Acne is the most commonly diagnosed skin disorder in the United States, topping the list of reasons that patients seek out the help of a dermatologist.  While studies show that acne is not caused by diet or stress but by physiological factors such as hormones, excess oil and bacteria, patients often place the blame on their own shoulders. 

Acne lesions are prevalent on parts of the body where there is a high concentration of pores that contain oil-producing sebaceous follicles, such as the face, neck, chest, shoulders and upper back.  When these follicles become clogged and inflamed, blackheads and whiteheads develop,  If a whitehead or blackhead ruptures, its infected contents come into contact with the skin and the infection spreads - producing what is classically referred to as pimples.  In a worst-case scenario, the pimples become so badly infected it turns into a cyst that is located deep in the skin.  If left untreated, these painful lesions can lead to an acne scar.

Today, the Palomar LUX V is used almost exclusively to successfully treat active acne.  The main benefit in the use of the LUX V is that it can clear acne without producing a notable injury to the outer layer of the skin.  Non-ablative therapy works by targeting the overactive sebaceous glands that are responsible for acne.  The laser emits a wavelength of light that is strongly absorbed by water within the skin.  This generates heat in and around the sebaceous glads.  By creating a mild thermal injury just below the skin's surface, the LUX V alters the structure and function of the sebaceous glad, leading to prolonged acne clearance. 

The LUX V treatment typically takes about 20 minutes depending on location and amount of lesions.  The patient will experience a slight snapping or stinging sensation that is alleviated by the patented cooling technology of the LUX V.
A series of treatments are delivered at different intervals in order to achieved the desired clearance.

Marked reduction in acne lesions often occurs within a couple of treatment sessions, and a series of treatments should result in acne clearance for more than six months.  Side effects are limited to mild redness and swelling which will not interfere with a patient's daily activities.