The Smoothbeam is the first laser to target the root cause of acne - overactive oil glands.  The Smoothbeam emits a beam of light that is absorbed by the water in your skin that is located in and around the sebaceous glands.  The water is heated by the laser and causes a mild thermal injury. The generated heat alters the way the sebaceous glands function causing them to shrink in size and produce less oil.

Improvement of acne is gradual over the course of 3 - 4 treatments and may continue even after the series is completed. Treatments are typically given 3 -5  weeks apart. Additional treatments may be needed for more severe acne or deeper scarring. Studies have shown consistent, long-lasting results with greater than 80% reduction of acne after 3 treatments. View a Smoothbeam video selection from Candela.

Controlling acne is the first step in preventing or minimizing acne scars. Acne Scarring is a difficult skin issue to completely eliminate yet newer technologies are producing very satisfying results. Dr. Rostan has trained alongside internationally known Dr. Richard Fitzpatrick form California in the use of Fraxel for acne scar reduction. This innovative micro-dot laser resurfaces the scarred skin, smoothing the scar ridges and contours and greatly improving skin texture and skin tone.

The Smoothbeam laser initiates some acne scar improvement on its own. The skin's response to heat delivered deep into the skin includes the production of new collagen. This collagen production helps build new tissue under the scar, essentially "lifting"' the scar from underneath. Smoothbeam for acne is very compatible with Fraxel for scarring.

Anyone of any age, skin color or skin type can have Smoothbeam treatments.  It is even safe for pregnant women who have acne flares and are unable to take many acne medications. Acne is not a condition that's limited to teens. Many adults well into middle age experience intermittent acne and don't want to have to continually take prescription medications to keep breakouts at a minimum.

Some adults have a condition called Rosacea - often referred to (incorrectly) as "adult acne". Rosacea frequently causes acne along with the typical facial flushing, but the acne from Rosacea is not like the acne caused by hormones and overactive oil glands. A proper evaluation of your skin condition by a board certified dermatologist could save you years of angst and frustration from the use of the wrong products.

The entire procedure takes approximately 10-20 minutes depending on the body areas being treated.  The treatments can be uncomfortable, so a topical numbing cream is usually recommended.  Most people describe the laser as feeling like a sting or snapping of a rubber band.

The Smoothbeam laser does not break or remove the surface skin so there are no raw areas or scabbing. When the laser fires you will first feel a burst of cryogen spray. Cryogen supercools the skin surface and protects it from the heat of the laser beam. The real work goes on underneath the skin surface where the oil glands are. You may have some small puffy areas for several hours after your treatment but there is no post treatment requirement.

Immediately after your Smoothbeam procedure, you may notice some mild red splotchy areas on your face along with the possible little puffy spots. These are from the laser heat that has begun to impact the sebaceous glands and from the short spray of cryogen. They usually subside after a few minutes, but may take several hours to completely go away.  Makeup and sunscreen can be applied right away. You can expect to return to routine activities immediately after treatment.

Smoothbeam is an excellent treatment for changing the oil  gland activity. Your particular acne severity will play big role in which treatments will give you the best results. Dr. Rostan offers strong and comprehensive acne improvement and acne control programs. Among these are

Vbeam Laser for treating residual redness from acne lesions
Fotofacial for improving skin texture and pore size
Photodynamic Acne Therapy for resistant or cystic acne
Fraxel for Acne Scar Reduction

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