Acne & Acne Scars

Acne and acne scarring are things that affect many teens but at times can affect people later in life due to hormonal changes and the aging process. Acne can not only affect your outward appearance but can have lasting effects on your self confidence. I want to give you back the self-confidence you may have lost and help you look your best. With Gravity’s multi-modal treatment plan for acne and acne scarring we can help you achieve a more even complexion and improved skin texture.

The primary treatment for acne remains topical antibiotics and agents to dry your skin in addition to long term antibiotic suppression of breakouts. However, at Gravity med spa we offer a multi-modal treatment plan for acne and acne scarring. We offer not only the conventional topical and oral agents but also advanced laser treatments to help your skin look its best. The laser treatments are relatively pain free and allow for an excellent result with minimal to no downtime afterwards. Using laser technology, we are able to resurface areas of acne scarring and bring about a more even-textured result for your skin. Most patients can expect some redness after the procedure and we recommend staying out of the sun for several days after your treatment to improve the overall result of your treatment.

Gravity’s customized approach to treating acne and acne scars

The goal of any acne or acne scar treatment plan is to create a customized treatment plan that is made just for you. No two people are alike and similarly no two faces are alike. Using a combination of topical, oral, and laser technologies, the physicians at Gravity Med Spa will create a treatment program that is idea for your Fitzpatrick skin type (Fitzpatrick I-III being lighter skin individuals and Fitzpatrick IV-VI being darker skin individuals) and takes into account your history of acne and your ultimate goals. While the mainstays of treatment will remain topical and oral therapies along with the lasers, we may at times integrate other components to the treatment of acne and acne scarring. These other components of the treatment plan may include fillers such as JUVÉDERM and Perlane, various chemical peels or dermabrasion. Our physicians will work with you to give you the glowing skin you’ve always wanted. Call Gravity Med Spa now for a complimentary consultation and skin evaluation.

What is acne and what causes acne?

Acne is a common human skin condition, characterized by areas of scaly red skin, comedones (blackheads and whiteheads),  and possibly scarring. Acne occurs on the skin over many parts of the body including the face, chest, and back.

In adolescence, acne is usually caused by an increase in androgens such as testosterone, which occurs during puberty, regardless of sex. Typically, acne sets in when there is an inflammatory response that occurs in pilosebaceous units, skin structures consisting of a hair follicle and its associated oil producing (sebaceous) gland, that are acted upon by the androgens. Subsequent infection with bacteria can occur, further causing inflammation of the adjacent skin structures and producing the angry red appearance of common acne breakouts.

Management of acne scars – early is the key

Acne scars vary from patient to patient and may be deep and pitting or more superficial and radially distributed. They range in color from red to white or may match your existing skin tone. Typically acne scarring worsens with time due to the loss of volume in the face, attributable to muscle loss, fat loss, and decreased bone density. Many treatments are available for treatment of acne scarring…the key is early treatment. Treatments with lasers can significantly help to even the tone of the skin and fillers such as JUVÉDERM or Perlane can be used to further improve deep pitting acne scars.

Laser acne scar treatment – how does it work?

Laser acne scar treatment works by stimulating collagen production at the dermal level, smoothing out irregularities of the skin, and bringing about a more natural texture. Through the process of fractional laser treatment, we are able to injure the skin in a predictable manner, leaving areas of healthy tissue adjacent to allow for healing of the tissue after your treatment. Depending on your skin type and the type of acne scarring that you have, our staff can recommend the laser treatment that is right for you to give you the best looking skin possible.

Radiofrequency – Another Option For Treating Acne

Scarlet RF Microneedling treatments stimulate your body’s natural collagen renewal process leading to skin tightening and a reduction in the pitting acne scarring that some people suffer from after years of suffering from acne.  Imagine having smoother and more even textured skin without surgery.  See photos below of typical patients that can be treated for acne scarring with radiofrequency treatments.