Question 1

ARE THERE OTHER WAYS TO TREAT ACNE?

Accepted Answer

ABSOLUTELY! We provide our treatments to the many many people who have “been there – done that.” If you haven’t tried “simpler” methods to treat your acne (mail order, dietary resistrictions, prescriptions,) those may very well be the place to start! But, if you’ve tried those options and still struggle – we’re here for you!

Question 2

HOW MUCH IMPROVEMENT WILL I GET?

Accepted Answer

Most clients get a 75-85% improvement in their acne, after a series of treatments. However, this can vary from person to person. Generally, we tell our clients not to expect more than a ~30% improvement in acne scarring. This varies on the severity, type, and depth of the scarring, as well as the type of treatment done, the number of treatments, the person’s individual skin, and other variables.

Question 3

DO THE TREATMENTS HURT?

Accepted Answer

Most of the treatments have a mild “prickling” sensation. A topical anesthetic is available at no charge.

Question 4

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

Accepted Answer

6-9 treatments is average for optimal acne improvement. 4-6 treatments is average for acne scars. Optimal improvement usually takes a few months.

Question 5

ARE LASER TREATMENTS FOR ACNE AND ACNE SCARRING SAFE?

Accepted Answer

Laser treatments, generally, have an excellent safety profile – However, some have more risks than others. Dr. Chavez was an Emergency Medicine physician for 10 years before starting Clearwaves Medical Laser Group. Her focus is always on safety, and doesn’t feel that it’s “worth” doing a cosmetic treatment if it could sacrifice health. She has always chosen lasers (or other cosmetic devices) with the combined highest safety record and highest effectiveness available.

Question 6

HOW LONG HAS DR. CHAVEZ BEEN TREATING ACNE WITH LASERS?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Chavez started Clearwaves Medical Laser Group in 2004. Initially, she focused purely on laser acne treatments. Her goal was to provide long term acne relief without using potentially harmful prescription medications, creams, or other treatments that put a “bandaid” on the problem. We have treated thousands of clients over the many years – and focus on the best technology available to get the most impressive and longest lasting results!

Question 7

WILL INSURANCE PAY FOR THE TREATMENTS?

Accepted Answer

Insurance companies have classified these types of treatments as “cosmetic”, and, therefore do not pay for the treatments. However, flexible spending accounts / medical savings accounts DO generally pay for the treatments. Check with your FSA/MSA to verify, however (a few specifically exclude cosmetic procedures).

Question 8

WHAT LASERS DO YOU USE TO TREAT ACNE?

Accepted Answer

We have used MANY lasers/light-based devices over the years, to treat acne. Here are details about the two medical devices we’ve used the longest – our “tried and true” – with the pros and cons of each:
 
Smoothbeam Laser
 
We’ve used this laser since 2004, and, of the numerous lasers we’ve used to treat acne, the Smoothbeam remains one of Dr. Chavez’s favorites. It is frequently the best for deep, cystic acne, and works wonderfully as a “spot treatment” to help pimples go away quickly (instead of painful and risky steroid injections.)
 
Pros:
 
No downtime (generally, there’s no significant redness, no peeling, or any other sign that you’ve had a treatment.)
Quick, impressive and long lasting results for most clients
Spot treatments can be done to help large pimples go away faster, minimizing the risk for leaving a dark spot or a scar.
 
Cons:
 
A little discomfort (like a grain of sand hitting your skin on a windy day.)
Can cause dark spots, particularly on dark skin or sun exposed skin (this varies in duration it can last weeks to months or longer.)
 
PhotoDynamic Therapy (PDT)
 
We’ve also used the the “PDT” (Photodynamic Therapy) since 2004. It’s wonderfully safe for all skin types, and provides a lot of scheduling flexibility. However, there is a little “downtime”…
 
Pros:
 
Safe for all skin types
More flexibility regarding how far apart treatments can be (can be a few months apart, if needed, and still get good results. This is especially helpful for our out-of-town clients, or for clients who like to spread payments farther apart!)
Long-lasting results for most clients (equal to the Smoothbeam, for most clients)
 
Cons:
 
Downtime (you can’t go outside during daylight hours for at least 36 hours after the treatment.) Most people do the treatment late Friday afternoons, so that they only “miss” one day, Saturday, of going outside. Even with sunblock, you can get a sunburn within minutes of being exposed to sunlight or bright light – even through a window. However, you can go outside at night or before the sun comes up!
You may be red (like a sunburn) for several days after the treatment. This is generally not severe, but the degree of redness varies with skin sensitivity and skin type (clients with light skin, who tend to burn easily, tend to get more red. Clients who generally don’t burn, tend not to get red.) In extreme cases, you may have swelling and/or peeling.

Question 9

HOW DO ACNE SCAR TREATMENTS WORK?

Accepted Answer

There are a few different ways to improve acne scarring. One, is a fully ablative laser, such as an aggressive CO2 laser treatment. Very few physicians perform this type of treatment, anymore, with the advent of newer technologies with less downtime and higher safety profiles. However, in the right hands, and with the right skin-type, fully ablative CO2 treatments can be very effective. Another option is a fractional laser treatment (such as Fraxel, or many other brand names.) Some of these fractional treatments are considered “non-ablative” (not puncturing the skin), and others are “partially ablative” (the laser penetrates the skin in “columns” rather than removing the entire skin layer.) Some ablative lasers use CO2, and some use Erbium. The Erbium lasers vaporizes out columns of damaged skin tissue, without generating significant heat. CO2, on the other hand, generates significant heat. This heat can make it more likely to develop hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) in the treatment area, especially in darker skin types. The third option for acne scar treatments, are Micro-needling treatments. These can help "break up" scar tissue, to soften and improve the appearance of acne scars. Micro-needling is a less aggressive option than laser treatments, however, it offers a less expensive treatment option, with less downtime (usually, just a couple of days) and, it’s safe for most skin types! We, at Clearwaves, offer the MicroPenElite for acne scarring. The fourth option for laser acne scar treatments are non-ablative options (they don’t pierce the skin, at all.) These treatments are often very temporary and only minimally effective.

FAQ