Welcome
to
All About Youth!
Pittsburgh's Premier Cosmetic
Laser Center
Frequently Asked Questions
What is acne?
Acne is a common chronic skin condition caused by
inflammation of oil-producing sebaceous glands. Acne usually begins between the ages of
ten and thirteen and persists for five to ten years. Acne is most common on the face, but
can also occur on the back, shoulders, neck, chest, scalp, upper arms and legs. Acne
develops when the skin cells don’t shed properly — they stick together and plug
up the pores. This blockage encourages an oil called sebum and a bacteria called p.acnes
to build up in the skin pores, leading to inflammation.
Can acne be prevented? How is it treated?
Acne is a fact of life for many adolescents. Approximately
90% of all adolescents and 25% of all adults experience acne at some point in their lives.
In adolescents, acne breakouts are related to the natural release of androgen hormones,
which occur during puberty. In adult women, acne is often related to the monthly menstrual
cycle. Contrary to popular belief, acne is not caused by eating chocolate, greasy foods or
bad hygiene. In the U.S. alone, over one billion dollars is spent on acne medications and
treatments each year. In many instances, the money spent yields less than satisfactory
results, is cumbersome or causes side effects. Conventional treatments include
over-the-counter cleansers and lotions, prescription antibiotics, retinoids and hormonal
therapies.
What is ClearLight and Blu-U™? How does it work?
The ClearLight and Blu-U systems use a unique high-intensity
blue-violet light that activates the bacteria-fighting militia called porphyrins. The
porphyrins start a chemical reaction that produces peroxide, which destroys the P. acnes
bacteria.
What is Lyra 1064nm Nd:YAG Laser™? How does it work?
The Lyra system uses a unique 1064nm laser light wavelength that targets the bacteria that causes acne. The bacteria are destroyed by a thermal reaction. The 1064 wavelength also causes collagen rejuvenation which decreases pore size!
.
What happens during a treatment?
With ClearLightand Blu-U, a typical treatment session requires
approximately 15-20 minutes. Patients lie comfortably on a bed while the therapeutic light
is applied; sometimes there is a slight warming sensation. Blue Light treatments are
described as easy, even relaxing, but most importantly, safe and painless. Patients often
listen to music while being treated.
With Lyra, a typical treatment session requires approximately 20 minutes. Patients lie comfortably on a bed while the Laser light is passed over the skin; sometimes there is a slight warming sensation. Lyra treatments are described as easy, even relaxing, but most importantly, safe and painless.
How many treatments are required?
The doctor develops treatment plans based on individual
patient needs. Typically, Blu-U and ClearLight treatments are given twice a week for four weeks. It
is important to keep treatment appointments recommended by the doctor in order to see
maximum results. We may choose to utilize several Laser options for your treatment protocol.
How effective is Blu-U, ClearLight/Lyra?
The Blue Light systems effectively clears 70%-90% of moderate,
inflammatory acne in four weeks. Results are especially impressive when compared with
conventional treatments, such as topical creams and oral antibiotics.
Lyra treatments are providing similar results.
Will skin be blemish-free at the end of the Blu-U, ClearLight/Lyra
Treatments?
Though the inflammation will be gone for a majority of
patients, some may experience residual redness where the inflamed blemish was located. The
redness will dissipate over time.
Are the results permanent?
ClearLight/Lyra treatments usually help control acne breakouts for
four to eight months; after that, occasional touch ups may be necessary.
Is Blu-U, ClearLight/Lyra safe? Are there any side effects?
Blue Light is one of the safest acne treatments available.
The system’s blue-violet light penetrates just deep enough into the tissue to reach
the acne target, without adversely affecting surrounding skin. Blu-U and ClearLight have no known
side effects.
Lyra 1064nm Nd:YAG is FDA approved safe for all skin types.
Who can be treated with ClearLight, Blu-U or Lyra?
Most people can benefit from treatment. ClearLight has proven
to be very effective on mild to moderate, inflammatory acne. Pregnant women and people
with photosensitivities should consult with their physician.
Do patients need to prepare their skin before coming in
for a ClearLight or Lyra treatment?
Yes. The affected area should be washed with a mild acne
cleanser, then rinsed with water and dried. Women should remove makeup before treatment
sessions, and should only wear oil-free make-up between appointments. Make-up can be
re-applied immediately after a treatment session has been concluded.
What type of skincare is needed between Blu-U, ClearLight or Lyra
treatments?
Patients should consult with their physicians regarding the
daily use of a non-irritating, anti-acne cleanser such as salicylic acid. Patients should
avoid touching or picking blemishes at all times. The use of Salicytic acid enhances the effectiveness during and after treatments.
Are Blu-U, ClearLight/Lyra treatments FDA-cleared?
Yes. The ClearLight and Blu-U systems are the first devices to receive FDA
clearance to market for the safe and effective treatment of moderate inflammatory acne.
After eight, regularly spaced treatments, patients show significant improvement with no
side effects noted. The Lyra system is being researched for FDA approval for acne care but has shown wonderful results in our practice. Lyra 1064nm Nd:YAG is FDA approved safe for all skin types.
Are Blu-U, ClearLight/Lyra treatments covered by insurance?
Insurance reimbursement varies from state to state and
carrier to carrier. It’s best for prospective patients and/or their families to
consult with individual carriers for more information. It has been our experience that insurance companies are resistant to reimburse for laser procedures.
What are the features of Blu-U or ClearLight?
ClearLight and Blu-U Features:
- New paradigm for acne treatment
- High-intensity, narrow spectrum blue-violet light destroys P.
acnes bacteria
- Short treatment regimen; eight treatments over four weeks to
achieve impressive results
- No side effects, no pain, no downtime
What are the features of Lyra?
ClearLight Features:
- New paradigm for acne treatment
- High-intensity, single 1064nm wavelength destroys P. acnes bacteria
- Short treatment regimen; eight treatments over eight weeks to
achieve impressive results
- No side effects, no pain, no downtime
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