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Smooth Beam Laser Treatment-

A new laser treatment promises to target acne, using light to stimulate water in the upper layers of skin. The procedure is noninvasive, but it does have a side effect: it smoothes out wrinkles. The federal Food and Drug Administration recently approved the laser procedure, called Smooth Beam, to treat acne....

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. Laser treatment can usually lead to a lessening of the amount of required antibiotics. Laser treatment can improve not only the inflamed acne, but also leads to improvement in acne scars. A new laser treatment promises to target acne, using light to stimulate water in the upper layers of skin. The procedure is noninvasive, but it does have a side effect: it smoothes out wrinkles. The federal Food and Drug Administration recently approved the laser procedure, called Smooth Beam, to treat acne. This laser cools the skin and then delivers a laser beam which targets and heats the collagen in the upper dermis while protecting the epidermis. Dr. Stephen Snyder, a dermatologist at the Dermatology Laser Center in Owings Mills, said the Smooth Beam targets the sebaceous gland, the oil-producing root of the acne problem. "It not only shrinks the sebaceous gland, it decreases the amount of sebum production. So we can actually cure acne in about 90 percent of our patients," he explained. A typical treatment is about 10 to 30 minutes depending on the area of treatment. In most cases results may be achieved within 3 to 4 treatments spaced by 4 to 6 weeks. Because of the Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD), many patients report a "mild" or slight snapping and tingling sensation. "Originally, this laser was used to treat fine lines and wrinkles. It adds collagen to the skin so it stimulates the cells to produce new collagen," Snyder said. Smooth beam treatments are safe and effective and work on all pigmentation and skin types. Smooth beam can soften the appearance of depressed and hypertrophic scars and can greatly reduce the number of active acne lesions. It is a non-invasive procedure performed on an outpatient basis and it rarely produces injury to surface tissues. Some slight temporary redness. Some pigmentation changes can occur with more aggressive treatment that will resolve itself over time. Doctors say the procedure is safe, and there's just a little pain involved with Smooth Beam. Patients told 11 News that it feels like a rubber band snapping against the skin. The cost depends upon how much of an area is treated, but can be surprisingly reasonable. There can be redness after the procedure, but that goes away quickly and Smooth Beam can be used on virtually all skin types. Laser Acne Treatment

There are products and treatments that are clinically proven to reduce and sometimes eliminate the appearance of acne pimples.

There are lotions, soaps, creams, ointments and even diets. There are clearing devices that use patented heat treatment technology. The important thing is to not just give up in the war on acne. You may need to try different things and you may need to develop a skin care regimen and or diet that works for you.

Dr. Stephen Snyder, a dermatologist at the Dermatology Laser Center in Owings Mills, said the Smooth Beam targets the sebaceous gland, the oil-producing root of the acne problem. "It not only shrinks the sebaceous gland, it decreases the amount of sebum production. So we can actually cure acne in about 90 percent of our patients," Snyder said. In as little as three to six sessions, patients have seen results. Farrell recently underwent her fourth treatment and said her active acne has reduced tremendously -- and there's less scarring on her cheeks. And there's also a little benefit on the side. "Originally, this laser was used to treat fine lines and wrinkles. It adds collagen to the skin so it stimulates the cells to produce new collagen," Snyder said. Ultimately, the procedure results in less scarring, less acne and fewer wrinkles. Doctors say the procedure is safe, and there's just a little pain involved with Smooth Beam. Patients told 11 News that it feels like a rubber band snapping against the skin. There can be redness after the procedure, but that goes away quickly and Smooth Beam can be used on virtually all skin types. The cost is $250 for each treatment.

Acne Treatment options Look for, acne cure, acne treatment