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Acne |
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Botox® |
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Fillers |
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Fotofacial (IPL) |
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Tissue & Skin tightening |
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Hair removal |
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Veins treatments |
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Broken Capillaries |
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Chemical Peels |
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Mole Removal |
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Local Fat reduction |
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Aesthetic Services |
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Products |
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As physicians, we are aware that acne can cause physical and emotional scarring. The good news is there are many treatment options available.
Dr. Shafa believes that if her patients know more about acne and understand how and what she is treating, then they can cooperate with her to achieve our goal more rapidly and with more success.
What You Need to Know About Acne
Almost everyone gets acne at some point in their lifetime. So don’t get frustrated: it is not just your problem. Acne affects most teenagers to some extent. However, the disease is not restricted to any specific age group. Adults in their twenties, even into their forties, can get acne as well. |
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Acne can be controlled. Untreated acne can leave permanent discoloration and scarring which can be significantly more difficult to treat.
Acne does not clear overnight. On average, it takes six to eight weeks to see initial results. So when you see treatments that promise "fast", "overnight" or generally miraculous results, you are more than likely wasting your time and money.
What is acne?
Acne simply means "plugged pores", with or without infection. Hair forms in a pouch-like structure below the skin called a hair follicle. Oil glands (called sebaceous glands) are located next to the follicle. These glands open up into the hair follicle and produce a greasy substance called sebum. Sebum excretes into the hair follicles, through which it reaches the skin surface.
Hair follicles and sebum, along with infections, are major factors that cause acne. During puberty, when hormonal production increases, sebaceous glands are stimulated and produce more sebum than usual resulting in more acne.
Acne is formed when the inside of a hair follicle becomes sticky and forms a plug. Bacteria get inside hair follicles or oil glands and stimulate inflammation, which causes the wall of the follicles to break. This in turn causes swelling, redness, and the formation of pus.
Finally, a bump forms on your skin made of a mixture of sebum, bacteria and inflammatory cells. Collectively, this is called acne. In other words, acne is the result of the infection of a hair follicle and sebaceous gland unit.
Acne is most common on the face, neck, back, and arms where sebaceous glands are more concentrated.
Why do I have acne?
Acne does run in the family, so it is partially genetic. Acne begins in predisposed individuals when sebum production increases, especially during puberty. Bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes grow in sebum, and the hair follicle lining becomes altered and forms plugs called comedones.
How bad is my acne?
Mild acne:
Whiteheads: Appear as white bumps, called closed comedones.
Blackheads: Appear as dark specks, called open comedones.
Moderate acne:
Appears as red bumps with infection, swelling, pus and discomfort. Called papular and pustular acne.
Severe acne:
Raised bumps underneath the skin. May appear deep, red or purplish, warm, or painful. Called nodular and cystic acne.
What Are Our Goals With Acne Treatment?
The goals of treatment are to:
1. heal existing lesions,
2. stop new lesions from forming,
3. treat and prevent permanent discoloration
4. prevent scarring and improve old acne scars.
By achieving our goals we can minimize the psychological stress and prevent the emotional and physical scarring caused by acne. Self confidence and socialization will be regained.
Our goals are accomplished by:
• Preventing and controlling inflammation, i.e. swelling, redness, pain and acne scars
• Improving reddish or brownish discoloration and scars resulting from old acne.
• Skin rejuvenation and regaining of youthful glowing skin.
What is the best treatment?
There are many different treatment options available. Not everyone needs the same treatment. Dr. Shafa's expertise will allow her to offer you a personalized treatment plan based on the cause of your acne, the severity of the condition, failed previous treatments and your individual response to treatment.
Our goal is to choose an effective yet fast treatment plan which involves the least amount of discomfort and side effect and, at the same time, avoids costly treatment options. |
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