California Acne Treatment

Comments Send this page to a friend Message    Dr. Abergel performs liposuction and cosmetic laser surgery procedures in Southern California The Cosmetic Surgery Show Featuring Dr. Abergel read more The latest advancement in minimal downtime, fractional CO2 laser resurfacing for aging skin. Learn more.

Specializing in Advanced Laser Techniques

For over 15 years, Dr. Abergel has specialized in and dedicated time and effort to help patients from all over the world achieve a better appearance. The task is often challenging and never easy. However, a significant improvement can be achieved in a large number of patients.

Your Initial Visit

A Personalized Approach

During your evaluation, Dr. Abergel will spend time with you to evaluate the type of scars you have and plan a personalized approach to your treatment. You will see before and after photographs and watch various video tapes. We encourage you to ask questions and participate actively in the treatment plan.

Acne scars can be classified as ice pick scars and/or depressions. In some cases keloids can also be seen.

Ice Pick Scars

Pitted scars are the most challenging type of acne scars. Due to the depth of the scars, they are usually unresponsive to dermabrasion or collagen. In this case, the ice pick scars must be removed surgically or by laser under local anesthesia.

Following the scar removal, the skin can be left to heal, closed by suture, or a tiny graft may be inserted. Skin grafts are usually removed from an area in the back of the patient’s ear and placed onto the scar site. After several weeks the laser is then used to smooth the area.

Depressions

Collagen is helpful in improving the depressions caused by acne scars. However, the results are temporary. Improved techniques of fat grafting and dermal grafting have been very successful. The patient’s own fat cells or dermis (deep layer of skin) are implanted under the depression. This treatment is performed under local anesthesia with rapid recovery over a weekend. The improvement is long lasting. In some cases, several treatments are necessary to achieve optimum correction. An expert on laser surgery, Dr. Abergel has two patent pending applications related to the Silk Touch Laser Flash Scanner treatment of acne scarring.

Scar Lift

The Scar Lift is a new technique developed by Dr. Abergel to address the depressions of acne scars. One small incision is usually enough to insert a delicate instrument and lift the scars from the underlying tissue. This procedure alleviates the depressions, can be repeated if necessary, and heals in just a weekend.

Laser Treatment

Consists of an outpatient procedure of approximately 30 minutes, done without anesthesia. Short duration laser pulses touch the skin at a high repetition rate. The goal is to smooth scars and other skin imperfections.

Following the treatment, very fine brownish flakes of dry skin will develop and heal within 5-6 days. The recovery is painless and most patients will be presentable and ready for makeup within 5 days. An improvement of about 30% is usually within reach after one treatment. Treatments can be repeated every 2 months, until the maximum, positive result is achieved.

The Full Face Laser Resurfacing

The FFLR is the most in-depth treatment available. Performed under general anesthesia, the laser is controlled by computer and used in a scanning mode over the face. A deep treatment is capable of dramatically improving the texture of the skin. In some cases, a mild chemical, called TCA, is also used. It is recommended to take 8-10 days off from work. The recovery is totally painless but during the initial phase after treatment, the face is swollen and brownish in color during the healing. This is followed by a temporary, mild redness. Makeup can be applied after one week.

About Risks

Cosmetic surgery, like any surgery, has risk. Dr. Abergel will discuss this with you in detail, so that you can make an informed decision. It is important that you return for follow-ups regularly, stay out of the sun for 2 months after treatment and use sun screen whenever you are outside.

Where is the Treatment Performed?

Your treatment will be performed in our state of the art Aesthetic Laser Surgery Center. Accredited and State Licensed, it is the ultimate for patients’ comfort and safety, under the care of our registered nurses and physician anesthesiologist.

What About Expectations?

Each case represents a new challenge. Come in with realistic expectations and we will do our best to exceed them. Our goal is to bring you the best possible results.