Book a Reservation with ViVA Presto!Until recently, patients with persistent, mild, moderate to severe acne have been treated with only topical or sometimes systemic antibiotics. At ViVA we are pleased to introduce the Photodynamic acne treatment with the Blu-U blue light specifically designed for the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris. And the Blu-U plus Levulan for treatment of more severe acne vulgaris and acne scarring. The Blu-U, blue light triggers the production of porphyrins that naturally destroy P. acnes bacteria, essentially ‘killing' the acne. And, in just a fraction of the time it typically takes for antibiotics like Accutane.
Prior to Photodynamic Acne therapies, the best available treatment option for resistant and cystic acne was Accutane. However, with Accutane there are many systemic* side effects including birth defects, liver abnormalities, mood depression, and virtually all patients get dryness and night vision changes.
Smoothbeam (smooth beam) Acne Laser Therapy
Smoothbeam acne laser therapy is an effective way to treat your acne. This gentle and safe treatment utilizes a laser to target overactive sebaceous glands in your skin that is the root cause of acne which is why this treatment is so effective for clearing acne.About Acne
Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that affects the sebaceous follicles which contain oil producing sebaceous glands. Acne is most common on the face, neck, shoulders, upper back, and chest where the concentration of sebaceous follicles. Symptoms of acne can include blackheads, whiteheads, red spots, nodules, and cysts.
How does Smooth beam work on clearing acne?
The 1450nm wavelength laser is designed to target the root cause of acne which is the overactive function of the sebaceous gland. Over 80% of our skin is made up of water. The Smoothbeam emits a wavelength of light that is strongly absorbed by the water in the skin. As the laser penetrates into the skin, heat is generated in and around the sebaceous glands in the upper layers of your skin. The heating of the sebaceous glands creates a mild thermal injury that changes the structure and function of the glands. Shortly after the first treatment, a reduction in the number of acne lesions on your skin will be reduced. Remission periods have lasted greater than 6 months in many cases.
Acne Scarring- Improving and Reducing Acne Scars with Smoothbeam
Smoothbeam acne scarring laser therapy is an effective way to treat your acne scars. Smoothbeam is highly effective in reducing acne scars and reversing some of the collagen loss of aging.
By triggering the production of new collagen, the Smoothbeam fills in and softens acne scars by lifting the depressions that are caused from acne scars. Smoothbeam stimulates collagen production in the dermis with the lasers thermal beam, scars are gradually filled in by collagen that is stimulated in your own body.
Wrinkles- Reducing Fine Lines with Smoothbeam Wrinkles are caused by a loss of collagen and elastin in the skin. Smoothbeam laser treatments reactivate collagen production to areas that have lost collagen resulting in wrinkles. The new collagen that is produced improves the skins elastic capabilities and overall skin tone. You will experience a firmer and smoother skin as well as fewer lines and wrinkles.
Photodynamic Acne Treatment Featuring the Blu-U
The BLU-U® offers effective, non-invasive, and pain free blue light treatment for mild to moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris, a condition affecting millions of adults, teens and children. Narrow band blue light causes a photodynamic effect within the phylosebaceous gland that kills P. acnes, the bacteria primarily responsible for acne vulgaris.
When used in a series of brief (approximately 25 minutes) exposure sessions, it provides a simple, non-invasive treatment regime. BLU-U treatments can be a primary treatment, an alternative to pharmaceuticals and topical acne treatments, or an adjunct to skin care programs. The BLU-U can be used on all parts of the body.
Blue light activates endogenous photosensitizers within the P. acnes bacteria. This creates a toxic bacteriocidal environment in the sebaceous gland that inhibits the obstruction of the sebaceous follicle and formation of acne lesions.
Watch our video on Acne Treatment at the ViVA Skin Care Center
Photodynamic Acne Therapy Featuring Levulan and the Blu-U
Photodynamic Acne Treatment (PDT) also called Photodynamic Acne Therapy or “ALA/PDT” treatment is a new procedure that treats resistant, hard-to-treat active acne as well as older acne scars. The procedure, which combines light and a special light-activated topical photosensitizing agent called Levulan. Levulan is a 20% solution of Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA). ALA is a “natural” product found in all humans throughout the body. It is a precursor for hemoglobin synthesis which means you wouldn’t be able to make red blood cells to carry oxygen without ALA in your body.
The Levulan, which is a clear painless solution, is applied to your skin and left on for 15-60 minutes. The Levulan is absorbed by active cells like acne sebaceous gland, making the targeted acne cells more sensitive to the light. During the procedure, the ALA is activated with the correct wavelength of light within the non-UV blue spectrum. This combined interaction of the solution and the light is what gives rise to the term "photodynamic acne treatment (PDT)." Treatments target and destroy acne activity leaving your skin smoother and in many cases make it possible to discontinue the use of antibiotics.
Levulan has been used extensively for the treatment of actinic keratosis. Actinic keratoses (or solar keratoses) are small rough or scaly areas of skin due to damage from ultraviolet light, usually from sun exposure. Some actinic keratoses (perhaps 1 in 20) turn into squamous cell skin cancer, which is usually not serious if treated early. Sun damage, fine lines, and blotchy pigmentation are also improved because of the positive effect of Levulan and the light treatment. ALA/PDT treatments also have the ability to minimize pores and reduce oil glands, effectively treating stubborn acne vulgaris, acne rosacea.
The ViVA Experience
At ViVA we are especially sensitive to our clients who come for the treatment of acne because they are often adolescents, teens, and adults who are experiencing acne for the first time and who may be self-conscious due to their condition. Our registered nurses and master estheticians provide a discrete and sensitive consultation aimed at putting the individual at ease and providing an over view of what to expect. The exciting part is that clients will begin to see results right away, much to their delight, and with several treatments normally a clearance in the acne.
Our Medical professionals administer Blu-U, and the Levulan therapy coupled with the Blu-U light.
The Blu-U, blue light therapy takes about two treatments per week over an eight week period.
For more severe acne, application of the Levulan is necessary. The Levulan absorbs into the skin and sebaceous glands. The Blu-U delivers the blue light wavelengths to the client that activates the effects of the Levulan. Except for mild stinging or burning, the treatments are usually painless. Some minor acne will improve after just one treatment. Approximately five Levulan/Blu-U (ALA/PDT) treatments are necessary to clear moderate to severe acne. These treatments are spaced out over four to six weeks.
Acne may stay clear (be in remission) six to twelve months, but results may vary by individual. Follow-up periodic maintenance treatments may be necessary.