Acne can be incredibly frustrating, but rest assured you are not alone. Acne is one of the most common skin conditions that affects more than 60 million Americans. It is a hormonal and inflammatory skin condition that is caused by a number of factors, including: overactive sebaceous oil glands, poor exfoliation of dead skin cells, and a buildup of bacteria. For many patients, acne can persist into adulthood and appear as deep, below-the-surface or cystic pimples. While acne is often treated with a combination of topical and oral medications, there are many patients with stubborn, chronic acne that become extremely disappointed with their lack of results. If you feel like you have tried the “run of the mill treatments” and nothing has worked, then light and energy treatments may be exactly what you are looking for.

Active breakouts are frustrating enough on their own, but they can often leave scars behind that are downright infuriating. Acne scars are formed when a breakout penetrates the skin deeply enough to damage the tissue underneath. The good news for your complexion is that these scars can frequently be treated with a variety of methods, many of which are tried-and-true treatment methods for all types of scars.

Different acne scars respond to treatments uniquely, so it's critical to schedule a consultation with a board certified dermatologist, to find out which type of acne scars you have, and which treatment plan is the best option for you.

To request a consultation, text message us, or contact Dr. Hooman Khorasani’s Manhattan office by phone at 212-230-3378.

Before & After
Gallery

Enter Gallery

Active Acne Treatments

Aerolase NeoClear®

Aerolase NeoClear uses advanced, 650-microsecond technology to destroy acne bacteria and reduce inflammation; thus treating current blemishes and preventing future ones from appearing. Its heat energy also initiates new collagen production which will reduce and improve the appearance of your acne scars. In addition to treating acne, Aerolase NeoClear targets hemoglobin to reduce redness, rosacea, and the appearance of veins. This device also targets melanin, which can help reduce PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) which is the darkening of the skin that often occurs after an acne outbreak. Aerolase NeoClear can also treat sun damage, dark spots, and age spots. With just one treatment, you will receive multiple benefits. Aerolase NeoClear will leave your skin blemish-free, clear, and radiant. It will improve your skin’s texture, laxity, and overall appearance within as little as 30 minutes. Given its long wavelength at 1064nm, this device is also safe in darker skin types.

Photo Dynamic Light Therapy (PDT)

For stubborn acne, photodynamic light therapy (PDT) may be the key. It involves applying a topical medication to the skin, which is then activated by a special light that targets the acne-causing bacteria on your skin. This bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes, or P. acnes) is particularly sensitive to certain types of light. PDT also shrinks the oil glands in the skin, which results in less available “food” for the bacteria and hence less pore-clogging of the skin. PDT uses certain wavelengths of blue or red light, which kills P. acnes without causing damage to the skin. Candidates for PDT are patients with mild to moderate acne. This treatment method requires a series of treatments for optimal results. It is important to stay out of direct sunlight before and after this treatment.

Morpheus8

Morpheus8 is a new subdermal adipose remodeling device (SARD) that fractionally remodels and contours the face and body. Penetrating deep into the skin and fat, this morphs the aging face or body into a more desired smooth and sleek appearance, for all skin tones. Morpheus8 has the ability to penetrate deeper into the skin than any other micro-needling device, going as deep as 4mm. Patient comfort is a major advantage of this device because of the sharper needles and tiny punctures it causes in the skin without tugging or pulling. M8 can be used for, but is not limited to treating wrinkles, acne scars, stretch marks, surgical scars and more.

Oral Prescriptions

Oral prescription medication is usually the first line of defense against acne (after over-the-counter solutions). Acne medication works in two ways: it reduces oil production and swelling, and it treats the bacterial infection. The treatment regimen depends on each person, so Dr. Khorasani will help determine the right course of treatment for you. For example, you may need to combine oral medication with topical medication. Oral prescriptions can take up to eight weeks to show results. In some cases, it can take months or even years for acne to completely clear up with this more traditional approach

The most common oral prescriptions Include:
Retinoids: An example of this class of medication is isotretinoin which helps prevent plugging of the hair follicles.
Antibiotics: An example of this class of medication is Doxycycline which helps kill the bacteria responsible for acne.
Anti-hormonal: An example of this class of medication is Spironolactone which works by blocking hormone receptors and therefore reduces the production of oil.

Topical Creams

Topical creams are often used in conjunction with oral prescriptions. The most common topical prescriptions include:

Retinoids: These are available as creams, gels, and lotions, which prevent plugging of hair follicles.
Antibiotics: Topical antibiotics kill excess skin bacteria and reduce redness and inflammation.
Anti-inflammatory: Dapsone gel is often used for inflammatory acne.
Azelaic acid and salicylic acid: Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid that has antibacterial properties. It is used to help with discoloration that can occur with certain types of acne. Salicylic acid helps prevent clogged hair follicles. It is also one of the few acne agents available for use during pregnancy.

Acne Scar Revision

Resurfacing Lasers

Both the Fraxel 1550 and DeepFX emit laser energy deep into the skin to stimulate controlled production of normal, healthy collagen. DeepFX is ablative, whearas Fraxel 1550 is considered non-ablative. Consequently, DeepFX removes more of the damaged skin with each laser blast,and therefore, the results of DeepFX are more significant than Fraxel 1550. However, the more powerful DeepFX treatment requires a longer downtime and may only be used in fair skinned individuals. Overall, resurfacing lasers are most appropriate for patients looking to dramatically improve scar texture and can tolerate some downtime. These lasers need to be used with caution in patients with a darker skin complexion.

RF Microneedling

Radio-Frequency (RF) microneedling is a safe, non-surgical aesthetic procedure that tightens the skin. This cutting-edge device combines two therapies into one treatment. The first, microneedling, involves the passage of tiny needles into the skin to cause controlled micro-injuries. The body is then stimulated to produce new collagen to heal these small wounds and consequently, improve the skin’s elasticity. The second component involves radiofrequency energy which is emitted by the small needles as they are inserted into the skin. This energy also stimulates the production of new collagen while simultaneously improving the blood supply to the area to fuel and sustain the production of new skin structures. This two-in-one device is best suited for patients who desire improvement in skin laxity or wrinkles, but it can also target acne scars.

Mechanical Microneedling

Microneedling is a great option for acne scars in skin of color. It involves the insertion of tiny needles into the skin to break up scar tissue in a controlled manner. The body is then stimulated to replace this lost tissue with healthy, normal collagen. Sometimes platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is added to a microneedling treatment to speed up the recovery and help with additional collagen production of our body’s own growth factors. With or without PRP, there is minimal risk of post-therapy hyperpigmentation (discoloration) that may be seen with other options, such as laser resurfacing.

Dermal Fillers

Typically used for wrinkles and creases in the face, dermal fillers can also be used to treat acne scars. Dermal fillers come in a variety of different formulas and compositions, each of which is designed to correct a certain concern. Fillers act as "synthetic fat" that fill out areas affected by volume loss, or enhance areas that are deficient. This is a non-invasive way to contour and reshape areas of your face that have been affected by acne scars.

Semi-Permanent Filler Injections (Bellafill®)

Bellafill is a long-lasting collagen filler that is FDA-approved for the treatment of acne scars. The injection of collagen filler results in instantaneous results with minimal downtime. Additionally, the microspheres in this filler stimulate your body's own collagen production to improve the scar's appearance long-term. Given the bovine collagen content of this product, all patients need an allergy skin test four weeks prior to the scheduled treatment.

Punch Excision

Punch excision is a minor procedure that involves cutting the individual acne scars and repairing the wound with a single stitch. It is one of the most effective treatments for certain acne scars. That said, it does not help with surrounding skin discoloration. Punch excision may need to be combined with a resurfacing or microneedling treatment.

Pulsed Dye Vascular Laser (Vbeam)

The Vbeam laser uses a specific wavelength of light to target the tiny blood vessels responsible for the red color that is seen in scars. This precise energy allows the laser to selectively reduce redness without damaging the surrounding skin. It's a highly effective method for treating scars with redness. It does not, however, improve scar texture or irregularity.

Aerolase Neoclear in action.

AEROLASE NEOCLEAR®

Aerolase NeoClear uses advanced, 650-microsecond technology to destroy acne bacteria and reduce inflammation; thus treating current blemishes and preventing future ones from appearing. Its heat energy also initiates new collagen production which will reduce and improve the appearance of your acne scars. In addition to treating acne, Aerolase NeoClear targets hemoglobin to reduce redness, rosacea, and the appearance of veins. This device also targets melanin, which can help reduce PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) which is the darkening of the skin that often occurs after an acne outbreak. Aerolase NeoClear can also treat sun damage, dark spots, and age spots. With just one treatment, you will receive multiple benefits. Aerolase NeoClear will leave your skin blemish-free, clear, and radiant. It will improve your skin’s texture, laxity, and overall appearance within as little as 30 minutes. Given its long wavelength at 1064nm, this device is also safe in darker skin types.

Pulsed Dye Vascular Laser (Vbeam)

The Vbeam laser uses a specific wavelength of light to target the tiny blood vessels responsible for the red color that is seen in scars. This precise energy allows the laser to selectively reduce redness without damaging the surrounding skin. It's a highly effective method for treating scars with redness. It does not, however, improve scar texture or irregularity.

FAQ’s About Aerolase NeoClear:

Am I a good candidate for Aerolase NeoClear?
How does Aerolase NeoClear work?
What does an Aerolase NeoClear procedure entail?
Is there any downtime associated with an Aerolase NeoClear treatment?
What results should I expect from an Aerolase NeoClear treatment?
How many treatments of Aerolase NeoClear will I require?

FAQ’s About Photodynamic Light Therapy:

Am I a good candidate for PDT?
What does the PDT procedure entail?
Is there any downtime associated with PDT?
What results should I expect from PDT?
How many treatments of PDT will I require?

FAQs Morpheus8:

What is Morpheus8?
What areas can be treated with Morpheus8?
How many treatments will I need with Morpheus8?
How quickly will I see results from Morpheus8?
What is the benefit of fractionated energy from Morpheus8?
Can anyone use Morpheus8?
What is the benefit of RF energy from Morpheus8?
Can Morpheus8 be used in combination with other treatments?
When can I put make-up on after treatment from Morpheus8?
What kind of post procedure care is required after Morpheus8?

FAQs About Scar Revision Treatment:

What is the optimal timeline for scar treatment after my surgery?
How many treatments do I need for my scar?
What can I expect during a scar revision treatment?
Why choose Dr. Khorasani for scar revision?
Am I a good scar revision candidate?

Why should you visit Dr. Khorasani to treat your acne?

Dr. Hooman Khorasani is quadruple board-certified in Dermatology, Cosmetic Surgery, Facial Cosmetic Surgery and Mohs Micrographic Surgery. He is the former Chief of Dermatologic and Cosmetic Surgery at Mount Sinai and for over a decade has helped many patients achieve clear skin with these therapies.

He has access to the most advanced information and tools on the market. You can trust that he is consistently implementing the most effective and research-proven techniques in his practice. He often works with you to create a tailored treatment plan, not only to combat your acne concerns but to ensure that afterwards you will continue to have healthy and clear, vibrant skin.

Request A Consultation

Dr. Khorasani and his highly-specialized team look forward to working with you to transform your medical or aesthetic goals into reality. To expedite a request for a consultation, message us securely, or contact Dr. Khorasani’s Manhattan office by phone at 212-230-3378. For more information about how to get in touch:

CONTACT US

Related Articles