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Philadelphia and Mainline Center of Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery
Philadelphia Acne Treatment Before & After Pictures

Written by Dr. Ringpfeil

Acne Treatment

Acne treatment is among the most common treatments performed at our practice. Fortunately, there are various ways to treat acne effectively. Using experience, knowledge, medication, and technology, we treat acne aggressively to deliver the best results possible.

Procedure Efficacy

Photodynamic therapy and medication (e.g. Accutane) are most effective for the treatment of severe acne. Medications, facials, and laser treatment with PDL (Pulsed Dye Laser) are the most effective treatments for moderate acne. Mild acne is best treated by a combination of facials, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion.

mild acne moderate acne severe / cystic acne
AviClear Laser Treatment +++ +++ +++
Photodynamic Therapy - +++ +++
Medication +++ +++ +++
Facials/ Backcials +++ +++ ++
Chemical Peels +++ ++ +
Micro-dermabrasion ++ - -
Pulsed Dye Laser - +++ ++
Smoothbeam Laser - ++ ++

How can we help you?

SKIN
AviClear

AviClear Permanent Laser Acne Treatment

Revolutionary New FDA Approved Treatment For All Acne Types

87% of patients saw at least 50% reduction of acne in 6 months!

No Medications, No Downtime, Minimal Side-effects, Incredible Results

Treatment Plan

Effective treatment often requires the combination of different modalities to treat all components that cause acne. For best and fast results, medical treatment or photodynamic therapy should be supported by various procedures.

Medical extraction facials, salicylic acid peels, and microdermabrasion open up the microcomedones, the starter lesions of all acne. Glycolic acid products and peels also diminish pigmentation from past breakouts.

Time to Results

mild acne moderate acne severe / cystic acne
time 1-2 months 2-4 months 4-6 months

Let's start...
First, watch to learn what type of acne you have

Mild Acne? Learn how to treat it

Treatment of Moderate Acne

Treatment of Severe Acne

Topical medical treatments target several components of acne and are usually used to prevent acne breakouts.

When acne is very severe and scar formation is impending, photodynamic therapy or systemic treatments are indicated.

Treatment Comparison

AviClear Laser Treatment Photo-dynamic Therapy Medi-cations Acne Facial Acne Facial Extraction (*) Chemical Peels Micro-derma-brasion Pulsed Dye Laser Smooth-beam laser
Results +++ +++ +++ ++ ++ ++ + ++ ++
Risks - ++ +++ + + + - ++ ++
# of treatments 3 4-6 NA 2-6 2-6 3-6 3-6 3-4 3-4
Price per treatment To Be Announced $650 varies $98 varies $100,$500/6 $120, $600/6 $250 $250
Insurance Coverage (**) no no yes no yes no no no no

(*) A prior medical consultation and an explicit recommendation by the medical provider (not by an aesthetician) is required. Please check the specific rate, your deductible, coinsurance, and co-pay on this procedure with your insurance using ICD9 code 706.1 and CPT 10040.

(**) Copay and deductable might result in out-of-pocket cost

  • Treatment by core causes
      Medicine Laser/light device Nutrition Other supportive treatment
      Overgrowing skin clogging oil ducts
    • Tazarotene
    • Tretinoin,
    • Adapalene,
    • Isotretinoin
    • Salicylic acid incl. peel
    • Glycolic acid incl. peel
    • Benzoyl peroxide
    • Sulfur
    • Facials with extractions
    • Microderm-abrasion
    • Avoid tanning
    • Use sunscreen regularly
    • Hormone regulation+ response
    • Spironolactone
    • Oral contraceptive
    • Cyproterone acetate (not available in US)
    • Isotretinoin
    • Photodynamic therapy
    • Smoothbeam laser
    • Alfalfa
    • Flaxseed
    • Oats, Celery Parsley
    • Rhubarb Fennel Evening primrose oil
    • Exercise
    • Yoga
    • Meditation
    • Biofeedback
    • Bacterial colonization
    • Topical and some oral antibiotics
    • Sulfur
    • Benzoyl peroxide
    • Photodynamic therapy
    • Blue light
    • Isolaz
    • Visible light (not tanning beds)
    • Antibacterial cleanser
      Inflammation
    • VitaminB3 + zinc + copper + azeleic acid complex
    • Anti-inflammtory antibiotics
    • Isotretinoin
    • Tazarotene
    • Sodium sulfacetamide
    • Sulfur
    • Dapsone (topical)
    • Pulsed dye laser
    • Photodynamic therapy
    • Avocados Nuts,
    • Flaxseed Avoid refined carbo-hydrates
    • Avoid trans-fat
  • Patient Handout

      Introduction

      Appearance is important at any age yet undoubtedly it seems most important in your teenage years and in young adulthood. You are at the prime of your life in a time to form relationships and build your career. A flawless look is most desired during an interview or on your date. It seems unnatural that nature poses the extra burden of acne during this time, as if it wants to test your self confidence.

      While some deal with acne very naturally, most people with blemishes, pimples, zits, painful cysts, dark marks and even scars from past breakouts have a significantly lowered self-esteem. They feel insecure, may not want to go out, develop depression, Many engage in activities that distract them from their ailment which can be positive but unfortunately also negative.

      What causes acne?

      Acne is caused by a combination of well known factors
      1. Genetic factors that promote clogging of the oil ducts
      2. Hormones that stimulate oil glands
      3. Bacteria that are feeding on the oils in enlarged glands
      4. Inflammatory reaction of the body to enlarged oil glands and presence of bacteria

      Despite the common factors that cause acne, everyone’s expression of acne is unique. Acne needs different treatment on oily skin compared to dry skin. Many people have so called “combination” skin. Therefore treatment must be customized to each person. Care must be taken to avoid over drying of the skin as many prescription acne medicines tend to be formulated in drying rather than emollient bases. Medical treatment should be supported effectively by general skin care such as the use of very gently exfoliating cleansers (not scrubs), sunscreen that do not clog pores and moisturizers when necessary.

      How is acne treated?

      Targeting acne from only one angle may work when acne is extremely mild or just beginning. Customized treatment usually targets multiple causative factors. Retinoids promote proper turn-over of the skin, thereby unclogging the oil duct; acne facials unclog the oil duct and facilitate proper drainage of the oil gland and remove the bacteria infested content. Oral antibiotics and the pulsed dye laser reduce the inflammatory response. The Smoothbeam laser destroys oil glands. Topical and oral antibiotics reduce acne-promoting bacteria. Spironolactone and oral contraceptives help regulate hormonal levels or reduce the available androgens in women. Topical antiandrogens that can be used in men are still under investigation. Please see table below for more detailed information.

      How can we help acne from the inside out?

      The severity of acne can depend on our emotional well-being. Emotional distress can worsen many conditions. Hence, if you have acne stress can break you out more. This is not an imagined response; in fact stress increases your androgen levels and androgens turn up oil production. Effective relaxation techniques may be learned. Sometimes a simple exercise program is all it takes. Yoga, meditation or biofeedback techniques can be extremely beneficial.

      What role does your diet play?

      Reestablishing your balance should be a major effort on the road to healthy skin and will include paying attention to a well balanced diet. Under certain circumstances it can mean going back to basics such as eating raw foods or avoiding dairy, refined carbohydrates, cooked fat and meats. Hormone production is tweaked by alkaloid caffeine found in coffee or black tea and its cousin theobromine in chocolate. Hence avoiding these compounds may be necessary in more difficult to tackle acne or if you notice increased breakouts after ingesting these substances.

      A number of fruit and vegetables are said to reduce acne such as mangos, rhubarb, dark berries, papayas, olives, watercress, fennel, garlic, celery, parsley, wild greens, salad leaves, avocado, olives, flaxseeds, alfalfa, Brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds , oats.

# of surveys: 4187
Last updated: 1/02/2024 11:10 AM

PATIENT RATINGS

Would you recommend us?

definitely
93.1%
probably
6.16%
maybe
0.58%
not likely
0.08%
no
0.02%

Compare our service to other similar practices

excellent
87.9%
very good
10.1%
good
1.8%
poor
0.06%
very poor
0%

Overall doctor performance

excellent
94.2%
very good
4.89%
good
0.80%
poor
0.03%
very poor
0%

The doctor listened to you attentively

excellent
93.9%
very good
4.97%
good
1.05%
poor
0.05%
very poor
0%

The doctor took time to answer your questions

excellent
94.0%
very good
4.66%
good
1.27%
poor
0.02%
very poor
0%

The doctor explained treatment options

excellent
94.3%
very good
4.16%
good
1.25%
poor
0.14%
very poor
0.02%

The doctor explained treatment options

excellent
92.0%
very good
5.69%
good
2.18%
poor
0.11%
very poor
0.0%

Front desk performance

excellent
85.6%
very good
10.2%
good
3.66%
poor
0.31%
very poor
0.08%

Aesthetician performance

excellent
88.6%
very good
7.61%
good
3.39%
poor
0.24%
very poor
0.08%

Office comfort

excellent
90.9%
very good
6.93%
good
2.08%
poor
0.05%
very poor
0.05%

Parking

excellent
66.4%
very good
14.4%
good
15.7%
poor
2.49%
very poor
0.9%

Friendliness of the staff during appointment

excellent
90.9%
very good
7.23%
good
1.85%
poor
0.05%
very poor
0%

What WE DID WELL

(Answers:674)

I loved the way Dr.Ringpfeil listened to my concerns and I also loved the fact that Dr. Ringpfeil very clearly expressed her views. I think she is an excellent doctor.

#12023-10-02

It was delightful to find a physician who really listened! Thank you.

#22023-07-14

everyone is wonderful, nice, accommodating, and awesome. Great customer service overall.

#32011-12-21 17:29:36

Office was very nice, comfortable atmosphere.

#42024-02-27

Very efficient!

#52023-09-30

I actually was able to see the physician, the physician assistant and the aesthetician, which was awesome for one visit! It shows that the team works together to provide patients with the best possible results.

#62011-10-04 14:18:20

The Dr. saw us on time. No waiting.

#72023-11-05

Everyone was attentive and friendly. The music in the waiting room was beautiful.

#82024-01-04

I didn't feel rushed and felt like I was really listened to and taken seriously. I didn't feel like someone was just throwing ointments at me to get me out the door. I really appreciate the care I received here. Thank you.

#92023-05-09

no everything was great. everyone is so wonderful

#102023-06-23

What can we do better?

(answers:373)

A little warmer temperature.

#12010-09-09 16:03:32

I can't think of anything.

#22010-08-25 14:18:06

More upbeat music! The warm temperature and the John Mayer-esque music made me feel as if it were bedtime =)

#32011-09-16 11:42:32

more sample products

#42011-06-02 14:59:00

Only the 30 minute wait time really should be shortened.

#52023-06-23

Appointments available on shorter notice

#62010-10-25 10:00:31

No complaints at all. Excellent experience

#72010-09-30 10:38:51

Try to get enrolled as a provider in Tricare Prime!

#82023-06-07

before prescribing a very expensive treatment, inform the patient you are doing so.

#92023-07-20

don't see how you could improve anything

#102011-01-12 08:19:57

Customer Rating : 4.6

Based on 537 ratings
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