Acne Treatment With Lasers And Energy Based Devices: Past, Present And Future

This session discusses the application of lasers and energy-based devices in treating acne, shifting from traditional cosmetic uses to addressing medical concerns like acne and its psychological impact. The speaker, Dr. Ann Chapas, a renowned dermatologist, highlights the prevalence of acne, noting its effects on self-esteem and the complications of acne scars. Treatments historically considered include topical medications and isotretinoin, but limitations and side effects often drive patients to seek immediate office-based solutions. Energy-based devices, previously rated negatively in treatment guidelines, are revisited for their potential, targeting the acne-causing bacteria, comedones, inflammation, and sebaceous glands. For bacteria, lasers can disrupt the growth patterns and manage inflammatory lesions, while devices employing light and suction effectively extract comedones. Recent advancements include photodynamic therapy, which enhances treatment efficacy against sebaceous glands. The session highlights ongoing innovations with lasers specifically targeting sebaceous glands and presents clinical outcomes from recent usage, revealing variable effectiveness across different acne types, including hormonal acne and cases involving transgender patients. The complexity of acne necessitates a tailored treatment approach, emphasizing the importance of combining various therapies to achieve better patient outcomes.