Typically, treatment sessions are approximately 15 minutes long twice a week for up to 10 weeks. It is important to keep the treatment appointments recommended. By following the treatment plan, you'll see maximum results and enjoy clearer skin. For optimum results, a maintenance treatment session once a month is recommended after completion of the initial series.
How safe is it? Are there any side-effects?
The BLU-U treatment is very safe. The blue-violet light penetrates just deep enough into the tissue to reach the acne target. It only affects the P. acnes bacteria, not the normal tissue. Even though there is no evidence of complications, we will not perform this treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How do I prepare for my treatment?
The face should be cleansed with soap and water and free of any oil. Ladies need to be make-up free during the treatment. Make-up may be re-applied immediately after the treatment. We will provide a skin preparation pad to further cleanse oils from the skin. We may recommend a skin exfoliation product to further enhance the photodynamic therapy.
How do lasers help clear acne?
Light pulses are delivered through the skin's surface, targeting an organic compound generated by the bacteria. These bacteria are photosensitive and die when targeted by light; thus reducing the inflammation.
How long should the treatment take?
Treatment times will vary depending on the size of the treatment area, though a full face will frequently take about 20 minutes.
How many treatments should I need?
Our doctor frequently starts with a four treatment course, two per week for two weeks. More treatments may be needed for those with more severe acne.
How long do the effects last?
Clinical data suggests that most patients find their acne improves after two weeks of twice weekly treatments. While many patients continue to improve over the months following treatment, some patients experience a plateau in their improvement. Repeated treatments may be necessary to maintain results.
How effective are lasers in the treatment of acne?
In studies conducted at Wellman Labs in Massachusetts and at a private facility in California, 91% of patients saw their acne improve by an average of 66%. In the most recent clinical study patients saw their acne become 81% less severe.
What will happen in the procedures?
After discussing your medical history, including any drugs you are currently taking, with our medical practitioner, the treatment area will be cleaned and a thin layer of clear gel will be applied. Our doctor will glide the laser handpiece over the treatment area in a brushing motion as the laser light is pulsed safely through the skin.
Is it painful?
Many patients describe the laser pulses as feeling like the snap of a rubber band against the skin, however treatments done over active lesions may be more uncomfortable. Our doctor may recommend a topical anesthetic in order to make treatments more comfortable.
When should I see results?
Patients frequently see results within the first week following treatment. Most will see results within two weeks.
Are there side effects?
Immediately following the procedure patients may experience mild to moderate redness and swelling that will fade in as little as a couple hours to as much as a few days.
Can I apply make up right afterwards?
Yes.
