Microincision
Face Lift
& Brow Lift
Acne
FAQ's
What
is "Multi-lift" acne scar reconstruction ?
Are
dermatologists specially trained to treat acne scars?
What
causes acne ?
What
are the types of acne ?
Can
'diet' cause acne ?
Can
I use cosmetics when I have acne ?
What
should I do when I have acne ?
Treatment?
How
should I clean my face ?
1) What is multi-lift acne scar reconstruction?
Severe inflammatory acne often leaves behind scars as lingering reminder to patients of a rather uncomfortable period in their adolescence. Luckily for most of these patients a combination of laser resurfacing and other modalities may go a long way toward providing "closure" to this embarrassing episode in our patient's lives. Finally, there is a treatment for acne and acne related scars.
Dr. Rapaport has developed treatment programs, which slowly and effectively rebuild even the worst acne scarred face.
Since acne scars come in various sizes and shapes, treatment must be individualized. Elevated scars can be treated by flattening or leveling. Shallow scars can be blended with surrounding tissue with laser. Further more, the whiteness of the scars is improved with the laser by replacing scar tissue with more vascular skin. Deeper broad scars, and "ice pick" scars or pits respond less favorably to the laser; i.e. the deep valley like depressions can not be lifted by the laser. For this reason, Dr. Rapaport has developed a combined approach to correct acne scars of the face.
Dr. Rapaport feels that Laser Resurfacing alone is not adequate to treat most acne scar patients, therefore, his approach uses several modalities prior to Laser Resurfacing.
The first is called "punch excision and grafting". In this case the individual scar is cut out and closed with suture, or is cut out and graft taken from behind the ear.
The second modality is called "undermining and subscision". Here the thick tissue that holds the scar down is broken up with a special instrument, thereby releasing the scar and allowing it to raise up. With repeated treatment, the body then forms its own Collagen, and fills in the scar from the base. With this combined approach the percentage of improvement remarkably increases.
A third modality for depressed scars that do not extremely extend to the depth of fat is to fill them with Collagen or Fasican. This is called soft tissue augmentation. The soft tissue filler will lift the scar more effectively if it is performed after Subscision breaks up the anchoring scar.
The fourth is "fat transfer". If the acne is extremely severe, often the fat below the skin is lost during the scarring process. By transferring fat from another part of the body to the face, Dr. Rapaport can replace the supporting fat upon which the scar lies.
All the above treatments are followed by Laser Resurfacing.
Dr.
Rapaport often explains an analogy to his acne patients: This is like
spackling a wall before wallpapering it. You have to get it smooth before
it looks beautiful.
Mult-lift Acne Scar Reconstruction is given in an office like setting within our office thus reducing expensive hospitalization costs and the patient usually goes home couple of hours after treatment. Top
2.
Are dermatologists specially trained to treat acne scars?
Yes, dermatologists are
uniquely trained to treat acne scars. They lift the skin and treat acne
scars before using lasers. This process gives the best results in most
of the patients. Top
3. What causes acne ?
The exact cause is unknown.
One theory is that when hormone levels increase during puberty, the skin
of the acne prone person reacts by producing excess sebum (oils). The
bacteria on the skin alter these oils to produce substances that cause
acne. The hair follicle, the site of acne gets plugged by dead skin cells,
bacteria, hormones and sebum. This obstruction leads to swelling and
development of acne. Emotional stress, fatigue and cosmetics can aggrevate
acne. Top
4. What are the types of acne ?
These include blackheads, whiteheads (comedones), the larger papules (pimples)
and later, pustules and large cysts. Scars occur after papules, pustules
and cysts. They are often permanent. Top
5. Can 'diet' cause acne ?
There is no concrete evidence that food causes acne. Following the strictest
diet will not by itself clear your acne. On the other hand, some people
find that their acne seem to worsen when they eat certain foods, particularly
chocolates, fried food and chillies. These people should avoid the foods
that clearly aggravate their acne. Top
6. Can I use cosmetics when I have acne ?
Avoid oily and greasy cosmetics.
Use water-based, oil-free cosmetics sparingly.
You can use eyeliners, eyeshadows and lipsticks.
Ensure that cosmetics are washed off thoroughly with Zeta before going
to bed. Top
7. What should I do when I have acne ?
Treat your acne early.
Waiting to outgrow acne can be a serious mistake, since treatment can
improve your appearance and prevent the development of scars. To
reduce the possibility of formation of scar tissue, never squeeze or scratch
lessions, keep hands off the face as this can spread infection. Do not
attempt to cover spots on the forehead with a fringe. Top
8. Treatment?
A dermatologist is the most competent person to treat Acne. They spend
many years studying the causes and treatments of acne. A dermatologist
will prescribe medicines for acne. The single most effective over the
counter treatment is Benzoyl Peroxide. Top
9. How should I clean my face ?
Remove excess oil from the face by washing with a bactericidal skin soap.
Wash frequently twice per day to remove excess oil and bacteria. Continue
washing with bacterial soaps even when you acne is cured. Do not wash
with harsh or high pH soaps. Top
Please call us at (201) 227-1555 or E-mail us for any additional information. All questions are responded to within 48 hours. You can find more about Dr. Jeffrey Rapaport, MD at CV.htm