Patients need to be informed that clearance of acne typically takes up to 6 treatments in order to see a good result. Acne is caused when pores become clogged and then infected with the p. acnes bacteria. It is not always caused by poor diet or hygiene, but a change in each may help yield better results. The laser light heats of the affected area to
effectively kill the p. acnes bacteria while also helping to shrink the sebaceous glands, which will cause them to produce less oil, limit future outbreaks and reduce pore size. Also, some patient’s condition may become worse before it gets better. This should subside as the treatments progress. The patient should be aware of this risk and common occurrence, otherwise the patient might opt out of continued treatments. There is no cure for acne, only maintenance, so the patient should be aware that they may need more treatments in the future.
