What is Acne? Acne is a treatable common medical condition that generally affects people in their adolescence, but people of any age can experience acne. The term acne is used to describe red pimples, blackheads, large nodules or whiteheads. Acne can appear on the shoulders, chest, back, arms, and buttocks; however, they most commonly affect a person’s face.
What Makes Acne Worse? Acne is not seen as a serious problem as they tend to subside in the late teens. However, for patients who continue to experience acne throughout their adulthood, it is almost impossible to predict when they will get rid of it.
- Greasy makeup is often seen as a culprit behind acne breakout. While a majority of oil-free makeup products do not affect acne, greasy makeup items are known to cause a breakout.
- In women, acne can flare up before menstruations because of hormonal imbalance.
- There are a variety of medications that can further worsen the acne. However, you should not stop the prescribed medication, rather talk it out with your doctor and find a solution.
- Previously, it was thought that diet high in milk products and sugar worsen the acne, but researchers have failed to find evidence to support their claim.
- Acne also develops under a tight piece of clothing due to increased sweating or friction.
What is acne surgery? The most useful and easiest lifestyle change a person can make is to avoid picking, popping or playing with acne. Playing around with acne will make the bump stay bumpier for long. Apart from this lifestyle change, you can choose to take up different medications and a combi-nation of acne surgery.
At Long Island Dermatology we use a few methods of acne surgery in order to help keep your skin clear and smooth. In the event that medication and other methods don’t work, surgery becomes needed.
- Blemish Excision: Certain blemishes and forms of acne are very stub-born and don’t respond well to medications. Excision is the process of removing the acne blemish using a surgical knife or scalpel. A slit is made at the site of the acne and your doctor will use special tools to drain the pus and dirt from beneath the skin. This is especially necessary for cystic acne or inflamed blackheads.
- Laser Surgery: Similarly to most laser treatments, laser surgery is done by an intense laser light pulse penetrating the inner layer of your skin, the dermis. The laser causes the skin to produce collagen and new, fresh skin while the old skin peels away, smoothing away any acne or blemishes with it.
- Chemical Surgery: This method is similar to excision surgery depending on the person and type of acne. In most cases, this can be performed in under an hour and is referred to as a lunch-hour-procedure-. Using specially made chemicals, we will peel away your dead outer layer of skin. And with that outer layer, your acne will be peeled away as well. Best for treatment of mild acne.