Feb
There are many options for acne scars. In my office, I regularly use chemical peel, Fraxel, IPL, Cooltouch, and fractional CO2. There is no one right answer for every patient, but for those with red acne scars that are not terribly indented, I like IPL. There is no downtime. Patients usually need 3-6 sessions, each done every 3-6 weeks. Because IPL stimulates collagen repair, you will also see an improvement in the skin’s texture, and a temporary shrinking of the pore openings.
The best option for this condition is a procedure called Intense Pulsed Light. This is non-coherent light energy (i.e. non-laser) that targets and heats blood vessels to shrink them. IPL benefits include the fact that there is no downtime and texture is also improved after a series of 3-6 sessions.
Intense Pulsed Light is very effective for blotchy discoloration that is the result of mottled hyperpigmentation and spotty hypopigmentation. IPL is also effective to reduce the ruddy, irregular redness seen from rosacea and sun damage. It usually requires a series of 3-6 sessions, but there is no downtime and make-up can be worn immediately. Improvement rate is over 80% and the results last years if the discoloration is from sun damage. Unfortunately, if the changes are the result of rosacea, relapses occur more quickly: 6 months to two years, in my experience. Of course, a good post IPL skin care program will prolong the benefits and prevent further damage from occurring as quickly.
Our mission at the Lupo Center is to provide patients with innovative, effective, and ethical care to make each person look and feel their personal best. To fulfill our goal, we provide state-of-the-art medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatments to all patients.
Board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology Mary P. Lupo, MD, has been a leader in the field of non-surgical rejuvenation since 1983. She travels internationally to teach her innovative techniques, and her reputation brings in patients from around the country. She started the first formal residency training program for injectables and peels in 1983 at Tulane Medical School and served as past president of the Women’s Dermatologic Society, adjunct professor of dermatology at Tulane, and a founder of Cosmetic Boot Camp. Dr. Lupo holds membership in many prestigious dermatology associations, participates in clinical trials for the approval of new drugs and devices, and acts as an advisor for numerous aesthetic-minded companies.
Dr. Lupo was recently recognized as a trailblazer for women in dermatology and for her dedication to educating dermatology residents and fellows.
She has also received the following awards:
Dr. Lupo has authored over 90 published articles and book chapters and has spoken on various dermatological topics at nearly 480 national and international meetings and seminars.
