The PROFILE™ THERMASCAN™
laser brings a new approach to acne treatment

What is ThermaScan?

ThermaScan sets new standards in the treatment of acne and several other skin conditions. ThermaScan's infrared energy will allows us to precisely treat acne. Your treatment will be tailored to match your skin condition and desired results.

What will ThermaScan do?

ThermaScan is used to treat acne and atrophic acne scars. The acne and atrophic acne scars on your body will soften as a result. You will notice an immediate improvement in your skin texture and smoothness.

What conditions can be treated?

Acne & atrophic acne scars

What will ThermaScan laser do?

The acne treatment uses an infrared laser to treat your condition. The laser energy delivered by the ThermaScan gently heats up the upper layers of your skin/dermis. The heat absorbed by the targeted areas will reach the sebaceous glands in your skin, thus reducing the number of active acne lesions. ThermaScan acne therapy is effective on all skin types and tones.

How many treatments will I need?

Clinical studies suggest that at least one to two treatments are needed to see results. Most of the patient will see results after the first treatment. Typically patients will receive 2 treatments per week thereafter until acne clears. Your physician will recommend the best options for you.

How long will it take to recover?

One of the most outstanding features of this treatment is that there is virtually no downtime associated with the procedure. After a session, the area treated may appear red for up to an hour. No wound is created, therefore, there is no healing time required.

What should I expect after the treatment?

Typically you will experience some redness that will resolve within a few hours. Since results vary depending on patient condition, number of treatments and area treated, your physician will provide you with all the complete information about the post treatment effects and results.

Will it be uncomfortable?

Acne treatment is gentle and non-invasive. There should be minimal or no discomfort. You may feel a warming of the skin or a rubber band snap like sensation as the procedure is performed. However, this varies from patient to patient and depends on the depth of the treatment. A topical anesthetic cream can be used on extra-sensitive areas. However, no injections are needed.

What will happen during the procedure?

Your eyes will be protected with safety shields or glasses. You may feel a warming of the skin or a rubber band snap like sensation as the laser energy is absorbed by the targeted areas. Your procedure takes between 15 and 30 minutes depending on the size of the area to be treated and the type and depth of the procedure performed.

What aftercare do I need?

You may be given some skin care products and instructions on how to use them. This will minimize your risk of inflammation or redness and ensure the shortest healing time. You will be sensitive to ultra-violet light and you must avoid direct sun exposure until fully healed. Fully cover your skin or use a good sun screen whenever you go outdoors.

A newer procedure for severe and difficult acne combines light with a special light-activated solution that targets and treats the causes. The procedure is called Photo Dynamic Therapy and combines aminolevulinic acid (Levulan) with lights or lasers which specifically alters the mechanisms that cause your acne. Levulan has been used extensively for the treatment of a variety of different skin conditions but it is FDA approved only for moderately thick Grade 1 or 2 AKs. It is no an FDA approved treatment for Ance.

Photodynamic Acne Treatment involves three mechanisms of action against acne:

1. Inactivates the bacteria that trigger acne
2. Exfoliates the skin to unclog pores
3. Lessens activity of the oil glands (sebaceous glands) in the skin

PDT for Acne - Advantages over standard Acne medications
PDT is more effective than oral antibiotics and topical medicines like Retin-A, Tazorac, Benzyl Peroxide, etc, combined. Although severe cases may require an initial boost of oral antibiotic to reduce inflamed acne lesions.

A short series of Photodynamic Acne treatments can have your skin predominantly clear for up to 18 months. Two or three treatments at 2 to 3 week intervals generally obtain the best results.

A PDT series will also help smooth your skin texture and to some degree minimize acne scars. By controlling acne in the earlier stages, you can prevent many of the potential scars. Milder acne may not require this level of treatment and may respond quickly to Thermascan