With our emphasis on skin health as the central part of facial rejuvenation, patients seeking skin treatments form a large part of our practice. They range from folks who simply want clearer skin to those whose self confidence has been eroded by skin problems.
Acne is a one of the problems which bring patients to us. For far too long, acne has been seen as “normal”, especially in teenagers, and therefore left untreated in many people. While it’s common in terms of prevalence, it should be recognised as a problem which can scar, both physically and psychologically.
Pimples are essentially inflammation and infection of pilosebaceous units (hair follicles and the attached oil secreting glands). The are many possible underlying causes such as hormonal changesand unsuitable skin products but the end points involve the clogged pores becoming infected. Excessive sebum production and impaired shedding of the surface skin cells form part of the process leading to the formation of spots.
Our approach to acne is fundamentally simple: we introduce patients to a regime of skin care and treatments, like the HydraFacial, to reduce oil production and enhance exfoliation as the initial step to control active acne and add on other interventions like lasers and antibiotics as indicated.
We have found the VBeam laser to be very effective in shortening the duration and frequency of breakouts and reducing the usual attendant redness. The laser is also used to treat the redness of scars in conjunction with the CO2 skin resurfacing laser to improve the texture of the skin.
Treatments with the VBeam is carried out monthly with additional treatments for outbreak as they occur. Our patients are given this ‘Fast Access Breakout’ treatment (FAB!) at no additional charge, often on the same day, to shorten the course of the infection and inflammation and to accelerate healing as we believe that this can reduce the risk of scarring.
Along side with the physical treatments, patients are also encouraged to test out their anxieties where indicated. This can take the form of gradually wearing makeup less often in a stepwise fashion (such as starting off by taking makeup off at bedtime) to eventually having makeup-free days as the complexion improves.
Promoting skin health is rewarding and I would never tire of bidding my patients farewell with a reminder to wear sunscreen.
Mrs CC Kat is a leading Midlands Consultant Plastic Surgeon specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. She is a full member of both British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) and British Association of Aesthetic , Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (BAPRAS) as well as several international aesthetic surgery associations. She worked as a Consultant Plastic Surgeon at the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust but now runs her private practice, CC Kat Aesthetics – Birmingham Laser, Skin and Cosmetic Surgery Clinic, full time. For more information, visit www.cckat.com or call 0121 456 7930
