ClearLight Acne Treatment
ClearLight Acne Photoclearing
ClearLight— uses non-invasive high intensity blue light to improve inflammatory acne, which includes red and pus bumps. Blackheads and whiteheads are not improved. The light activates bacteria fighting compounds called porphyrins, starting a chemical reaction that produces peroxide, which destroys the P. acnes bacteria.
ClearLight/PDT —medication applied before treatment to increase improvement, and to target deeper cysts and oil glands
ClearLight or ClearLight/PDT — may not be used if you are/have: using medication which prohibits exposure to sun, porphyria, iron storage disorders, seizures, or photosensitivity diseases such as Lupus. Pregnant women may not be treated with ClearLight/PDT. Patients must wear protective eyewear during treatment. Failure to do so may result in eye irritation.
About ClearLight Acne Treatment
Number of Treatments— 8 treatments, either once or twice a week. It is important to complete all treatments.
Discomfort—treatment feels like a mild to moderate warming sensation.
Time to See Results— improvement usually starts by the 2nd-5th treatment.
Duration of Results—usually helps control acne for four to six months; after that another treatment series may be necessary.
Degree of Improvement—usually clears 70-80% of mild to moderate red bumps and pus bumps in 8 weeks. Blackheads and whiteheads are not cleared. Approximately 15-20% of patients do not improve due to other types of bacteria or causes of acne.
Recovery Time/Side Effects— usually none. Occasionally an acne flare up occurs between the second and sixth treatment, usually resolving before the last treatment.
About ClearLight/PDT Acne Treatment
Number of Treatments— an average of 3-4 treatments spaced 3-4 weeks apart for best results.
Discomfort— mild to moderate burning or stinging, lasting up to 24 hours may occur. Numbing cream is used.
Time to See Results—improvement usually after the second treatment.
Duration of Results— improvement usually lasts 6-12 months or longer, if the treatment series is completed according to the recommended schedule and the recommended surface program is continued. Degree of Improvement— the degree and length of improvement varies. Approximately 15-20% of patients do not improve.
Recovery Time/Side Effects—swelling and redness for 2-5 days. Flaking, crusting or blisters may occur healing in 7 days. You will be sensitive to all forms of light, including sunlight, sunlight through car window glass, and indoor light for 72 hours.
ClearLight Acne Treatment Instructions
Night before treatment:
- Do not use Retin A, Retin A Micro, Differin, or Tazorac.
- Do not take any oral antibiotic (Minocin, Doxycycline, and Tetracycline).
- Day of treatment
- Do not take any oral antibiotic (Minocin, Doxycycline, and Tetracycline).
After treatment:
- You may resume your Retin A, Retin A Micro, Differin, or Tazorac the evening after treatment.
- You may resume your oral antibiotic (Minocin, Doxycycline and Tetracycline) the evening after treatment.
ClearLight/PDT Acne Treatment Instructions
Three nights before treatment:
- Do not use Refissa, Retin A, Retin A Micro, Differin, or Tazorac.
- Do not take any oral antibiotic (Minocin, Doxycycline, and Tetracycline).
Day of treatment:
- Do not use Perfecting Gel Mask, Clear Skin Serum, Correcting and Intensive Correcting Serums the morning of treatment.
- Do not take any oral antibiotic (Minocin, Doxycycline, and Tetracycline).
After treatment:
- You will be extremely sensitive to all forms of light (sunlight, sunlight through car window glass, and even indoor light) for 72 hours after treatment. Sunscreens does not protect against this sensitivity. You should avoid all sun exposure, including sun exposure through car window glass.
- You may resume your acne surface treatment three days after treatment, or when redness or peeling has resolved.
- Sun exposure, tanning beds must be avoided and broad spectrum sunscreen used daily for 3 weeks before and after treatment. Certain medications increase light sensitivity and may need to be temporarily discontinued.
- Do not pick at crusts.