New Acne-fighting Light Treatments Eradicate the Number One Skin Disease at the Root

Light Therapies Combat Acne-causing Bacteria, Creating Relief – and Alternatives — for Countless People

LOS ANGELES, CA Jul 22, 2005 – Two new powerful light therapies that fight the causes of acne are now providing people with effective alternatives to antibiotics, prescription pills, and complex skin regimes. Dr. Grant Stevens of Marina Plastic Surgery Associates and his staff are treating acne with two innovative new light therapies, the NLite laser and Dusa BLU-U for people in Southern California. Both fight and diminish current acne flare-ups as well as prevent future outbreaks. Each treatment takes less than 30 minutes and removes the daily need for excessive skin-cleansing regimens and prescribed medicines.

Acne is no laughing matter. It is the number one human skin disease and affects 90% of all teenagers as well as countless adults. Proven to worsen self-esteem and cause depression, acne is more than just a skin problem. Successfully treating acne not only prevents physical scars, it can help minimize the emotional ones as well.

“It was important for us to be able to offer our patients alternatives to prescription medicines or complicated skin care,” said Dr. Grant Stevens. “Some people won’t respond to medication while others are unable to keep up with a regimented skin care.” The source of acne is underneath the skin so many skin care regimes can’t stop it anyway.

Acne is not related to poor hygiene, but is caused by overactive sebaceous glands located within the hair follicles. The sebaceous glands secrete a substance called sebum, which acts as a waterproofing agent to hair. Hormones, especially those related to puberty and stress, cause the sebaceous glands to secrete extra sebum and the extra sebum gets trapped inside the hair follicles, often combining with dead skin cells. This can turn into bacteria, which in turn causes acne. Acne can take the form of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, boils, and infected abscesses with the potential to leave indelible, visible scars. Often, one eruption will begin to clear up just in time for another outbreak to begin. For many, it can seem like a losing battle.

“One of the important elements to this treatment is that patients don’t have to take daily medication or organize some lengthy skin regimen. Patients come in every few weeks for a fifteen to thirty minute session and they are set,” said. Dr. Stevens. Many acne sufferers will not respond to medications or cannot tolerate the associated side effects. NLite and Dusa BLU-U offer alternatives just as effective without the side effects.

NLite and Dusa BLU-U both harness the power of light to eradicate acne at its source: in the hair follicles. Patients typically come in for a series of short treatments, each session being about four weeks apart. Because of the nature of the light therapies, they both eradicate the source of the acne and existing skin eruptions are treated. The patient benefits from current skin conditions clearing up and not having to worry about the next outbreak. The best candidates for these treatments are people who have mild to moderate acne.

NLite is a non-ablative laser that was used for years in Europe before getting FDA-approval in the United States. The NLite laser kills acne-causing bacteria inside the hair follicles, stopping future eruptions and healing current blemishes. There is no downtime after treatments which are typically less than 30 minutes long. Most patients require several treatments spaced about four weeks apart.

Dusa BLU-U is a blue light therapy that activates when the patient sits under the light with a special blue tint applied to the skin. Dusa BLU-U kills the acne-causing bacteria found in the hair follicles. A series of 15-minute treatments is required, typically twice a week. Dusa BLU-U clears up existing blemishes as well as hindering future outbreaks.

Dr. Grant Stevens is a California board-certified plastic surgeon and the Medical Director of Plastic Surgery Associates in Marina del Rey. He specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery and has been named one of America’s Best Physicians in The Guide to Top Doctors. Dr. Stevens was nominated by his colleagues making this recognition especially prestigious and rewarding. He is an active member at Daniel Freeman Marina Hospital where he is the past Chairman of the Department of Surgery, the past Chairman of the Liposuction Committee, and the past co-director of the Breast Center. He is also on staff at St. John’s Medical Center and the Marina Outpatient Surgery Center.

Marina Plastic Surgery Associates Medical Corporation and The Institute are dedicated to offering the latest advancements in cosmetic plastic surgery and skin care. Marina Plastic Surgery is committed to providing patients with the highest quality of personalized attention.