Acne
When people hear the word acne, they often think of the most severe form. Acne refers to everything form blackheads and whiteheads (open and closed comedones), pimples, pustules, cysts and back acne (bacne!). It is most prevalent in teen years, but more commonly we are seeing in pre-pubescent’s and adult females with ance issues. Acne can be extremely stressful and anxiety provoking, not to mention painful.
Our practitioners at Gold Coast Dermatology Clinic engage in a holistic approach.
The medical practitioners, Dr Megan Kelly and Dr Erin Evans offer a rapid access acne clinic. Whilst Tahlia, our dermal therapist, offers consultations for patients that wish to take a medication free approach.
Managing acne can involve:
Skin care
Diet
Managing stress
Exercising regularly
Skin treatments
- Chemical peels
- Laser and light based treatmentsPrescription topical medication
Oral Medications.
Do you need a treatment plan for acne?
Acne Scarring
Acne scarring comes in many shapes and sizes and treating it depends on the type of acne scar, how old the scarring is and what skin type the patient has. In addition, underlying skin conditions and medications can influence which treatment option may be best for you. Treating acne scarring is a marathon, not a sprint, and making an effective plan often involves a number of treatment modalities performed over a period of time, anywhere between 6 to 24 months.
Scarring is due to the loss of, and abnormal formation of collagen and elastin that occurs under the skin after inflammatory cysts, papules and pustules have healed. In the early stages of healing, the tissues exhibits the most remodelling and this is the best time to treat scarring. Old scars can still be improved, but may require more or different treatments.
Redness (post-inflammatory erythema) and pigmentation (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation) are not strictly scars, because all of the damage is in the top layer of skin and there is no disruption to the underlying collagen and elastin. However, that doesn’t make these markings any less visible or irritating. These too are treatable.
Recreating and remodelling collagen and elastin takes time, and you can expect treatment results to be seen over a matter of months.
The following services are available for the treatment of scars:
Home dermaroller
TCA cross
Sciton BBL (broadband light - a more advanced type of IPL)
Cutera Excel V+ , Vascular and anti-inflammatory laser targeting redness, collagen and elastin rejuvenation
Cutaneous subcision.
We also recommend the use of appropriate home care.