Laser Treatment for Acne

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1 Laser Treatment for Acne Exceptional healthcare, personally delivered

2 Welcome to the Laser Centre of the South West We are part of the Plastic Surgery Department at North Bristol NHS Trust, and were set up in 1992 as one of the first UK centres to offer skin laser treatments. We treat patients from all over the South West area, both private and NHS referrals. All our staff are fully trained doctors and nurses who have received specialist training in skin laser treatment. A variety of lasers are available for different skin conditions and we are able to treat babies and children, as well as adults. We also provide non-laser treatment via our camouflage clinic and Outlook clinic offering emotional support and counselling services. What is acne? Acne vulgaris is a very common skin disease, mainly affecting the face, neck and upper body. It usually starts around puberty but commonly persists into adulthood. It is variable in severity and can be very distressing. Acne spots are caused by blockage of the sebaceous, oilproducing glands in the skin, which then get infected and inflamed. 2

3 What treatments are available? Mild/moderate acne Treatment for mild acne usually starts with creams or lotions, of which there are many different types. Your GP or pharmacist will be able to advise on the best options. For more persistent mild or moderate acne your GP or dermatologist may prescribe antibiotic treatment, either in cream or lotion form or by tablet. Laser treatment is also an option for mild to moderate acne, especially if other treatments have not been successful. Severe acne Severe acne with cysts or nodules that are causing scars needs prompt treatment to prevent further scarring. Laser treatment is not usually suitable but your GP can refer you to a dermatologist who may prescribe a drug called Roaccutane. 3

4 How does laser treatment work for acne? In recent years various forms of light treatment have become popular for the treatment of acne. Only small studies have been done so far but it seems that laser treatment can often help to reduce acne spots and redness, at least on a temporary basis. It is not a permanent cure. Various lasers have been used for acne. Pulse dye lasers target the redness of the acne spots to reduce the inflammation and may also kill off the bacteria that are present in inflamed acne spots. Deeper acting lasers such as the infrared lasers aim to target the sebaceous glands to reduce the greasiness of the skin. Our Cynergy laser combines both a pulse dye laser and an infrared laser, making it a good choice for acne. Small studies have shown it to be effective in the majority of sufferers for reducing inflamed acne spots. However, like any laser treatment, it will not work for everyone. The laser can fade red marks left behind by acne spots but is not able to remove acne scars, pits or craters in the skin. The laser treatment is not suitable for very dark skin types. How many treatments will I need? Most people will have 2-3 treatment sessions at 2-3 week intervals but it depends on individual needs and response to treatment. Once the spots have settled there is no need to continue treatment. Further treatment may be required at a later date if the acne flares up again. 4

5 What does the treatment involve? Treatment takes about 30mins. Most people find it is slightly uncomfortable but are able to tolerate it with no problem. Our laser has a skin-cooling device with it that helps to reduce discomfort. Afterwards the skin may be a little red or slightly bruised for a couple of days. Are there any side effects or risks? The risk of side effects is extremely low. Very occasionally the treatment can cause the normal pigment in the skin to decrease or increase, leaving a pale or dark mark. This is more common in darker skin types and usually returns to normal, but can take a long time to do so. Side effects are more common if the skin is sun tanned before treatment so you should wear sun block on the area before treatment begins and during the course of treatment. You must wear special eyewear during treatment to protect your eyes. Who will treat me? At your first appointment the specialist doctor will assess you and discuss treatment. This will give you a chance to consider all the factors involved. Only experienced doctors and laser nurse specialists who have received specialist training will treat you. 5

6 How can I prepare for treatment? It is very important that your skin is as pale as possible before treatment. You should not have a sun tan or use sun beds, false tan or holiday skin moisturisers. You must protect the area from the sun before and during the course of treatment by using sunblock. If your skin is dry, use a plain moisturiser over the area. If the acne is in a hairy area you may be asked to shave your skin. Some medication and herbal remedies make your skin more sensitive to lasers. Please bring a list of your medicines to your assessment and tell us each time your medication changes. Are photographs necessary? We require photographs of the area to be treated before you start a course of treatment and at intervals during your treatment. This helps us to monitor your progress and any side effects of treatment. You can request a photographer of the same sex as yourself if you wish. How can I make an appointment? Your GP or dermatologist can write us a referral letter or you can phone us directly on to make an appointment. The NHS does not fund laser treatment for acne at the present time. Staff at the Laser Centre can give you further details. 6

7 Reference Yung et al Comparison of PDL and combined 585/1064nm laser in acne vulgaris Dermatol Surg 2009; 35:1-7 NHS Constitution. Information on your rights and responsibilities. Available at [Last Accessed November 2012] 7

8 How to contact us: Laser Centre of the South West North Bristol NHS Trust Frenchay Hospital Frenchay Bristol BS16 1LE If you or the individual you are caring for need support reading this leaflet please ask a member of staff for advice. North Bristol NHS Trust. First Published November Review due November NBT002681