Severe acne flare-ups and breakouts, coupled with nodulocystic acne inflammation, often result in acne scars. A two-fold approach is required to first address the severe acne and then eliminate or minimize the scarring from acne cysts and nodules. This teenage-aged patient with severe nodulocystic acne also had severe scarring from his acne. Dr. Umar first treated his nodulocystic acne with monthly photodynamic acne treatment (PDT) using Levulan and the VBeam laser, followed by treatments of acne scarring using Fraxel DUAL laser.
INDICATION FOR PHOTODYNAMIC ACNE TREATMENT FOR ACNE
Photodynamic treatment using a light source like a laser, Blue light or Light in conjunction with a sensitizer like Levulan is not the first line of treatment in any form of Acne. It is considered in situations where first line or conventional approaches are either intolerable, not feasible or ineffective for any reason. In the case of this patient, conventional topical and systemic acne medications had been ineffective and the patient’s parents also did not want him to use the oral prescription Accutane because of its feared side effects.
Results of patient’s acne scar removal six weeks after his last Fraxel DUAL laser treatment.*
NODULOCYSTIC ACNE TREATMENT USING A TWO-FOLD APPROACH
Acne typically appears during puberty on, as is did with this teenager. Due to the range of symptoms from occasional flare-ups to severe acne, acne treatments are case specific. Nodulocystic acne appears as multiple inflamed cysts and nodules, which may also turn deep red and purple.
This severe acne type also often leaves severe acne scarring. It requires prompt nodulocystic acne treatment to minimize scarring and reduce the size of cysts and nodules. Nodulocystic acne treatment also needs to reduce inflammation. In addition photodynamic acne treatment using VBeam and Levulan, it typically requires acne scar removal treatments. Fraxel DUAL laser treatments were used for acne scar treatments.
BEFORE AND AFTER RESULTS FROM PHOTODYNAMIC ACNE TREATMENT WITH VBEAM, LEVULAN AND FRAXEL DUAL TREATMENTS
Results of the patient’s nodulocystic acne treatments are shown at six weeks after his last Fraxel DUAL laser treatment following photodynamic acne treatment – PDT. He is extremely happy with his skin’s big improvement from a year ago. The patient has also gained self-confidence since other students are now complimenting him on his acne improvement.
Results on this patient with severe nodulocystic acne and severe acne scarring are shown at six weeks after his last laser treatment for acne treatment and acne scar removal.*
In the following video, Dr. U discusses how severe or nodulocystic acne can be safely treated without the use of oral prescriptions: