Acne Scarring
Acne is more than just "PIMPLES"
It is estimated that over 20 million people suffer from Acne Vulgaris, a common skin disorder with debilitating affects on ones self-image that leads to social isolation, depression - and often causes physical and psychological scarring if not outright disfigurement. Part of our mission statement at Forever Young is to treat and control acne using a combination of therapies.
Of little comfort is the fact that Acne is a familiar "rite of passage" for adolescence with many "natural" causes. During adolescence the sebaceous glands enlarge and become more active as hormone levels rise (androgens) and sebum production increases as DHEAS (dehydroepiandrosterone) heighten. The increased sebum production and enlargement of the glands leads to an environment which supports bacterial overgrowth, white-head/black-head production, and Milias. In some individuals these can progress to deep cysts which are painful and can lead to permanent discoloration and scarring.
Acne may continue into adulthood and as we age, other factors such as the sun, dirty air, impure water, makeup, and medication can contribute to recurrence of acne. Many other factors such as hormonal changes during monthly cycles, menopause, genetic predisposition, bacteria, hair products and certain habits such as holding the telephone too close against the face may contribute to the presence of acne.
Unique Solutions
We will design a program that is specifically tailored for you and which will addresses your needs. Using several different modalities, facial oil production is decreased, bacterial counts are lowered, sebum is removed and the pores are cleansed. The top dead layer of the skin is chemically or manually exfoliated and will prevent the recurrence of acne and improve scarring and discoloration.
More recently, lasers, light sources, and Radio frequency devices have shown long lasting improvement in acne and acne scarring with little to no downtime and no need to take oral medication. However, if needed, the larger cysts are drained or rarely completely excised. Additionally, occasional injection of very dilute cortisone (Kenelog) can reduce the deep cystic type acne and prevent scarring. Oral contraceptives and spironolactones can normalize hormonal imbalance and oral antibiotics and Accutane can be used to control deep cystic acne.
Evaluating your skin type
Your experience at Forever Young will start with a thorough skin evaluation by Dr. Afshin David Rahimi. Dr. Afshin David Rahimi is board certified in dermatology and in cosmetic surgery. He has over 10 years of experience practicing dermatology, cosmetic surgery, and laser surgery.
Once your skin type is determined (oily, dry, sensitive, mixed, T zone, sebaceous, etc.) a unique treatment regimen is designed for you. The right combination of topical creams, scrubs, and moisturizers are selected. These need to be used judiciously since overuse will lead to excessive dryness and discontinuation of the entire regimen. Moisturizers and suns screens we recommend are non-comedogenic or non-clogging and oil free. Facial scrubs containing Benzyl Peroxide will gently exfoliate the skin and also open up whiteheads and blackheads.
Every 2 to 4 weeks you will meet with Dr. Afshin David Rahimi or our experienced staff of aestheticians for an intensive facial steaming, cleaning, acne extraction, chemical exfoliation, microdermabrasion, or application of carbon dioxide. Lasers, light sources, radio frequency energy, oral antibiotics, and accutane are added as needed.
Treatment of Acne Scarring and Post Inflammatory Hyper pigmentation
Once the acne is under control, we will address any scarring. Lasers, chemical peels, dermabrasions, punch excision of scars, subsicion, grafting, injection with collagen, Perlane, Restylane, Hyaline, Radiance, Alloderm and your own fat are some of the possible options. Post inflammatory hyperpimentation - brown spots left after acne spots have healed, also have a number of solutions, including topical bleaching lotions. Our final goal is a radiant, flawless, acne free complexion which you can maintain forever.
A Word About Diet and Acne
A fair number of patients with acne notice that a diet full of carbohydrates, sweets, and processed sugars worsens their acne. Stress, lack of exercise and sleep may also worsen your acne. However, a specific diet by definition will eventually come to an end and the problem will recur. Instead, follow a balanced regimen with plenty of water and fresh fruits and vegetables and reduce fast foods and chocolate. Everything is O.K. as long as it is in moderation. Remember we want you to be able to keep your regimen forever.
Procedures for Acne
- Chemical Peels
- CO2 Laser Resurfacing
- Intense Pulsed Light
- Manual Epidermal Dermabrasion
- Microdermabrasion
