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Ready to schedule a consultation for acne treatments at Portland’s Aesthetic Medicine? Call us at 503.907.9605 or send a message online.
There are many factors that contribute to acne—including genetics—but the simplest explanation for the skin condition involves pores and bacteria. When dead cells combine with natural oils and debris on the skin, the resulting mixture can plug up follicles, which are openings to pores below the surface. This can result in a whitehead, with a light-colored cap on the surface, or a blackhead, which is a cap that has darkened due to exposure to the air.
If bacteria are trapped inside a plugged-up pore, they can feed on the oil, multiplying until their numbers cause the pore itself to swell. Natural defenses further contribute to the problem, as white blood cells sent to attack the bacteria cause inflammation and—ultimately—the creation of pus. Bumps that form as a result range from closed-off papules and open pustules (the two types of pimples) to deeper nodules and cysts that can leave scars.
Killing bacteria, reducing oil production, and keeping the skin’s surface as clear and clean as possible are all helpful strategies when it comes to acne treatment.
At Aesthetic Medicine, we typically recommend an acne treatment that uses laser energy. We have two different FDA-approved lasers for this strategy, both of which use powerful light to accomplish multiple things: targeting the oil-making sebaceous glands to reduce production, removing layers on the surface to open pores, and reducing the severity and frequency of future breakouts. Laser acne treatments can also provide a resurfacing effect that minimizes acne scarring.
Microdermabrasion is another approach that can be performed on its own or used to enhance the effects of laser acne treatments. This strategy is an effective exfoliation treatment, which further reduces debris and dead skin cells on the surface, as well as makes acne scars even less noticeable. Freshly exfoliated skin is ideal for extractions, since suction can more easily remove the contents of newly opened pores.
Hydrafacial is yet another acne treatment option, mainly for addressing conditions that could lead to future breakouts. This multi-step device cleanses, exfoliates, and extracts in one session—in addition to providing hydration and beneficial serums for improved skin health.
Various skincare products are available to help maintain and promote clearer skin through routine application at home. Before any laser acne treatment, we will provide you with cleanser, toner, and serum that penetrate deeply to provide multiple benefits. Using these topical products can extend the results from your laser acne treatment.
Schedule your consultation for a skin-clearing appointment today. Contact Aesthetic Medicine for acne treatments in Portland by calling 503.907.9605 or sending a message online.
Our long-term choice for acne treatment is laser treatment. We use two different FDA-approved lasers to reduce scarring, redness, and wrinkles while treating acne. The YAG laser light penetrates the skin to reach the sebaceous glands to reduce the risk of new acne flares. It also gently resurfaces scarred areas on the outer layer of the skin, vaporizing the scar tissue and stimulating the production of new collagen to fill in pitted areas. Laser treatment is an effective tool in the fight against acne by treating existing scarring and minimizing future flareups.
Aesthetic Medicine offers microdermabrasion treatment to address acne scarring as a complement to our laser treatments. This treatment works on all skin types and colors. It is a non-invasive treatment that exfoliates the skin’s surface, removing the top layer and any scarring it contains. After a series of microdermabrasion treatments, many Portland patients see a significant reduction in their acne scarring. Microdermabrasion works best for patients who no longer have active acne problems but have residual scarring from past issues. If extractions are needed, this will occur after your face is cleansed and after your microdermabrasion to remove active acne or milia.
We offer SkinCeuticals LHA products, including a cleanser, toner, and a serum that is provided at the start of your laser package to aid in the resolution of your acne.
These products work deep below the skin’s surface to remove oils and dirt to keep the skin looking its best. Using LHA topical treatments is the best way to keep your results from acne treatment for a more extended period.
Acne treatment requires a series of treatments, including both laser and microdermabrasion, for effectiveness. Many patients who go through the entire process with Aesthetic Medicine are able to stay in remission for many years. Others require routine maintenance treatments to sustain their results. Some patients do not respond to treatment at all.
To learn about your options for acne treatment, an in-person consultation with Dr. Darm and his team is the best option.
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