Facial Plastic & Aesthetic Laser Center INFO

In Memory of Michael E. Debakey, MD

Dr Richard Gentile — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 17:55:37 GMT

Dr. Gentile joins the Baylor College of Medicine and the host of Baylor Trained Surgeons in mourning the passing of Dr. Michael E. Debakey, the greatest surgeon of the 20th century and Dr. Gentile's first mentor in Surgery who passed on July 11, 2008. Dr. Gentile was a resident in general surgery from 1982-1984 in the Baylor College of Medicine Department of Surgery directed by Dr. Debakey and was one of very few Ohio surgeons to be privileged to have been trained by Dr. Debakey. Dr. Gentile was attracted to Baylor College of Medicine by the principles of excellence, hard work and dedication to patient care advocated by Dr. Debakey. His legacy will be carried on by the surgeons he trained who he introduced to his uncompromising committment to patient care excellence.

Click here to read AP article on Dr. Debakey

Cleveland CBS Affiliate Profiles SMARTlifting

Dr Richard Gentile — Fri, 23 May 2008 06:11:44 GMT

We're Taking Mini-Lifts to a Whole New Level

We are very excited about the technological advancements making facelifts easier, shorter, and less expensive than traditional facelifts. Dr.Gentile is trained in all the nationally advertised mini lift techniques and has performed over 400 minilifts over the past 12 months making him Ohio's leading Plastic Surgeon for mini-lfits. By continually upgrading his technique and now introducing new technology called Smartlifting we believe that the Laser-SMARTlift offers the most substantial results of all mini lifts available.

Watch Cleveland Channel 19's coverage of a recent patient at our Boardman Center.

Our Independence center and Dr. Gentile's Independence practice will be relocating this summer. Our current office serving northern Ohio is located in Fairlawn, Ohio twenty minutes from the Independence office.

http://drgentile.info/2008/05/22/cleveland-cbs-affiliate-profiles-smartlifting.aspx

Sculptra Now Available at the Center

Dr Richard Gentile — Tue, 20 May 2008 19:22:51 GMT

Sculptra®... a sculpting agent that restores volume to correct the signs of facial fat loss

Sculptra® has been safely used outside the United States since 1999 in over 150,000 patients under the trade names New-Fill™ and Sculptra®.

Facial fat loss, or lipoatrophy, is the loss of fat beneath the skin, which can result in sunken cheeks, indentations, and hollow eyes. Sculptra® is a safe, synthetic, and biocompatible material that is injected below the surface of the skin in the area of fat loss. It provides a gradual and significant increase in skin thickness, improving the appearance of folds and sunken areas. No skin testing is required.

What It Does

Sculptra® is an injectable product that restores and corrects the signs of facial fat loss by replacing lost volume. Sculptra® provides an increase in skin thickness, helping to create a more natural facial appearance in those with facial lipoatrophy.

Sculptra® is composed of poly-L-lactic acid, a synthetic material. Sculptra® is not made from human or animal sources and does not require a skin test. Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is a biocompatible (does not harm the body), biodegradable (able to be broken down by the body) material that has been widely used for many years in surgical products. The effects are long-lasting; they were shown in a clinical study to last for up to 2 years after the first treatment session.

Facial Rejuvenation with SMARTlifting

Dr Richard Gentile — Fri, 23 May 2008 06:12:15 GMT

We're Taking Mini-Lifts to a Whole New Level

Dr Gentile is pleased to introduce a technological innovation for Facial Rejuvenation SMARTlifting. So what is smartlifting? Many facial rejuvenation procedures involve some degree of lifting sagging skin or muscles of the face and neck. Many recently nationally advertised and highly marketed procedures are based on techniques that are over 30 years old. With so much technology available why is it not being applied to improve patient results, reduce operating time and make recovery quicker? SMARTlifting is designed to accomodate a convergence of tested aesthetic surgical principles with technology to produce facial rejuvenation procedures that take just over an hour, utilize FDA patented technology and utilize state of the art suture material that requires no knots to be tied. This alone limits the lumps patients often can feel for months after facial rejuvenation procedures. One of the revolutionary techniques used in SMARTlifting is the use of a FDA approved laser under the skin to separate the muscle layer from the skin. This laser technology reduces pain, operating time, and bleeding which allows the surgeon to progress through the rejuvenation in much less time than usual and with far less side effects. Because the surgery takes just over an hour and can be done with local anesthesia alone (or with mild sedation) the procedure costs much less than conventional facial rejuvenation procedures particularly the full face lift which usually takes 3-5 hours and can cost $10,000-$25,000. The use of general anesthesia makes the full face lift a higher risk operation. Dr. Gentile is a specialist for minimally invasive facial aesthetic surgery and in the past year has performed over 400 mini lifts, more than any other surgeon in Ohio. He is truly excited about the new developments for facial rejuvenation utilizing FDA approved technology for patients in the midwest. Call our office for more information on SMARTlifting today

SMARTlifting Facial Rejuvenation

Internationally recognized Plastic Surgeon Dr. Richard Gentile is interviews by NBC affiliate morning show on his new high tech facelift the laser smartlift. Patients are profiled and the technique demonstrated

http://drgentile.info/2008/04/26/facial-rejuvenation-with-smartlifting.aspx

Watch Cleveland Channel 19 Anchor Catherine Bosley feature SMARTlifting Click Here for SMARTlifting Newscast

Download White Paper on Smartlifting

Dr Richard Gentile — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 09:47:36 GMT

Plastic Surgeons can download the Smartlifting white paper here Surgeons Click to Download pdf

Dr Gentile's CV June 2008

Dr Richard Gentile — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:58:00 GMT

Here is a current copy of Dr. Gentile's Curriculum Vitae Click to read Curriculum Vitae

Welcome to DRGENTILE.INFO

Dr Richard Gentile — Mon, 03 Jul 2006 11:50:36 GMT

A Premier Facial Plastic Surgery Information Site....

With interest in Aesthetic procedures at an all time high we have developed this site in the interest of giving all visitors the most up to date information about technology, techniques, and options for looking your best. This site is dedicated entirely to information about procedures. Most of the procedures detailed are offered at the center but a few procedures we will comment on depite not offering them. It is important to know what a Plastic Surgeon offers and equally important to know why he may not be offering a current "hot" procedure. We hope you can find the information you are looking for. We also suggest our main website www.facialplastics.org and for recent news our newsletter www.newsletterohio.com or blogsite www.plasticsurgeryblogs.net .

To find information use the quick search feature on the left panel to find articles regarding your interests. You can also look at the archive listings to find the topic you have interest in.
Thanks for visiting.

Richard D. Gentile, M.D., M.B.A
Medical Director
The Facial Plastic & Aesthetic Laser Center
Aspasia MedSpa at Beeghly Medical Park
The Facial & Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Center, LLC
330-758-2001 800-286-1844 (toll free)

About Dr. Gentile

Dr Richard Gentile — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:58:07 GMT

Dr. Richard D. Gentile is a distinguished Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon and teacher. He founded the Facial Plastic and Aesthetic Laser Center in Boardman, Ohio in 1987. Regional Offices are located in Akron and Warren, Ohio. An affilate office and specialized center for minmally invasive facial aesthetic surgery is located in Independence, Ohio. Dr. Gentile is a Clinical Associate Professor at the Northeastern Ohio University college of Medicine and has served on the Medical faculty of Case Western Reserve College of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio and the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas.

Dr. Gentile is certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and by the American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. He is one of only 19 such dual board certified surgeons in the state of Ohio. His dual background provides a unique understanding of the complexities involved in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, eyes, and head and neck. Dr. Gentile is a Fellow of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and recently served as an executive officer (Treasurer) for the Academy and its research foundation which is located in Alexandria Virginia. Dr. Gentile has previously served as chairman of the prestigious Publications Committee for the Academy where he was responsible for all patient information booklets as well as the consumer newsletter. Dr. Gentile also serves or has served on the Public Information, Specialty Surgery, and New Devices and Technology Committees for the Academy. He has been appointed a national spokesman for the Academy and participates in most of the educational forums for the Academy having served as a Program Chairman for the Academy’s 2004 Spring Meeting held in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Gentile is a member of the Board of Directors of the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care and serves on the Standards Committee that establishes national standards for ambulatory surgery. He is also a surveyor for AAAHC. Dr. Gentile is a member of the Physicians Advisory Board for Lifestyle Lift.

Dr. Gentile has written, presented and published extensively about his specialty. His recent national and international presentations since 1999 have been numerous and they include "The Composite Mid-Face Lift," which was presented at the Eight International Symposium in Facial Plastic Surgery, New York City May 2002, He also presented "Benchmarks and Milestones in Facial Plastic Surgery," and "Patient Information Seminars" at the Spring Meeting 2001 in Palm Desert California. In 1999 in Palm Desert Dr. Gentile presented "Concurrent Laser resurfacing with Facelift Surgery." Dr. Gentile has served on national expert panels on skin rejuvenation (including non invasive technology) and new techniques in Facial Plastic & Laser Facial Surgery in New York City (2004) and Las Vegas, Nevada.(2003) His recent innovation in Neck Lift procedures “Purse-String Platysmaplasty” was presented in Newport Beach California (2003) and profiled in Cosmetic Surgery Times in 2005. Recent Advances in Photodynamic Therapy for skin rejuvenation, skin cancer treatment, and acne photo-clearing were profiled in an article in the Facial Plastic Times in 2005. This upcoming year he has authored multiple book chapters on upper blepharoplasty and skin rejuvenation. He is currently finalizing chapters for his book Aesthetic Rejuvenation of the Neck. Dr. Gentile is know nationally for his dedication to excellence and innovation and he will continue to advance techniques for improving outcomes in Facial Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Gentile is a graduate of the Ohio State University after early admission to the University after his junior year of high school. He then completed his medical training at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and his graduate medical education at the world famous Baylor college of Medicine where he trained in Surgery under Dr. Michael E. DeBakey. Dr. Gentile is an active participant in "Face to Face," a national pro bono program for reconstructive surgery that benefits the local victims of Domestic violence. Dr. Gentile notes that helping the victims of domestic violence is a small gesture of our support of their efforts to rebuild their lives after personal tragedy.

If you live in Northeastern Ohio you may have seen Dr. Gentile as he is frequently interviewed on all three network affiliates discussing topics such as aesthetic laser surgery, rhinoplasty, Botox Cosmetic® and aesthetic skin care. He is also widely quoted in local, regional and national news publications having recently been interviewed about Resylane for an article in the Wall Street Journal. He is also quite active in community matters having served on the Board of Directors of many local charitable organizations. He has also served on the Community Advisory Board of the Junior League of Youngstown. He is a past director of Tippecanoe Country Club.

Dr. Gentile's offices including the Fairlawn and Independence office is equipped with the most advanced technology for Facial Plastic procedures as well as laser procedures and boutique procedures such as Botox, Lip Enhancement, Photorejuvenation , Restylane and Radiesse, Tattoo removal, Rhinoplasty, Skin Rejuvenaion and Comprehensive Facial Rejuvenation.

Newsletter "Looking Your Best" for January 2007 NOW ONLINE

Dr Richard Gentile — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 13:58:11 GMT

Click Below to read our latest Newsletter for 2007

Click to Read "Looking Your Best"

Dr. Gentile to Speak at International Rhinoplasty Conference

Dr Richard Gentile — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 11:21:49 GMT

Dr. Gentile is an invited faculty member at the "Advances in Rhinoplasty Seminar" to be held in Boston June 2007. The faculty is selected from both disciplines of Facial Plastic Surgery and Plastic Surgery and includes premiere rhinoplasty surgeons of acknowledged, substantial experience and capabilities ensuring an outstanding educational experience for the ususal 500 or more surgeons who attend the seminar to learn from the experts.

Business Journal Profiles Dr. Gentile and Center

Dr Richard Gentile — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 09:27:09 GMT

In the August edition of the Youngstown-Warren Business Journal, Dr. Gentile and the practice were profiled. The article reviewed the balance of surgical and non-surgical procedures performed at the center with emphasis on the growth of the minimally invasive procedures such as botox and fillers such as Restylane. Several patient interviews were also included.

Click to read article

Aluma Will Stand the Test of Time

Dr Richard Gentile — Wed, 23 May 2007 08:24:42 GMT

Whenever new technology is introduced we as plastic surgeons wonder if we acquire this expensive technology will it be around five years from now. After test driving our new Aluma and having a treatment myself I am impressed by the simplicity of the design and happy to report it is truly a painless procedure. Many patients we see are looking for non surgical options to deal with the natural consequences of aging. Wrinkles come with life-years of laughing, frowning, or too much sun exposure. Looking older than we feel will bring many patients in to discuss anti-aging options. The Aluma is designed for facial laxity treatment that is more comfortable and less costly than other options such as Thermage.


                                               Click to Read Aluma Brochure

                                                               Watch Video

Dr. Gentile selected as one of America's "Top Physicians for 2006"

Dr Richard Gentile — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 09:24:21 GMT

Dr. Gentile has been selected as one of "America's Top Physicians" for the 2006 edition. The publication is provdide by the Consumer's Research Council of America. Dr. Gentile was selected in 2004 as well.

Dr. Gentile on Rhinoplasty & Lip Enhancement in Cleveland Magazine July 2006

Dr Richard Gentile — Mon, 03 Jul 2006 12:00:29 GMT

The July 2006 edition of Cleveland Magazine features interviews with prominent Northeastern Ohio Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Gentile and the Facial Plastic & Aesthetic Laser Center are quoted in Rhinoplasty and Lip Enhancement articles.

Click to read Rhinoplasty and Lip Enhancement Article

Non Surgical Blepharoplasty (Filler and Fat transfer) Corrects Lower Eyelid Bags

Dr Richard Gentile — Fri, 16 Jun 2006 14:37:40 GMT

Our practice is pleased to offer the most recent advance for the treatment of lower eyelid aging. Frequently as we age the lower eyelid loses tone causing fat to bulge our beneath the lid. Depressions know as tear troughs develop and the skin under the eye socket darkens due to depressions and shadowing. By injecting fillers or carefully obtained small droplets of the patient's own fat allows patients in their mid 20's to mid 50's to improve the "tired" look that aging lower eyelids can bring. The effects last up to a year and can equal the results of a surgical lower blepharoplasty. Minor risks are bruising or swelling, undercorrection or overcorrection and irregular contours that can be evened out by massage.

Most Popular Procedures Botox, Restylane and fillers, Photorejuvenation (Skin Renewal)

Dr Richard Gentile — Wed, 14 Jun 2006 09:22:20 GMT

We are often asked what are the most popular procedures at the center. The most popular would be Botox injections and closely followed by both filler injections and skin photorejuvenation. This fact correlates with the national observation that increasingly patients are interested in "treat and go" options. All of these procedures have in common the low incidence of side effects and recovery time.

BOTOX^® Cosmetic is a simple, nonsurgical, physician-administered treatment that can temporarily smooth moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people from 18 to 65 years of age. It is the only treatment of its type approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Although used "off label" botox is also used for transverse forehead lines and crows feet. It is FDA approved to treat excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis.

One 10-minute treatment—a few tiny injections—and within days there's a noticeable improvement in moderate to severe frown lines between the brows, which can last up to 4 months. Results may vary.

BOTOX^® Cosmetic is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium, which reduces the activity of the muscles that cause those frown lines between the brows to form over time.

In 2005, almost 3.3 million procedures were performed with FDA-approved BOTOX^® Cosmetic.

Restylane has been used in more than 3 million treatments in over 70 countries and is now approved in the U.S. for the treatment of facial wrinkles and folds
Restylane is a safe and natural cosmetic dermal filler that restores volume and fullness to the skin to correct facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds

Restylane has a highly favorable safety profile. It is composed of non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a substance found naturally in the human body. Restylane is fully biocompatible. There is limited risk of animal-based disease transmission or development of allergic reactions to animal proteins. No allergy testing is required before use.*

Restylane maintains its shape using the body's own moisture. The hyaluronic acid in Restylane is hydrophilic or "water loving." As hyaluronic acid gradually degrades, each molecule binds to more water and over time, the same volume can be maintained with less hyaluronic acid. This ability of hyaluronic acid to bind to water is what helps provide long-lasting results.

Unlike rooster-derived hyaluronic acids and bovine collagen products, Restylane is free from animal proteins. This limits any risk of animal-based disease transmissions or development of allergic reactions to animal proteins.

In a simple procedure, Restylane is injected directly into mid-to-deep dermis for long-lasting correction of facial wrinkles and folds. Results from a typical Restylane treatment have been documented to last for about six months. However, individual results may vary.


Before Treatment		After Treatment


Before Treatment		After Treatment

IPL Skin Treatments Using Photorejuvenation

As the population ages, ever-increasing numbers of people are interested in improving their appearance. IPL technology can be used to help restore the skin's youthful appearance.

IPL technology improves the appearance of photoaged skin, removes age spots (sun-induced freckles), most benign brown pigments, and redness caused by broken capillaries through a process called photorejuvenation for face and body. The process is ideal for patients with active lifestyles because the procedure requires no downtime and has a low risk of side effects.

The gentle, non-ablative treatments use broad spectrum light to treat the face, chest, neck and hands—virtually anywhere that sun damage shows.

Patient Satisfaction

Several appealing qualities of IPL Skin Treatments using Photorejuvenation which result in very high levels of patient satisfaction.

The treatment is quick, gentle and non-invasive. There is no interruption of routine activities.
By helping to remove the age spots (sun-induced freckles) and broken capillaries, the result is overall more even, luminous, younger looking skin.
Patients can see dramatic results within a very short time.

Before and 2 months post 4 IPL treatments

Before and 3 months after 3 IPL treatments

Before and 3 months after 2 IPL treatments

The Allure of Luscious Lips

Dr Richard Gentile — Tue, 13 Jun 2006 17:22:08 GMT

Pretty lips are:

Youthful
Sexy
Feminine
Round
Plump
Follow the natural curves of the lip line

Make the most of what nature gave you by keeping your lips primed and smooth, so fine lines around the edges are diminished, and color stays put. Lips thin out, lose their pretty pink color, and begin to disappear right before your eyes, if you're not careful.

Lip glosses and glazes are all fine and good, but they only look great if your lips are in peak condition from the start. The older your lips are, the more infusion of moisture they crave. The best way to look after your pout is with exfoliation and pure hydration.

Chapping is due to dehydration and leaves lips looking thinner.
You need emollients to rehydrate the parched areas. A wax-based balm can be protective.
Simple emollients should be applied throughout the day - the more frequently you use them, the faster you see results.
Try not to lick your lips or pick at any dead skin, as this will make the problem worse.
Don't forget to stay hydrated with water throughout the day. Lips are moisturized from the inside out too.

Lip tips

Start with a primer to perfectly plump the lips so fine lines and wrinkles soften. It also stops lipstick from feathering and bleeding.
To give lips staying power, blot on a bit of your foundation before applying color.
Always use a liner that matches your lip color, definitely not darker. Play up the sensuous curves of your mouth by drawing slightly over the natural lip line. If you want your lipstick to last, use pencil first as a base, then outline and color in your lips with pencil and then apply lipstick or gloss.
Use a lip brush for more precision to fill inside the lines. Apply lip color evenly in a gentle sweep with minimal pressure.
Add a touch of shimmery gloss to reflect light and give a fuller appearance of the top lip. Use more gloss on the middle of the bottom lip to accentuate your sultry pout.
If your lipstick tends to creep outside the line, go for matte lipsticks that usually stay in place longer than creamier formulas. Darker pigments like deep red bleed the most. Moist, creamy and glossy formulas don't always last well. After applying, blot, and then brush translucent powder lightly over lips to set the color.
An uneven lip line may be corrected with a little artistry. Try lining the fuller side of the mouth first, and then use the pencil to build up the lip line on the other side. After lining the entire lip, fill in with lipstick using a lip brush. Gently embellish the areas that need to be evened out.
Lighter shades will make the mouth look bigger; darker shades make it recede.
To avoid the faux pas of having lipstick on your teeth, run your index finger or your tongue through the middle of your lips before you dazzle them with your smile.

Lip Enhancement Options

Dr Richard Gentile — Tue, 13 Jun 2006 17:25:07 GMT

Lip enhancement and rejuvenation are two of the most frequenly requested procedures. Option range from the latest laser procedure to plump collagen in upper lip lines to natural injectable fillers and implants. All of these fillers are soft and pliable and have a natural feel. Luscious lips are a key element of most photos in fashion magazines but not everyone is blessed with luscious lips. Over time and with skin damage the corners of the mouth begin to droop, the v-shaped area of the upper lip known as cupids bow begins to flatten out and loose its youthful fullness. Vertical lip lines more frequent in the upper lips of smokers begin to appear and causes liptick to bleed into the grooves. That once sensual look is gone or going. Lip enhancement fills creases and depressions and can add volume to both the upper and lower lips to restrore or create more kissable lips.

Teen Acne Tips for Clearer Skin

Dr Richard Gentile — Tue, 13 Jun 2006 13:32:18 GMT

It's Not Your Fault

Acne is not caused by eating chocolate, greasy foods or bad hygiene. It is caused by simply growing up — puberty and pimples seem to go hand in hand.

People of every ethnic background, nationality, size and shape will probably experience acne during their teen years. During puberty, your body starts producing hormones called androgens that contribute to acne. This is a natural part of human development and, consequently, there's nothing to be done about it. Unfortunately, boys are probably going to have more severe breakouts than girls. This reverses when girls are in their 20s, 30s and 40s, when female acne is more common than that of males.

Where it All Begins

An acne breakout starts in the skin's tiny holes, commonly called pores. It takes about two to three weeks before a blemish shows up on the skin's surface.

Deep within each pore is a sebaceous gland that works to produce sebum, an oil that keeps skin soft and moist. As the skin renews itself, old skin cells die and are shed off. Under the best circumstances this happens evenly and gradually, making way for fresh new skin. But some people shed skin unevenly and as a result, dead cells mix with sebum and clump together to form a sticky plug. This plug traps oil and bacteria inside the pore — the beginning of a blemish. During puberty, hormones accelerate oil-producing sebaceous glands into hyperdrive, putting teen skin at particular risk for acne.

What to Do

First and foremost, don't hesitate to see a dermatologist about your acne. In the meantime, here are some basic skincare tips and advice that can help prevent or ease problems with breakouts:

Don't overwash or use harsh scrubs. Acne is not caused by dirt. Two gentle washings a day is sufficient. Anything more can leave healthy skin dry and irritated, triggering the glands to produce even more oil. The result being even more pimples.
Don't use alcohol-based products. Alcohol strips the top layer of the skin and many astringents contain alcohol which can cause dryness and irritation. Again, this can prompt excess oil production and more blemishes.
Beware of sweat. Working out heats up the body, and perspiration makes the skin an even more attractive environment for acne bacteria to grow. Take a shower as soon as possible after vigorous physical activity.
Don't squeeze or pick. It's important to adopt a strict "hands off" policy when it comes to acne. Trying to pop pimples on your own can drive acne bacteria deeper into the skin. Picking can lead to more inflammation and permanent scarring.
Don't let acne define you. Remember that who you are goes beyond the condition of your skin. Smart teens acknowledge the problem, take whatever action they can to deal with it, and then get on with what really matters.

Power Treatments for Tough to Improve Teen or Adult Acne

Dr Richard Gentile — Tue, 13 Jun 2006 13:30:27 GMT

Hard-to-treat acne can require "power-level" treatments. A new procedure that treats resistant, hard-to-treat active acne combines light and a special light-activated solution that targets and destroys acne activity. This treatment also diminishes older acne scars leaving your skin smoother. The procedure is called Photo Dynamic Therapy.

Photodynamic Acne Treatment (PDT)is a process by which a photosensitizing agent (Levulan) is applied to your skin. A Photosensitizing agent is a special solution applied to the skin that is activated by a specific wavelength of light, which “turns it on.” Levulan has been used extensively for the treatment of a variety of different skin conditions.

Levulan is a 20% solution of Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA). ALA is a “natural” product found in all humans throughout the body. Its it is a precursor for hemoglobin synthesis. (You wouldn’t be able to make red blood cells to carry oxygen without ALA in your body.)

Understanding Acne
Acne results from the obstruction and inflammation of the sebaceous glands, and it affects 80% of the human population. Acne typically begins in adolescence with hormonal changes. However, there are many older individuals who suffer from “adult acne.”

There are different levels of acne ranging from milder comedonal (blackheads and whiteheads) to moderate, pustular, on to severe cystic acne. In many cases, several or all of these levels of acne can be present on an individual simultaneously.

Cause of Acne
Acne is caused by overactive sebaceous glands in the skin. The sebaceous glands, triggered by the hormone androgen, produce sebum (oil) in the skin. Although androgen is a male hormone, it is present in both men and women. Production of this hormone is highest during puberty, but it is always present in the body.

When androgen levels increase, the sebaceous glands release sebum. Ordinarily this oily substance spills onto the skin. When cells from the lining of hair follicles shed too quickly—clumping together and clogging pores—sebum is trapped beneath the skin causing whiteheads and blackheads. Sebum can then mix with the trapped cells and cause Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes)—bacteria normally found on the skin–to grow in the clogged follicles. P. acnes can cause inflammation and pus and can result in papules or pustules. When the follicles expand as much as they can, bumps called nodules are formed under the skin.

Moderate acne may include blackheads and whiteheads in addition to papules —inflamed lesions that appear as small, reddish or pinkish bumps that can be sensitive to touch—or pustules—inflamed, white-centered bumps that can be red at the base.

Severe acne is characterized by nodules —large, painful, solid lesions that appear as lumps under the skin—and cysts —deep, inflamed, pus-filled lesions that can be very painful. Nodules and cysts are inflammatory and can cause scarring.

Prior to Photodynamic Acne Treatment, 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. *Systemic treatments are any medications that are taken orally, injected or infused that affect the entire body system. PDT Acne Treatment provides a viable alternative to all types of acne treatment without having negative systemic effects..

Photodynamic Acne Treatment Procedure

The Levulan, which is a clear painless solution, is applied to your skin and left on for 15-60 minutes. It is then activated with a specific wavelength of light called BLU-U or Clear-Light. This takes about 8-10 minutes.

The Levulan is absorbed by active cells like acne sebaceous gland,. making the targeted acne cells more sensitive to the light. This combined interaction of the solution and the light is what gives rise to the term "photodynamic therapy." The Levulan will also target sebaceous hyperplasia (which are those small (1-3mm), benign bumps under your skin) and the papules of acne rosacea.

An important part of the treatment program is medical extraction of blackheads and acne pustules. This procedure will expedite the improvement in your skin condition by cleaning the pores of hardened sebum and infected debris.

The treatment reduces skin oiliness and minimizes the appearance of pore size. The entire skin texture improves following a Photodynamic Acne Treatment.

Advantages
The advantages of PDT are rapid treatment of acne lesions all over the face, no scarring, no surgical excisions and no systemic side effects. The skin appears refreshed and younger following these treatments. We advise 2-3 treatments at 2 to 3 week intervals to obtain optimal results.

Downside
The “downside” of Photodynamic treatment (PDT) is that your skin will be red and have some skin peeling (and crusting if you have skin cancers) for several days after the treatment. Usually, the first 1-2 days are the worst. Pressed mineral base powder (available in our office) will hide most of the redness. You must remain indoors the day following your treatment to avoid sun exposure, as you are photosensitive for about 24 hours after PDT. Topical acne lotions can be used in between your Levulan treatments once the redness has settled down over a period of a few days.

Click below to download Patient Brochure
Dusa Blu U and Levulan

Patient is seen one year after Photodynamic Acne treatment with Levulan and Blue Light.
IPL also performed in this difficult to correct patient.