Acne develops from clogged hair follicles and dead skin cells. Although acne is most common among teenagers, this skin condition affects people of all ages.
So, if you find that topical or oral acne treatment medications have failed to clear your acne or resulted in scarring, it may be time to seek treatment from a dermatologist. Several medical procedures can help you achieve acne-free smooth skin. Hence, stick through the end of this article to know more about these procedures done in a dermatologist’s office.
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Corticosteroid Injections
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A corticosteroid injection is an immediate way to remove large and prominent blemishes deeply anchored in the pore. The steroid solution injected by a dermatologist targets the clogged pore’s source. And in many cases, more than one blemish is injected during an appointment, while steroid injections are often effective immediately.
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Chemical Peels
Chemical acne treatment peels typically consist of concentrated glycolic acid. This substance is extracted from sugarcane, as it helps clear blackheads, whiteheads, and papules via exfoliation or stripping away of the surface of the skin. This procedure removes damaged skin cells to trigger the growth of fresh new cells and prevent pores from being clogged up.
In a chemical peel treatment for face, a dermatologist from Southeast Regional Med Spa layers a glycolic acid solution over the affected area of the skin and leaves it to settle for a few minutes. The solution may cause a stinging or burning sensation. Afterward, the solution is washed off, taking the layer of damaged skin with it. As such, it may take a few days to see improvements. And in this interim, your skin may feel more sensitive to sunlight. Due to this, dermatologists recommend putting on a broad-spectrum sunblock with SPF 30 or higher whenever you go outdoors following the days after a chemical peel.
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Light-Based Therapies
Light-based therapies are modern techniques that reduce the redness, discoloration, and scarring on the skin’s surface due to acne. Dermatologists utilize several types of light-based therapies administered via handheld devices or huge panels of long and thin light bulbs that emit light tailored to the dermatological treatment. Meanwhile, your dermatologist will determine the most suitable therapy based on your condition.
Light therapies can potentially prevent acne bacteria from multiplying. Moreover, it reduces inflammation and triggers the body’s natural ability to produce fresh new skin cells. You may feel some discomfort during these procedures. Therefore, your dermatologist may apply a numbing cream on your skin beforehand.
In some instances, you might see dramatic improvements after one treatment. But more often, laser and light-based therapies require several sessions for optimum results. And, after a light therapy session, you may feel that your skin is more sensitive and tender that it may even redden for a couple of days.
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Extraction Treatments
Extraction treatments involve the removal of blemishes, and a dermatologist is much more skilled in squeezing or popping a blemish safely. A sterilised instrument is utilised to extract the blemish. Your dermatologist may recommend additional treatment options to prevent another breakout. In most cases, your doctor may recommend the extraction of one or more blemishes prior to starting a long-term medication treatment.
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Micro-Needling
Micro-needling is otherwise known as collagen induction therapy. This procedure involves using a handheld device with built-in tiny needles, and it is rolled over the skin. The puncturing of the skin triggers the production of collagen, which helps the skin firm up, reduce acne scars, wrinkles, and large pores. Several sessions of micro-needling are proven to improve shallow scarring from acne. These sessions only take around two hours and require minimal downtime. Meanwhile, the resulting redness and irritation typically dissipate within two days.
