Although many persons struggling with acne have heard ofor contemplated using Accutane, many do not fully understand the serious side effects that are often associated with Accutane's use. A common misunderstanding is that Accutane is either a cure for acne or is considered the end-of-the-road for those that have been disappointed by other treatments for acne. Although Accutane does offer good outcomes for many, it can come at a high price, both financially and physically. The use of this strong drug requires physician prescription and frequent monitoring of symptoms along with scheduled blood tests. Mandatory pregnancy testing and the use of more than one form of birth control is mandatory as this drug is linked to severe birth defects. Because Accutane is an oral medication, there are systemic (whole body) side effects that are associated with its use. Only after research and careful consideration will a patient and their physician be able to decide if the potential benefits of Accutane outweigh the potential risks.
Laser Acne Treatment Los Angeles by Celibre Medical
Acne laser treatment Los Angeles Before and after photos
An alternative to the use of Acctuane for the control and prevention of acne is laser acne treatment using photodynamic therapy and/or class IV medical lasers. Because lasers are specifically targeted to different areas of the skin, there are no systemic side effects as is the case with oral medications like Accutane. Lasers use thermal (heat) energy to treat acne by: decreasing the size and reshaping the structure of sebaceous glands, limiting oil (sebum) production, shrinking pore size, destroying the acne bacteria, and dislodging sebum plugs/blocked pores with a photoacoustic effect. Accutane works well on the sebaceous glands but, unfortunately, indiscriminately affects many body systems at the same time. Lasers are quite safe for all skin types because the effects are confined to the area being treated, the skin. Acne Lasers also offer other benefits that Accutane and other modalities cannot. For example, cosmetic lasers not only affect changes on the sebaceous glands, they also stimulate and remodel collagen. This effect results in improved texture of the skin for those that may have developed acne scars. Another group of lasers provide excellent fading of discolored acne scars (hyperpigmented scars) that are red and/or brown in nature.
Acne is a skin condition associated with many emotions and is difficult at any age. At Celibre, we are fully aware that many acne patients come to us after having invested much time and money on failed treatments. Our patients usually have an excellent baseline knowledge of their condition and treatment options because of their own research and history of treatments. The history of failed treatments often prompts many to seek an alternative to Accutane, oral antibiotics, painful extractions and over-the-counter or special order topical products. While we believe in the benefits of many different acne treatments including Accutane, we encourage consumers to consider laser acne treatments as an option for the control and prevention of acne.