Surrey laser acne treatments and more

Treating acne outside our Surrey clinic can involve over-the-counter products (such as those containing resorcinol, tea tree oil, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, etc.). Of course, that goes in combination with good acne prevention habits and routines.

Medically, the options for treating severe acne can be undesirable. This is because some of them can involve medications with serious potential side-effects. They can be considered a ‘last resort’ by some doctors.

These include:

Antibiotics

Antibiotics prescribed for acne include erythromycin and clindamycin. They are only for inflamed acne. These can be oral or topical.

Excessive use of antibiotics can cause your body to become immune to their effects.

Birth control pills

Birth control pills are a form of oral contraception, usually obtained by prescription. Because they affect hormones, they can regulate acne in some people.

But, like most acne solutions, birth control pills are a ‘use it or lose’ it solution. Those who have hormonal reactions to them may need to look for an alternative.

Isotretinoin

Isotretinoin has been historically known by the brand name Accutane (it now has generic versions on the market, sold under other names).

This ‘last resort’ drug for cystic acne has the potential for many side effects that may not be worth the risk for you. These include depression, birth defects, inflammatory bowel disease or dangerous effects on the liver and cholesterol levels.

You will need to be monitored while on this drug, and should only take it for up to 6 months at a time.

Cortisone injections and manual drainage

To solve very bothersome cystic lesions or nodules, doctors may use cortisone injections. They may also manually drain the fluid out of them.

These types of procedures are not ideal unless the acne is bad enough to warrant their use. They are mostly done to prevent the instance of scarring, if the cyst were to rupture.

They are also a one-at-a-time solution, which can make them impractical.

Spironolactone

Spironolactone is known by the brand name Aldactone. It can be prescribed topically or orally. It blocks androgen receptors and is used on women. It can affect the menstrual cycle and have other side effects.

Tretinoin

Tretinoin is a topical prescription form of Vitamin A, also known as a retinoid. It can be sold under the brand name of Retin A. Other strong retinoids include adapalene (Differin) and tazarotene (Tazorac).

Vitamin A derivatives, like retinol, can be found in varying degrees in some high-end skincare products, and may not require a prescription.

Generally, retinoids can result in excessive dryness, and take a while to get used to. They should not be used while pregnant. However, they are not necessarily dangerous, and can offer great success for treating acne.

Benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is a topical ingredient used to fight acne. Low concentrations can be found in some over-the-counter products. Higher concentrations require a prescription.

Various other drugs are also used for treating acne, which also have side effects.

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Compared to the risks of treating acne with medical prescriptions, the risks of what we offer at our clinic are almost nil. At most, you may be a little red from a microdermabrasion, facial or a laser peel.

A chemical peel is meant to cause your topmost layer of skin to shed considerably, which is an intended effect.

That said, some of our more intense laser treatments for acne scars, such as a fractional CO2 laser resurfacing session, or a Fraxel^® DUAL treatment, can require some dedicated healing time. These treatments are limited to the dermis (i.e. your skin). This means they don’t affect your body systemically. Their potential side effects are rare, when performed correctly.

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Each service we offer for treating acne has its own price as well as package rates. You can get a general idea of pricing by submitting the form above.

We will need to see you in person for a consultation to provide a more accurate quote. This is because your exact condition won’t be like everyone else’s, and may require a customized package we’ll put together for you.