Acne Vulgaris and Acne Rosacea

Orla from Galway says:
“I began treatment for my severe acne in November 2008 and had three initial combined microdermabrasion and photopneumatic therapy treatments between then and Christmas. Even now (May 2009) my face is very good and, better still, I nabbed myself a lovely man at the New Year’s Eve Ball!”
Acne treatments at Drummartin Clinic
We use Aesthera Photo pneumatic® technology. This is a non-drug acne treatment and virtually side-effect-free. We find it a most effective acne treatment.

How does it work?
It is a further development of laser acne treatment: combining laser and suction.

What about people who have tried every acne lotion and potion under the sun, also possibly peels and oral antibiotics?
In over five years of experience generally with ‘desperate’ patients who had “tried everything” the patient response has been nothing short of uniformly excellent.

Do I have to skincare products to use along with the treatment?
No: This stand-alone treatment saving time, effort (e.g. persuading under-motivated teenagers to use facial washes) and money: no expensive ‘stuff’ to buy.

Is it painful?
No. Unlike the older laser acne treatments.

What about acne scars?
Inflammatory ‘redness’ is reduced. Dermaroller may also be useful on old acne scars. Sometimes a chemical peel is used as a once-off additional treatment.

What areas is it used on?
Aesthera may be used on any body area where there is acne.

Does it help skin condition generally?
Pore size, pimples, blackheads and skin collagen improve markedly. Reddened skin areas return to normal skin colour.

Any side-effects?
Mild to moderate redness for 30 minute to two hours after a treatment (average 30-60 minutes). Occasionally mild, transient facial bruising which clears in 2-3 days. As with almost any type of medical treatment there is also the usual list of possible side effects which, happily, I have never had reported by patients.

What about safety and effectiveness compared to drug-based acne treatments such as Accutane and long-term oral antibiotics?
Accutane is an effective treatment for acne but with a troubling potential side effect profile. I prefer not to use long-term oral antibiotics for acne too many potential side effects and they work slowly anyhow. Patients who have been on Accutane need an before starting treatment.

How long before I see an improvement?
Patients usually describe an improvement within 4-5 days after the first treatment.

How many treatments will be needed?
For moderate acne three to five treatments in total spaced 2-3 weeks apart.

Will I need follow-up treatments?
Many of our acne vulgaris and acne rosacea patients have a top-up treatment 1-3 times per year.

Is medical treatment for acne vulgaris and acne rosacea tax-deductible?
Yes. You return it on your Med 1 form to the Revenue.

What our patients really like:

  • Our Advice: impartial, honest information and advice on how to achieve the look you want. : no 'sales pressure'. You are the decision-maker and we will not rush you.
  • Our Subtle Understated 'Look': Helping you to look beautiful... as naturally as possible. We prefer to make changes slowly over a number of treatments to see how you are responding rather than a rushed, over-the-top result.
  • Our Honesty: We will also advise on what is unlikely to work well for you.
  • Privacy and Discretion: We are a medical practice. Our reception staff are discreet, courteous and confidential. We protect your privacy.