Acne Treatment
At Miami Dermatology and Laser Institute our board-certified dermatologists are acne specialists. We treat teenage acne in girls and boys, as well as adult acne and hormonal acne with a wide range of medications, light and laser treatments, chemical peels and acne extractions. We see patients from throughout the world, including those in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, and Kendall, FL.
What Is Acne?
Acne commonly affects people once they enter puberty, as production of the hormone androgen increases, resulting in more oil production in the skin. Acne develops when oil (sebaceous) glands around the hair follicles become plugged. Bacteria grow in the trapped oil and irritate the glands, causing redness, pain, and swelling. While acne commonly appears on the face, it can also develop on the neck, chest, shoulders, and back. Acne symptoms can range from mild (occasional outbreaks of individual pimples) to severe (frequent eruptions of swollen and deep cysts).
WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ACNE?
How acne is treated depends on the type of acne you have and how severe it is. Topical and oral medications, such as antibiotics, retinoids and other preparations, are typically used as the first course of treatment. Chemical peels improve skin tone, texture, and radiance as well as treat acne. When acne is more severe, oral isotretinoin may be prescribed. Medications vary in their effectiveness and have to be taken for a period of time for improvement to become noticeable.
Adult female acne often has a hormonal component. It may worsen just prior to or during the start of the menstrual cycle. Both spironolactone and oral contraceptive therapy can be used in conjunction with traditional acne treatment. Acne in pregnancy can be safely treated with a combination of topical antibiotic called erythromycin, azelaic acid, and blue light treatment.
ABOUT ACNE SCARS
Acne scars are the result of inflamed blemishes that leave dark and red spots on your face that last for a very long time if they go untreated. Although some acne scars may heal quickly some need to be professionally treated to see results. At Miami Dermatology and Laser Institute, we use a series of lasers to help minimize acne scars and improve appearance and overall self-esteem.
Our medical team at Miami Dermatology and Laser Institute will design a customized acne treatment program for each individual patient based on his or her condition, lifestyle, and goals. Learn more about how our board-certified dermatologists can use a series of laser treatments to help improve or fade stubborn acne scars.