Acne Treatment
Throughout life, acne has physically and emotionally scarred millions. It is the most common skin condition with an incidence of over 90% in adolescents. Acne may however appear for the first time in the mid twenties, or even later, and persist in a significant number of people into their forties or even fifties.
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Facial acne before treatment |
Facial acne after treatment
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Active Acne
The treatment of active acne depends largely on the severity of the condition and often several treatments are recommended concurrently. A full medical assessment is essential as your treatment plan for active acne may include prescription medication, either topical or oral, NLite laser or blue light IPL, medical grade cosmaceuticals, chemical peels or microdermabrasion.
Acne Scarring
The complex choice of which laser to use in the treatment of acne scarring is often taxing for the most experienced laser physician. It depends on numerous factors including the type and depth of scar, its location, and the patient’s underlying skin colour. It is important that intervention does not make matters worse. At consultation we will assess your skin and advise a treatment plan tailored specifically to your individual needs.
Our expert medical team has in excess of 15 years laser experience and have completed more than 40,000 successful treatments. Rest assured you are in safe hands. All procedures at Cambridge Skin & Laser Clinic are performed by fully qualified doctors and nurses. We do not employ therapists or technicians to operate our laser systems.To ensure the highest ethical standards are maintained at all times, staff at Cambridge Skin and Laser Clinic are never offered bonus incentives to sell treatments.
All consultations are free of charge so why not call our team of experts today?
What Causes Active Acne?
The exact cause of acne is unknown, but the following factors are considered important
- The sebaceous gland produces more oil resulting in a generally oily complexion.
- The dead skin, near the pore through which the hairs emerge becomes sticky, partially or completely blocking the pore.
- The bacteria P.Acnes multiplies in the retained oil causing inflammation (seen as pimples, zits or cysts).
- Inflammation damages the cells that make collagen resulting in thinning of the skin and sunken scars. Occasionally collagen production increases, resulting in thickened raised scars.
The treatment of active acne depends largely on the severity of the condition and often several treatments are recommended concurrently. A full medical assessment is essential as your treatment plan for active acne may include prescription medication, either topical or oral, NLite laser or blue light IPL, medical grade cosmaceuticals, chemical peels or microdermabrasion.
Because we offer an extensive range of acne treatments we can truly recommend the most effective procedure for your skin. Whichever treatment we recommend, you can be assured we are not using it because it is all we have to offer but because it is the best choice for you.
Laser Treatment of Acne Scarring Explained
There are a number of different looking scars caused by acne, they are classified as follows:
Icepick Scars
These are deep narrow scars that make the skin appear as if it has been punctured with an ice pick and are usually best treated with fractional lasers such as the Er:YAG pixel. Fractional Er:YAG lasers uses a matrix of microscopic laser beams each the size of a human hair to drill into the skin leaving much of the surrounding skin undisturbed. Because nearby cells are not damaged they are able to move into the microscopic injured area promoting rapid healing and fast.
Boxcar Scars
These scars are round (similar to chickenpox scars). They are treated with fractional or traditional laser resurfacing. Traditional Er:YAG lasers treats the entire skin’s surface removing the upper layers of skin to reveal the fresher more youthful skin beneath. Due to need to commit to 7–10 days of intensive wound care, weeks of postoperative redness and risks of pigment change fractional laser resurfacing is becoming a more popular choice.
Rolling Scars
These scars occur as a result of tethering of otherwise normal looking skin giving the skins surface an undulating appearance. Depending on severity they are best treated with non ablative lasers such as the 1320 Nd:YAG laser, 1064 Nd:YAG laser or pulsed dye laser.
Unlike traditional resurfacing procedures, that remove the upper layers of the skin (epidermis)leaving a raw surface taking days to heal, non-ablative lasers use light energy to gently heat up the lower layers of the skin producing collagen that stimulates a healing response. This acts as a new foundation for the skinsupporting the scar and smoothing out surface furrows. Because the non ablative lasers do not damage the outer layer of the skin, there is no prolonged healing time and normal activities can be resumed immediately.
What is NLite?
NLite is a pulsed dye laser that emits yellow light at 585nm from a hand piece held close to your skin. Described as the most significant advancement in acne treatment for decades, NLite laser is safe, fast and effective. NLite is a virtually painless treatment without any side effects.
"The biggest breakthrough in the treatment of Acne Vulgaris in 20 years"- Tony Chu consultant dermatologist at Hammersmith Hospital in West London
"Over 92% of patients reviewed after a single treatment had a significant improvement. Over 50% of patients had a 50% reduction in lesions after a single treatment" - - The Lancet Vol 362
How does NLite laser work?
Active Acne - NLite works in 3 ways: -
- The yellow laser light kills the bacteria, P.Acnes, that causes the infection leading to spots.
- The laser light gently heats up the skin around the spots, producing collagen that boosts the healing process causing the spots to disappear.
- Prevention of future acne by dampening down the skin’s reaction to P.Acnes reinfection.
Acne Scarring
The yellow laser light heats up the lower layers of the skin producing collagen that stimulates a healing response. This acts as a new foundation for the skin, reducing scarring and improving skin tone.
What does the treatment involve?
The yellow laser light is delivered in very short pulses from a hand piece moved gently over the skin’s surface. Most patients describe the procedure as virtually painless although you may feel a warming sensation as the laser light is absorbed into the skin.
Are there any side effects?
Following treatment there is usually no visible after-effect so normal activities can be resumed immediately. In rare cases, redness and irritation of the treated area may occur (like sunburn). There is also a very small risk of pigment change following the treatment. A small minority of patients develop bruising or blistering. This settles within a few days.
Do I have to do anything with my skin on the day of treatment?
Avoid swimming for two to three days following treatment. Do not use heavily perfumed skin creams and avoid using perfume for at least two days. If you wish to apply make-up to the treated area, you can do this straight away after the session. The following morning, cleanse as usual and apply make-up as normal. If you are using topical vitamin A preparations, these are best avoided for at least 2 days following treatment.
How many treatments are required?
Acne has been shown to significantly improve 2 to 4 weeks following a single session. A series of 3 treatments is usually recommended at monthly intervals.
How soon will I see an improvement?
On the day of treatment, most people experience a reduction in tenderness to the treated area. In the days following, you should experience a resolution of any existing break-outs and in 2-4 weeks the number of active acne lesions has usually significantly reduced. In the months following treatment, there should be an improvement in reddened areas and a reduction in the depth of any pitted sunken scarring.
How long do the benefits last?
Acne clearance has been shown to last over 9 months. Following this, it is envisaged that further ‘top up’ treatments may be required.
Is the treatment safe?
There is no evidence whatsoever to suggest that laser treatment can lead to skin disorders or an increased risk of skin cancer. Our laser centre is registered with the Healthcare Commission, ensuring the highest level of safety for our patients. The NLite laser is sold worldwide and is fully cleared by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It also has full CE clearance for Europe.
Who performs the treatment?
All procedures at Cambridge Skin & Laser Clinic are performed by fully qualified doctors and nurses. We do not employ therapists or technicians to operate our laser systems.
What is Blue Light Treatment?
Lasers emit high energy at one specific wavelength (or colour) in a single beam of light. Intense pulsed light (IPL) is broadband light energy that delivers hundreds of wavelengths (or colours) in a single discharge. This light is passed through filters to produce blue light at wavelengths 420-950nm. The advantage of blue light IPL is it enables very large areas to be treated quickly, safely and effectively.
How does the treatment work?
- The blue light kills the acne bacteria (P.Acnes) that cause the infection leading to spots.
- Theblue light gently heats up the skin around the spots, producing collagen that boosts the healing process causing the spots to disappear.
How many treatments are needed?
A series of 8 treatments is recommended over a 4 week period. Following this, it is envisaged that further ‘top up’ treatments may be required.
Are there any side effects?
In rare cases redness and irritation of the treated area may occur (like sunburn). There is also a small risk of pigment change following treatment. A small minority of patients develop bruising and blistering. This settles within a few days.
Can all areas of the body be treated and does skin colour make a difference?
All areas of the body can be treated. Most skin types can be treated as skin colour makes little difference to the benefits of the procedure.
Is laser treatment safe?
There is no evidence whatsoever to suggest that laser treatment can lead to skin disorders or an increased risk of skin cancer. Our laser centre is registered with the Healthcare Commission, ensuring the highest level of safety for our patients. Our blue light treatment is sold worldwide and is fully cleared by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It also has full CE clearance in Europe.
Who performs the treatment?
All procedures at Cambridge Skin & Laser Clinic are performed by fully qualified doctors and nurses. We do not employ therapists or technicians to operate our laser systems.
How soon will I see an improvement?
On average in 2-4 weeks the number of active acne lesions has usually significantly reduced.
The initial consultation is free of charge with no obligation to undergo treatment. Costs vary depending on the area treated.
| PRICE PER SESSION: Blue Light Treatment | |
| Full face |
£150 |
| Full Face And Neck | £200 |
| Back | £300 |
| Chest | £150 |
| PRICE PER SESSION: NLite Treatment | |
| Full Face | £250 |
| Full Face And Neck | £300 |
| Small Areas | £100 |
| Back | £350 |
| Chest | £250 |
Please Note: Prices quoted are per session and are an approximate guide only. If you require a more accurate pricing prior to consultation, please contact us directly. Although laser treatment may seem expensive, one must bear in mind the enormous acquisition and maintenance costs of the laser devices.
I am of south Asian origin and I had have suffered from varying degrees of acne for about 20 years. Although the acne had largely subsided over the last year or so, I had been left with a great many scars. I had read a great deal about the use of laser treatment for the reduction of acne scarring but I had many reservations about the effectiveness of the treatment as well as the possible side effects. Particularly worrying was the potential of changes in pigmentation after the treatment.
CSL offer a free consultation and assessment service which I found very helpful. I found the clinic to be clean and modern. All the staff I met were friendly, courteous and professional. During the assessment, my treatment options were explained to me very clearly and I was given the opportunity to ask as many questions as I wished. I was given a realistic appraisal of the benefits of the treatment as well as the level of improvement that I could expect to achieve. We also discussed the potential risks of changes to the pigmentation of my skin. In order to mitigate that risk, Dr Holt suggested a strategy of incremental increases in laser power. I should stress that at no point did I feel under any pressure or obligation to start the course of treatment.
After the first three sessions of treatment, I began tonotice improvements to my scarring. Friends (who did not know I was having treatment) began to comment on how fresher faced I was looking. By the end of the treatment (6 sessions) I found a definite improvement. Even those who knew I was undergoing this treatment and were initially sceptical agreed that there had been a significant improvement. I should mention that the treatment did not completely eliminate all the scarring as some of it was very deep. However, this was made clear to me during the initial consultation and helped manage my expectations.
It is now almost 8 months since my course of treatment was completed. The results are a significant and tangible improvement to my acne scarring. Furthermore, I have not suffered from any pigmentation changes at all, which I am sure is due to the level of care and attention shown by Dr Holt. I am very pleased with the results of the course of treatment I received at CSL. Many thanks.
Karim of London
In my mid-thirties, during a particularly stressful period f my life, I developed acne on my neck. The acne gradually spread to my face, and persisted long after the stress had passed. I tried numerous potions, lotions and facials but none had any lasting effect. I didn’t want to use antibiotics but three years on I was beginning to consider them because the unsightly and painful spots were undermining my confidence and getting me down. That was when a friend suggested that I try laser treatment. The results were amazing. After just one treatment, friends and colleagues were commenting on how well I looked, not knowing the reason for the transformation. I’ve now completed the course for the acne and had some further treatment for the scarring. It has not only done wonders for my appearance but I feel so much happier and more confident.
HF
Having tried and tested many conventional and non-conventional methods of treatments for my persistent acne, I finally found that laser offered significant improvement and fast. After only two treatments my active spots were healed. Being of Asian skin origin, I also have the reassurance of being treated with lasers suitable for my skin. I highly recommend this treatment for anyone frustration and affected by recurrent outbreaks of acne.
SS
I have received a number of treatments to include a full session of acne laser treatments, IPL on my face for redness and three RF treatments on my stomach. The procedure did not require a lengthy amount of time and they are relatively painless, and easy to tolerate. I am very pleased with the results of the procedures. There are no miracles and it takes time, Dr Holt is a knowledgeable doctor who really works with his patients and he is someone I trust. He was able to determine the best treatment for my needs and recommended ways to approach the desired resolve. I extend my thanks to both Dr Holt and CSL who have helped me a tremendous amount.
NS
Having suffered with acne for many years, the scarring on my back was very deep and unsightly. The psychological as well as the physical scarring has been very hard to deal with over the years. Dr Holt at Cambridge Skin & Laser Clinic has achieved excellent results with my skin; the clinic is warm and friendly and has a very relaxed atmosphere but at the same time is extremely professional. My confidence and total feeling of well-being have improved by 100%. Thank You Dr Holt.
MH
Before getting laser treatment for my acne, I felt like I had tried everything else. I had suffered from acne for 13 years and even though it wasn’t terrible, I found it very depressing. I was a bit sceptical about trying laser treatment, but decided to go ahead with it. After the first couple of treatments, thinks started to clear up and after six treatments my skin was considerably better. Now, although I still get the odd spot or two, I don’t consider myself to be a "spotty person" any more.
Jane
I had bad acne around my chin area all through my teens and early 20’s which resulted in bad acne scarring and made me very self conscious. Before coming to CSL I tried two alternative and expensive methods of treatment which were both painful and had absolutely no effect. I was left with a smaller bank balance and my horrible acne scarring. I searched the internet for acne scarring treatment in Cambridge and found the CSL website. I read the information on treatment for scarring and phoned to make an appointment. This was the best thing I ever did. All the staff were very professional and made me feel at ease after my past horrible experiences. I have just completed my sixth laser treatment for my scarring and I am so thrilled with the results. My skin is now smooth and I cannot see any of the scarring. The treatment was not painful and the cost was very reasonable compared to the other rubbish treatments I had. Six courses were all I needed to sort my scarring out.
I would recommend anyone with acne scarring to come here as it has given me my confidence back and I now don’t feel like a freak!
A very professional, friendly and worthwhile service.
Lucy from Cambridge
I was very nervous to start laser treatment. My skin was so bad and I was very depressed about it. I was scared that it could get even worse. I did a lot of research on the net and was impressed with the CSL site. I came from London for a consultation, the Doctor immediately gave me the confidence to go ahead with treatment. I have had acne since I was 11. Already there is a big improvement. I used to apply eight layers of foundation before I went out now down to two layers.
I am happy to make the journey from London to be treated by a doctor I feel I can trust. The doctor says there is no reason my skin cannot be completely clear with continued treatments.
I have regained so much of my self confidence.
Thank You CSL.
RS
I had tried all sorts of acne treatment from antibiotics to Roaccutane, but all had proved ineffective or temporary. Until I discovered laser treatment; it was fast easy and effective. I only wish I had learned about it earlier. The rapidity of onset of improvement is amazing and with no side-effects
John, Cambridge