Phototherapy
Acne.org’s Real World Take
Laser therapy works by harming skin oil glands. That can lead to some improvement in acne, and perhaps even long-term relief of some acne symptoms. However, evolution gave us skin oil glands for a reason and what happens long term when you permanently disable them is still unknown. Proceed with caution.
Phototherapy
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this procedure done. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one.
Used Lasers? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
July 11, 2009
Cons:
redness and swelling 1-3 days after (only 2 of 4 treatments)
Once laser treatments were stopped, acne returned
The sunbeam/vbeam worked great while being treated (aside from the inconveniences of taking off of work, etc). However, my dermatologist was able to get my insurance to cover the laser treatment by writing a letter stating that I had tried numerous accutane treatments and they were not effective.. In the year since I finished my 4 treatments and my skin atarted to break out again a month or two after my last treatment. Ironically, I actaully then ended up going back on accutane because that has longer lasting results and less side effects (at least for me) than the laser did. If you can get your insurance to pay for the treatments I would recommend them, but if you have to pay for it I would probably say its not worth it, unless you have unlimited funding or something. IMO it seems like this is for maintenance rather than treatment.
July 10, 2009
Cons:
I had moderate acne before laser with levulan. After 1st treatment face exploded with cystic acne! Did 2nd treatment got even worse. Doctor says I have sensitive skin!! Now they say accutane is my only recourse.
Do not do it! Painful, expensive at $700 per treatment (insurance does not cover this procedure) but worse my skin looks terrible
July 10, 2009
Pros:
I feel better in myself, can see a big improvement in skin.
Cons:
painfull, takes ages to see a difference, gets WORSE before it gets better.
I have had 5 Nlite sessions as it stands, the first 1 wasnt any good, it was at the private clinic, Harley st.. they wiped my face with a baby wipe, literally wizzed the laser over my skin then out the door only to stop and spend massive amounts on Jan Marini products!! Then they called a day before my 2nd treatment and said they had sent the machine away and i couldnt have it for 2months!
Needless to say i got a refund and spend half the money at selridges. they wash your face properly, put an acid peel on, took time with the laser and spend time on your face after it to sooth the skin. I have had 4 treatments there and i see Aimee as she is amazing, she really care's about your progress. I ONLY SAW IMPROVEMENTS after the THIRD treatment (so really my 4th!!!) but although i still have marks on my face and the odd spot i feel totally different in myself, im happier. i also gave up on Jan Marini n now use Dermalogica.. its so much better! stick with it just dont expect miracles!!!!
July 5, 2009
Pros:
Skin feels really smooth.
Cons:
Still getting oily skin which causes my breakouts.
I am 23 years old and have had moderate acne since I was 15 years old. I mainly breakout around the chin, neck line where I shave, forehead, and corner of nose (t-zone areas) because my skin produces way too much oil. I am planning to do 3 smoothbeam treatments at $250 piece six weeks apart. I have had one treatment so far at a medium setting with multiple passes. I did not experience any pain during my first treatment ( it actually felt pretty cool). My skin is looking better, however, I am still one oily son of a b**ch, and I constantly have to use those oil absorbing pads or else my face shines like a star. I thought this was suppose to reduce oil (which is the main reason I got the treatment). Hopefully, after a couple of months and treatments I will start to notice the oil reducing. I am looking forward to my 2nd and 3rd treatments as I think my skin will only get better. I hope this works!!! I will post a couple of weeks after my 2nd treatment.
July 3, 2009
Pros:
None
Cons:
..If thats what u want to call the 'doctor's' who work in these 'clinic'
Obviously this doesnt work and looks like can make things a whole lot worse..all the positive reviews are for advertising purposes all the negative reviews are probalby real so Im giving this a big miss..and shame on those clinic who advertise miracles
June 30, 2009
Pros:
None
Cons:
I had my Nlite treatment 1 month ago. It did nothing to my skin except to make it worse!
Do not try it
June 20, 2009
Pros:
None as yet!
Cons:
The cost! Quiet expensive! Seen no improvements yet but time will tell!
I was told I wouldn't c improvements straight away! They were pretty truthful about the procedure! I would b prone to outbreaks after every session of NLite & thats whats happend! I have had 2 sessions so far & still experiencing spots! U just have to b patient which is really hard when u just want to c results straight away! Going 4 my last session on saturday so time will tel! I may not c improvements 4 a few wks yet!!!
Fingers crossed my skin will clear soon!
June 10, 2009
Pros:
everything. I had 4 sessions on the n-lite and after 6 months had NO acne. It does take time but the results are worth while. I was on antibiotics for 12 years and it left me with major problems including depression.
Cons:
None
It is expensive but the results are worth it. I have been off all medication now for 4 years. I get the occasional spot but nothing like before. After I had had the treatment I researched the make up I used. I use Bare Essentuals mineral makeup combined with MD formulations skincare products. There are lots of mineral products available now, however, some of them have chemicals in, BE is the first and recommended by the skin cancer foundation. MD is amazing, it has glycolic acid in it and keeps spots at bay! ACNE medication has hideous side effects, I can't recommend N-Lite enough. I also have regular colonics which is highly recommended for treating acne as it clears all imputities. You need to keep at it, and look after your skin.
June 1, 2009
Product used: V-Beam (Laser Acne Treatment)
Pros:
fixes broken caps in a jiffy! better results than with previous treatment from an IPL. Just had my second treatment. After the 1st treatment....broken capillaries were reduced by 50%
Cons:
looking like a spotted leapord (red/purplish spots)... at 2 days post treatment...hope they go away soon!
The Cadillac; Worth the price; what is more precious than your own face?
May 26, 2009
Pros:
It works it really does Use RetinA as well and you should be golden
Cons:
It takes repeated treatment and it costs an average of 600 per session So it can get expensive
I would recommend this treatment to all, especially if you have tried other methods with little to any results. The laser heats up the skin beneath the surface resulting in killing of bacteria and shrinking of oil glands. I could really see in the future that the laser treatment will replace the once convential methods of treating acne. Convential methods may or may not work but they certainly will not deal with scarring and the red marks, wheras smoothbeam corrects these problems as well. My only wish was they had this technology 15 years ago when I was in highschool.
My advice... If you are someone that is sufferring or if you have kids that are suffering, get them the treatment. It is expensive, but it could really change their life. Hopefully one day insurance will cover this miracle treatment.
Pros:
smoother skin (temporarily)
covered by insurance
effectively treated acne while getting treatments