The Clear
Concept process combines personalized physician
assessment with new laser and light technologies and best-practice
protocols to simplify acne treatment options, producing superior
results with minimal use of drugs.
We use a combination of different treatments to target the
different problems that contribute to acne lesions.
Each client is assessed by Dr Whitley, who is Board Certified
in Internal Medicine, and an individual treatment plan is recommended
according to the type and severity of acne, and the relevant
medical history.
The primary contributors to acne
lesions are excess oil production, clogged pores and bacteria.
We can tackle each of these problems as follows:
ARAMIS LASER
The ARAMIS laser targets the sebaceous glands, the source
of oil production in the skin. The laser beam creates a thermal
effect deep in the skin to shrink sebaceous glands and also
has the beneficial effect of stimulating collagen growth to
reduce the appearance of scars.
What areas can be treated?
All areas of the face and body except immediately around the
eye.
Is it painful?
The laser hand piece includes a skin cooling device so that
anesthesia is not required. You will feel a sensation similar
to an ice cube pressed against the face and may feel an occasional
sharp sensation.
What results can be expected?
Active acne lesions will feel tighter as the sebaceous glands
are reduced. A SERIES of four to six treatments is recommended
for best results. The first treatment may cause an increase
in lesions as the oil is brought to the surface, but, on average,
you will see a 15-20% improvement after the second treatment,
increasing to an 80% improvement after the fourth.
Is it permanent?
The thermally altered changes in the sebaceous glands are long
lasting. Some additional maintenance treatments may be necessary.
MICRODERMABRASION
MICRODERMABRASION removes the surface layer
of dead skin cells by directing a stream of fine crystals along
with suction over the skin. This helps to unclog pores and
when combined with a salicylic acid chemical peel can reduce
inflammation in active acne lesions. It also increases the
effectiveness of topical treatments applied to the skin, by
improving penetration and absorption.
We recommend a series
of four treatments spaced every 1-2 weeks to achieve best results,
and this treatment is often combined with LED treatment (see
below).
OMNILUX
OMNILUX is a light emitting diode (LED) with
two different wavelengths of light.
The BLUE light reacts with
a chemical in the bacteria to produce an anti-bacterial product,
so killing bacteria on the skin surface while leaving the surrounding
skin undamaged, and without having to use antibiotics.
The RED light stimulates tissue repair and has an anti-inflammatory
effect.
The usual procedure is to alternate red and blue light treatments
in a series of 8 treatments in total, but this is individualized
for each patient.
The procedure involves directing the light
within a few inches of the affected area for 20 minutes at
a time. It is painless and some people find it quite relaxing.
BelleDerm Cosmeceuticals
This acne management system is formulated to maintain the improvements
achieved with the Clear Concept procedures. The BelleDerm four
step process cleanses, exfoliates, treats bacteria and hydrates
the skin. These products are only available through a physician.
To find out more about the clearConcept process,
click here.
