Irvine Acne Surgery doctors

	Nissan Pilest, MD Irvine Dermatologic Surgeon 16100 Sand Canyon Ave Ste 190, Irvine		1 answer
	Grant Stevens, MD Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon 4644 Lincoln Blvd #552, Marina Del Rey
	Norman Ge, MD Orange County Facial Plastic Surgeon 16300 Sand Canyon Ave Ste 201, Irvine
	Jeremiah P. Tao, MD Irvine Oculoplastic Surgeon Gottschalk Medical Plaza 1 Medical Plaza Drive, Irvine
	Christopher B. Zachary, MD Orange County Dermatologist 15374 Alton Pkwy, Irvine

Recent Answers

When is Acne Surgery the Best Solution to Treat Acne? I have tried almost everything to get rid of my severe acne, but nothing seems to work in the long-term, so I am starting to think I need to consider a more drastic solution. When is surgery an appropriate and effective acne treatment?

A: Other Options for Acne Surgery

Acne "surgery" can mean a variety of things.

You say you have tried almost everything. I recognize how frustrating controlling acne can be, but you must understand that acne is Controllable instead of Curable.

Younger patients frequently will follow an acne program until they get results, then stop. With acne, you can't stop just because things seem to be going well. Maintaining clear skin takes a commitment.

A typical acne patient will first be assessed based on

severity
previous products and treatments used
how effective these attempts were
blood tests to determine androgen levels if previous treatments failed.

Extractions, a type of "surgery" are a first step in acne control because they clear out old impacted debris in the follicles. This also opens up infected follicles to accept topical medications. Usually at the same time a medical level or prescription product is introduced. If required, oral antibiotics are used. The caveat here is that you must use the antibiotics as instructed. Skipping days simply means you are allowing new acne bacteria a chance to get re-established.

Photodynamic Therapy is a fairly powerful option for resistant acne and if you've not discussed this with your dermatologist, do so. Combined with any necessary RX products, it can make a dramatic change in your acne activity.

The key is to remember that you are Controlling a chronic skin condition.

Some patients are candidates for oral retinoic acid therapy (Accutane and similar generics). There is a rigid guideline you must follow when using this medication die to its potential side effects. But for the worst cases of acne, you may find it is an option.

Nissan Pilest, MD

Irvine Dermatologic Surgeon