Acne Clinic - Acne Treatment and Medication

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Patient FAQ

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. The porphyrins start a chemical reaction that produces peroxide which destroys the P. acnes bacteria causing your inflamed blemishes (lesions).

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 effects the P. acnes bacteria, not the normal tissue.

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 indicate that conventional treatment for acne sufferers have limitations and require, at least, 3 months of continuous treatment. And, some of these drugs are reported to have side effects that range from mild to quite severe.
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 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. Ask your physician to recommend a cleanser if you are not sure what to use.

What is the Recommended Maintenance After Completing My ClearLight Treatments?
Various doctors would recommend the following types of follow-up procedure:

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.

This follow-up regimen is not a recommendation from Lumenis. Consult with your physician for the best maintenance program for you.

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 treats inflamed mild to moderate acne blemishes only. ClearLight is not designed to clear cystic and/ or nodular acne or Comedones. You may experience little or no clearing of these lesions.

Always consult your doctor with questions or concerns about your acne and options for treatment. He or she is the medical expert with the answers you are seeking.