Acne Treatment Gold Coast

We offer a comprehensive range of acne treatment options at our Gold Coast clinic, including chemical peels, skin needling, fractional laser treatment, DOT Therapy and subcision.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are a popular and effective method of improving a range of skin conditions affecting the face and body, including acne scarring. There are several different varieties of scarring attributed to acne, so all chemical peel treatments are conducted on an individual basis. Although chemical peels are best suited to the treatment of minor acne scarring, they can also prove effective for deep scarring, as well. In some cases, a trichloracetic acid (TCA) peel or a phenol peel may be able to repair and rejuvenate the skin surface sufficiently and remove the scars. With TCA chemical peels, patients may require more than a single treatment for optimal results.

TCA CROSS

TCA CROSS (trichloroacetic acid chemical reconstruction of skin scars), is a potent chemical peel used in the treatment of prominent acne scarring, such as ice pick scars, boxcar scars and deep pores. TCA CROSS is often used in conjunction with other acne treatments such as fractional lasers and skin needling, depending on the nature of the scarring.

This treatment involves the careful application of acid to the scar tissue, while leaving the surrounding tissue untouched. This ensures that the healthy skin is unharmed, guaranteeing optimal recovery times and reduced side effects. The application of the acid onto the scar tissue, helps to dissolve the scar and hydrolyse existing collagen, triggering the production of new collagen to rejuvenate the scar.

Skin Needling

A relatively new form of acne scarring treatment, skin needling works by making minute puncture wounds into the surface of the treated skin, triggering a natural healing response from the body and stimulating the skin rejuvenation process. The needle heads of the skin needling device are microscopic in size, measuring only .25mm to 1mm in diameter. The recovery time for skin needling treatment is fast and effective and each session only requires around 15 to 30 minutes to complete. The number of microneedling treatments required to remove the scars will depend on the severity of your condition.

ResurFX

The ResurFX fractional laser technology by Lumenis® delivers remarkable results for a number of skin conditions, including acne scarring. ResurFX utilises a non-ablative laser that does not damage or destroy skin cells, but instead revitalises the skin surface by triggering collagen growth, which helps to give the treated skin a more youthful and refreshing appearance.

Patients who undergo ResurFX will typically experience some minor redness and swelling, following the treatment, which generally disappears after a few days. Sun exposure immediatley prior and after the procedure is discouraged and sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 should be applied in the days following the treatment. For best results, multiple treatment sessions are required. The exact number will depend on the vastness and magnitude of your scarring.

DOT Therapy

DOT Therapy (Dermal Optical Thermolysis) is another form of fractional laser treatment that can be used to dramatically improve the appearance of acne scars. DOT Therapy involves the application of patterns of microscopic pulses to your skin surface, using a revolutionary laser technology to create thousands of minute pockets in your skin and inspire collagen production. Like the skin needler, the DOT Therapy laser device can be readily adjusted to ensure maximum effectiveness and comfort for you at all times.

Treatment sessions are typically around 15 to 30 minutes long, but may be longer for larger regions. DOT Therapy side effects are generally mild, but some patients may experience some slight swelling or discomfort, immediately following the treatment. DOT Therapy usually requires 3-4 treatment sessions to achieve optimal results.

Subcision

Subcision is the surgical method of treating acne scarring and is performed using a hypodermic needle that is inserted through the surface of the treated skin area. When the needle pierces the scar tissue, it creates a wound that invokes the natural healing process, triggering the formation of new collagen and helping to improve the appearance of the scar. Subcision is not a viable option for patients who have a history of keloid or hypertrophic scars, are currently taking or have taken Roaccutane (Isotretinoin) or a similar oral retinoid in the past 6 months, suffer from blood disorders, or who suffer from viral or bacertial infections.

The number of subcision treatment sessions required to significantly improve the acne scars depend on the seriousness of the scarring, the intensity of the treatment and the ability of the patient’s body to develop collagen. Generally, 3 to 6 treatment sessions are adequate to achieve remarkable results for moderate scarring. Subcision treatment can be combined to great effect when used in conjunction with skin needling, chemical peels, fractional laser treatment such as ResurFX and DOT Therapy, and topical retinoids (creams, gels and lotions).

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-surgical procedure that involves the application of a photosensitising agent (ALA) to the skin’s surface, which is then stimulated by a special light source known as red wavelength light. Exposure to this type of light has no adverse effects on the skin, unlike other wavelengths of light, such as x-ray and ultraviolet, which emit radiation.

Effectiveness as an acne treatment

Once the photosensitising agent is applied to the surface of the skin, it is absorbed by the bacteria present in the acne and the sebaceous glands in the skin, rendering them photosensitive. As the red wavelength light is cast over the skin’s surface, the bacteria dissolves and the sebaceous glands diminish.

The treatment process

The following is a brief clip, indicating the treatment process for cystic acne.