What is acne?
Acne affects millions of people in the United States and not just teenagers. Acne can strike in your 20s, 30s, 40s, and even your 50s, creating a swath of damaged skin in its wake.
Acne is the result of a buildup in the hair follicles in your skin. Over time, dead skin cells, bacteria, and excess oil production can clog your follicles, and as your skin secretes more oil, it has nowhere to go. Acne is your body’s way of fighting off the bacteria and trying to find a release for the buildup.
How is acne treated?
Dr. Meisenberg offers Forever Clear BBL® (BBL stands for broadband light), which is an intense pulsed light therapy that accomplishes the following:
- A blue light goes deep into your skin and eliminates the bacteria in your pores
- A yellow light reduces the inflammation and redness caused by your acne
- A final red light signals a gentle healing response in your skin
And the entire Forever Clear treatment is noninvasive, meaning it can be used anywhere you have acne, including your face, back, and chest.
How many treatments will I need?
The answer to this depends upon the extent of your acne. For mild to moderate cases, three to five treatments usually do the trick. For more severe acne, you may need up to 10. During your initial consultation with Dr. Meisenberg, he examines your problem areas and gives you a timeline that will be the most effective in clearing up your acne.
Each of the treatments takes very little time, sometimes only 15 minutes. And there’s no downtime afterward, so you’re free to return to your normal activities directly afterward. You may experience some redness after each treatment, but this typically resolves itself within a few hours.
When will I see results?
Your results reveal themselves gradually as you undergo each treatment. Some patients see results after their very first visit, which only improves after each additional session. As the light therapy goes to work eliminating the harmful bacteria, your skin is also busy regenerating healthy skin cells, and this process may take a little time. You also need to do your part by protecting your skin during this time with sunscreen.
To restore your skin to a smooth, blemish-free surface, call Columbus Anti-Aging Medicine and Aesthetic Surgery, or use the online scheduling tool to book an appointment.
