding day. This unique combination of laser light technologies addressed all aspects of her acne and scarring. The patient committed to the recommendations I made and now three years later still has clear, beautiful skin with minimal maintenance needed.
While most patients generally do not require an intense program like this particular case, we do individually assess each patient and design a program for long term success.
We are confident that we are able to serve everybody whether it is a teenager, African American with dark pigment patches and scarring or a middle aged women suffering from breakouts.
Dr. Nadia's Personal Journey with Acne
Having personally experienced the devastating psychological and emotional impact of severe cystic acne during a very stressful time in my adult life, it impaired my ability to function and feel comfortable socially. I embarked on this journey of finding alternative and better long term cures for acne nine years ago when a laser called the SMOOTHBEAM was about to be approved by the FDA for addressing and shrinking overactive sebaceous glands.
I was intrigued to discover solutions that work focally at the site of the problem without causing side effects or harm to the body from antibiotics and other harsh medications.
Over the past nine years I have worked with many challenging cases of acne that others have given up on or that were deemed "incurable"- patients who had lost hope- because nothing had worked up until that point. I have enjoyed the challenge of helping these patients who have come in clinically depressed and scarred in so many ways.
The Goals of Acne Treatment
- Shrink the glands to reduce oil and sebum production thereby shrinking the pores and normalizing the skin.
- Increase the epidermal cell turnover and stickiness of the cells to prevent clogging of the glands.
- Reduce inflammation and sun damage in the skin for overall healthier, more robust skin.
- Stimulate and rebuild collagen through fibroblast activation thereby minimizing acne scarring.
How we reach these goals
Dr. Nadia took the work of many pioneers such as Dr. Alexiadas Armenakas and Dr. Rox Anderson who had found PDT (PhotoDynamic Therapy) , which is LEVULAN and use of a pulse dye laser like the VBEAM to provide an alternative to alter the sebaceous unit. Dr. Nadia combined their discoveries with her own experience with lasers to design even more definitive combinations to address every type of acne and skin. Her programs offer long-term results for redness, blemishes, acne, scarring and pigmentation. Our patients benefit from the safe, definitive results without the use of antibiotics or Accutane.
What can I expect after treatment?
Post instructions are dependent upon your individual recommended treatment plan and follow up plan, which may include various lasers, microdermabrasions, chemical peels and/or skin care regimen.
Cystic acne can create painful inflamed lumps deep within the skin.
This condition is a harsh reality for thousands. The psychosocial impact can be overwhelming and even lead to depression. We are thrilled to offer new HOPE to so many!
"My PDT for acne treatment at HOPE and the change in my skin makes me feel incredible. It's a transformation. It's just amazing. I tried other products with no resolution and I didn't care to go back on antibiotics through a dermatologist. Dr. Nadia was recommended to me and I was happy to discover a solution without the use of medications that promised long-term results. It's been about 2 years since my PDT treatment and I haven't had any recurrence or lesions since then. It's fabulous!" -Christina
"I began suffering from severe acne breakouts at the age of 15. I couldn't do anything for it. I was embarrassed by how I looked and even limited myself socially. I was self-conscious, had little self-image and no self-esteem. I must have spent thousands of dollars on drug store remedies to high-end products, but nothing ever worked. I'm 37 now and finally said 'enough is enough'. After only 3 treatments with the Smoothbeam laser and VBeam laser at Hope, I can already see results. My face is what people see of me. I feel so wonderful and now that I look better on the outside, I feel better on the inside. You can't put a price tag on that." -Sherrie
"I had oily skin, bumps and acne/blemishes on my face and I used to pick at them. I was tired of putting my hands to my face and wanted to get rid of the problem. Dr. Nadia specializes in skin of color and has lasers made just for me, so I decided to give it a chance. It really worked and I saw results after only one treatment. No more bumps and my skin is clear. It helped me. It really, really did." -Pamella
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT LEVULAN BY DUSA PHARMACEUTICALS:
www.dusapharma.com/levulan-photodynamic-therapy.html
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth
or Call us at 856-872-2616
