Acne affects an average of 50 million Americans each year. Having acne or dealing with acne scars can be frustrating, but treatment options are available. At the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery, Megan MacCarthy, PA-C, and Colleen VanEgeren, PA-C, have a combined 34 years of experience delivering top quality skincare treatments. Their experience allows them to provide the best outcome for your skin rejuvenation needs. Visit us today and discover the vast possibilities of modern skin care in Appleton and Green Bay.
Understanding Acne and Acne Scars
Acne occurs when hair follicles under your skin clog with oil and dead skin, leading to bacteria and pimples forming. When the clogged pores are small, you can end up with blackheads or whiteheads. When they are larger, however, you can end up with other types of acne.
There are different types of acne, including:
- Blackheads
- Whiteheads
- Pustules
- Papules
- Nodules
- Cysts
Acne is the most common skin condition on the face, but it can also occur on your back, chest, and shoulders.
During an acne breakout, there is inflammation underneath your skin, which can lead to trauma to your skin tissue, resulting in scars. Acne scars can take two forms and develop if you have a loss of tissue, causing an indentation on your skin, or they can form a scar that rises above the surface of your skin.
Just because you have acne does not mean you will develop scars. Even if scars do appear, not all of them are permanent. With the advanced treatment options available today, you can receive help for even the most stubborn acne scars.
Treatments for Acne
The treatment will vary depending on the kind of acne you have and the severity of your outbreaks.
Topical medications are one option and often come as a retinoid or antibiotics, which your dermatology team can provide along with oral medications. For some people, chemical peels and steroid injections can also produce great success.
If you have severe acne, you can benefit from a similar treatment option as you would receive for acne scars: therapy with the Harmony XL Pro. This is the first technology that combines contact cooling, vacuum technology, and a non-ablative laser.
Treatment for Acne Scars
Acne scars can also benefit from treatment with the Harmony XL Pro from ClearSkin Pro. The technology uses light pulses to help break down scar tissue on any skin type.
One of the benefits of the Harmony XL Pro laser is that it can address all types of acne and acne scars while creating a rejuvenating effect that stimulates collagen production.
Your skin care specialist can combine Harmony XL Pro therapy with other treatments that the device offers or with therapies like hyaluronic acid injections.
You may see improvements from the very first session, but most people see more dramatic results after three or four sessions. After about six sessions, you will only need maintenance treatments.
Meet Our Team
At the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery, our dermatology physician assistants, Colleen Van Egeren, PA-C and Megan MacCarthy, PA-C, have 34 years of combined experience treating various skin conditions. As dermatology specialists, they would love to talk with you about your needs and recommend a skincare treatment program just for you.
Harmony XL Pro Recovery and Aftercare
Harmony XL Pro sessions require very little downtime. Most people can continue their day after getting treatment.
You should stay out of direct sunlight for at least one day to get the best effects. It is also a good idea to avoid exercising for at least 12 hours and not to use any heat treatments on your face for the following week. For the next month, wear sunscreen to protect your skin.
It is also a good idea to begin incorporating a good skincare routine and to use creams with antioxidants and SPF coverage.
Get Relief from Acne and Its Scars
If you have frequent acne outbreaks or scars from previous acne, you can turn to professionals for help.
At the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery, Megan MacCarthy, PA-C, and Colleen VanEgeren, PA-C, offer therapy sessions using the Harmony XL Pro. With years of experience and knowledge, they can provide the quality care needed to get clearer, healthier skin.
Learn more about acne and its treatments.
