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The biggest breakthrough for many years in the treatment of acne is the NLite laser. This laser was introduced as a collagen building laser, designed for erasing lines and wrinkles and treating the general signs of skin ageing. However, it rapidly became apparent to laser users that it was also possible to achieve very good results on pitted acne scarring, as well as lines and wrinkles. While treating clients with a mixture of
pitted scarring, from old breakouts, as well as fresh problem
areas, it became obvious
that active breakouts settled very rapidly following the laser
treatment. Within a short time, we had a number of clients who
were actually controlling their acne by using laser treatment,
in conjunction with the correct non-laser treatment regimes. Since this time, there has been a full clinical trial carried out on the use of this laser for live acne. The work has been done by a specialist Acne Dermatologist, Dr Tony Chu of Imperial College Dermatology Department and the results are due to be published shortly. The trial showed that, over a twelve week period, the number of active lesions dropped dramatically and the activity of these lesions was reduced, even after only one laser treatment. The conclusion of a recent presentation of Dr Chu's work states that: 'N-Lite is an effective treatment in Acne vulgaris providing
a reduction in both the severity and number of inflammatory
lesions.' Further work will now be carried out to determine the optimum treatment regime (the protocol) and the best adjunct treatments to complement the effect of the laser. The way in which the laser works is two-fold: Secondly, the formation of large amounts of new collagen below and around the spots gives a huge boost to the healing process, causing the spots to disappear with a decreased likelihood of acne scars developing. The treatment is virtually painless and the potential side effects are minimal and very short lived. Certainly, in comparison to the use of Roaccutane and long term antibiotics, this is a treatment solution that is very well tolerated and far superior to any other acne treatment that we know of. The treatment is also highly effective in managing limited break-outs in a generally controlled situation. We have many clients who will come in to treat break-outs, or single lesions even before they have fully expressed; the laser will destroy proliferating bacteria even if the lesions are not yet visible on the surface. Adjunct
treatments and products can enhance
the effect of the Nlite. Immediately after a treatment session, there will be little or nothing to see on the treated skin, however some people do experience mild redness following treatment. At worst, there may be occasional small red bruises (purpura) scattered around the treated area; these often fade within hours but even in the worst case will fade in a few days. On areas of the neck and hands, there is a possibility that small lumps will appear. This is due to the body’s immune system invoking a natural histamine response, similar to the response that a stinging nettle would provoke, and will settle within 24 hours. Anti-histamine treatments, such as Piriton, can be taken however, it is better not to do so as the histamine response is associated with the therapeutic effects being sought. Clinical trails show improvements for up to 3 months after one treatment. Current protocols suggest a three-month interval between treatments but our experience is that, in some cases, better results can be achieved by treating the area more intensively. More severe acne may require more frequent treatments and localised break outs can be controlled at any time between. Breakouts can be stopped in their tracks if treatment is carried out early. As soon as inflammation begins, a single, local treatment may be used to suppress the inflammatory process. You will be advised of the options for your specific circumstances during your consultation. |
