• Aesthetic Treatments
• Wrinkle Reduction
• Body Sculpting
• HCG Diet Program
• Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement
• Skin Rejuvenation
  • Acne
    • ClearConcept^™ Acne Program FAQs
    • Aramis Laser Acne Treatment FAQs
    • Comedone Extraction FAQs
    • Omnilux LED FAQs
  • PhotoFacial
  • Affirm^™
  • Laser Skin Tightening
• Vein Treatments
• Laser Hair Removal

ClearConcept^™ Acne Program : Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common myths about Acne?

Acne is solely caused by diet or stress. Acne will only affect young people. Acne can be cured. Acne will wear off with time. "Grin and bear it - what’s a few pimples!" "Just let Acne run its course". "Everybody gets it - you will completely recover".

What causes Acne?

Sebaceous glands in acne patients are larger and produce more sebum than normal. They also harbor much larger numbers of acne causing bacterium (Propionibacterium acnes, or P. acnes) than in those people who don’t have acne. All of these factors can be inherited. Acne is a multi-factorial disease.

Is there a cure for Acne?

No. There is no cure, but control is certainly possible. That is why at Medical Aesthetics of New England, PC, we have introduced the ClearConcept^™ Acne program to New England. There is no single answer, as therapy needs to be individualized.

What about Sebaceous Glands?

Sebaceous glands affecting acne are almost always associated with hair follicles. Androgens (male hormones present in everyone) increase sebum production, by up to 30x in skin with acne! Bacteria and Fungi are a normal part of flora in sebaceous glands, but people with acne have much higher levels of P. acnes in their glands.

What age groups are affected by acne?

85% of people 12 to 24 years of age experience acne. 
3% of men have acne until they are 44 years old. 
12% of women have acne until they are 44 years old.

What is the ClearConcept^™ Acne program?

Medical Aesthetics of New England, PC is the first center in New England to use the ClearConcept^™ program. ClearConcept^™ is a unique and proprietary acne treatment process that combines new technologies and well-defined protocols to provide improved acne treatment options and excellent outcomes with minimal use of prescription drugs, particularly Accutane.

What technologies are used in the ClearConcept^™ program??

The following technologies are used in the ClearConcept^™ program:

• Aramis Erbium glass, 1540nm laser. This laser treats acne by targeting and shrinking sebaceous glands and reduces appearance of scars through collagen building.
• Microdermabrasion
• Omnilux 415nm and 633nm LED. Blue light/Red light therapy kills bacteria within the skin and reduces erythema
• ProFect camera system - documents patient response to therapy
• BelleDerm^™ skin care products - developed specifically to support the ClearConcept^™ protocols.

Additional treatments may include:

• Chemical Peels
• Local treatment of acne lesions including comedone extraction and scar revision.

What does the Aramis laser do?

The Aramis laser reduces oil production from the sebaceous glands by altering their size and function through a sub-coagulative thermal injury. This same thermal injury diminishes the appearance of acne scars by inducing collagen growth. The procedure is very well tolerated and patients have reported few adverse events.

What does the Omnilux blue do?

Omnilux produces pure light at 415nm, which targets the bacteria P.acnes. P.acnes contain a natural chemical (coproporphyrin III) that reacts with light of the correct wavelength (415nm) to produce singlet oxygen, a potent bactericidal product. The reaction causes the bacteria to kill itself and is contained within the bacteria leaving the surrounding tissue and sebaceous glands intact and fully functional.

What does the Omnilux red do?

The intracellular specificity of red light therapy is well documented and it has long been demonstrated that 633nm offers excellent reduction in inflammatory lesions and is proven to stimulate cellular mechanisms for tissue repair. Treatments are very well tolerated and require only 20 minutes per session.

What does the Microdermabrasion do?

At Medical Aesthetics of New England, PC, a precision hand piece is used to direct a stream of very fine crystals onto the skin or an optional diamond-covered disk is used to remove the stratum corneum (outer layer of skin) and unclog pores. The procedure also improves topical treatment efficacy and reduces the appearance of acne scars.

What does the Photodocumentation do?

The Photo Documentation system we use here at Medical Aesthetics of New England, PC uses both UV and daylight lamps to provide important skin assessment and documentation data. Some conditions the system identifies are: Presence of porphyrin, hyperpigmentation, and states of cutaneous dehydration. Images created show sun damage and acne-prone areas. We generally take at least two photos, the first using a controlled natural light setting, and the second using a specialized UV Filter.

What is the BelleDerm^™ Clear Home Care Maintenance Program?

The BelleDerm^™ Clear product line available at Medical Aesthetics of New England, PC, is a new addition to the physician-only BelleDerm^™ cosmeceutical line by MedSurge Skincare^™. It is a unique, four-product kit designed especially for the acne-prone patient. The kit includes a Facial Wash, Exfoliating Scrub, Facial Spot Treatment and Moisturizer. These products work together to break the acne cycle while controlling current acne breakouts. Since acne is a recurring disease it is important that positive patient outcomes with the ClearConcept^™ process be maintained with a physician-grade, home-care maintenance program. The kit generally lasts about 3 months, and proper application will be demonstrated to you.

• The BelleDerm^™ Clear Facial Wash contains anti-inflammatory Alpha / Beta Acids
• The BelleDerm^™ Clear Exfoliating Scrub contains microspheres of polyprolene beads that are perfectly round to open pores.
• The BelleDerm^™ Clear Facial and Spot Treatment contains 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide, 3% Glycolic Acid (Alpha) and 3% Salicylic Acid (Beta). These act as calming agents for the acne inflammation.
• The BelleDerm^™ Clear Moisturizer contains Alpha / Beta Acids, Hyaluronic Acid and Matrixyl^® 3%. This combination helps with enhancing collagen and wound healing.