Sebacia Acne Laser Treatment

The Sebacia Acne Treatment is a novel state-of-the art in-office treatment to improve acne. We are the first dermatology office in Massachusetts to offer this FDA-approved treatment!

What Is The Sebacia Acne Treatment?

Sebacia treats the sebaceous glands, which are located in the pores of the skin. These glands create sebum (oil). While sebum is necessary for moisture retention, overproduction of sebum can clog the pores, resulting in embarrassing acne breakouts.

It is suggested that patients do two to three treatments, each spaced apart by one week. Most patients will then see significant clearing of their skin for several months. It is safe for patients to continue most acne treatments such as creams and pills while also doing the laser treatment.

During a Sebacia Acne Treatment in Boston, gold microparticles are massaged into the pores, followed immediately by a laser treatment. The gold microparticles are gold-covered silica orbs, which absorb light energy instead of reflecting it (causing the black appearance of the mixture).

The orbs break down into even tinier pieces that penetrate deep into the skin and settle in the oil glands. The laser is targeted at the gold particles to shrink the oil glands in the skin. Because the microparticles attract light, this allows for selective photothermolysis, meaning the heat specifically targets the sebaceous glands.

Shrinking oil glands reduces oil production. Not only does this decrease acne formation, but it also reduces greasiness in the skin and shrinks oversized pores. Through this, the treatment helps restore the appearance and texture of the skin.

Why Choose Sebacia Over Other Acne Treatment Methods?

Gel medications and creams can result in skin issues like irritation and dryness. They also require frequent application and only offer temporary results.

Oral antibiotics, while effective, can be too powerful, ridding the skin of both good and bad bacteria. This can result in antibiotic resistance and increased inflammation.

In contrast, Sebacia acne laser treatment avoids dryness, only creates short-lived redness, and leaves the good bacteria on the skin. There’s no need for time-consuming daily application of any topical medications, and there’s no need to change your skincare routine.

Additionally, many treatment methods for acne focus on addressing clogged pores and bacteria. These are merely symptoms of a larger issue: excess oil production. It’s always better to treat the cause of the issue instead of simply addressing the symptoms.

Ideal Candidates

When OTC treatment options aren’t delivering effective results, Sebacia acne laser treatment is the perfect choice. If oral medications or antibiotics are options you’d prefer to avoid, this energy-based treatment is an excellent acne solution.

This laser treatment for acne is ideal for men and women who have 10 to 40 facial acne blemishes. If you’re experiencing minor to moderate acne breakouts, you may be a perfect candidate for Sebacia treatment.

Severe acne sometimes compresses the hair follicles due to swelling, which can reduce the gold particles’ ability to travel down to the sebaceous glands. Because of this, when treating severe acne, it may be necessary to come in for additional Sebacia sessions or to pair Sebacia with another acne treatment option.

Sebacia is safe for use with most skin types. Patients with certain skin conditions or skin sensitivities may not be ideal candidates for Sebacia.

Note that Sebacia acne laser treatment is not designed to address acne scarring. If you’re looking for an effective way to reduce acne scars, consider laser therapy for scars or one of our many other treatment options.

Why Choose The Dermatology Institute of Boston for Sebacia Acne Laser Treatment?

When you visit The Dermatology Institute of Boston for laser acne treatment, you’re coming to the experts. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Emmy Graber specializes in acne and has years of experience treating acne utilizing a number of modalities.

Dr. Graber is on the American Acne and Rosacea Society’s board of directors. Her articles on acne and acne treatment have appeared in scientific journals, and she has delivered several lectures on the subject.

After receiving dermatology residency training at The Pennsylvania State University/Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Dr. Graber completed a fellowship in Laser and Cosmetic Surgery at SkinCare Physicians of Chestnut Hill. She also served as Director of the Boston University Cosmetic and Laser Center.

Dr. Graber is an Affiliate Clinical Instructor at Northeastern University. She regularly appears on NPR and in national publications discussing numerous subjects in dermatology.

Dr. Graber and our staff of board-certified dermatologists have extensive experience when it comes to acne laser treatments and are highly regarded in the field of dermatology. They regularly train in the latest state-of-the-art treatment modalities to ensure the highest-quality results.

We have been recognized as being one of the top dermatology practices in Boston due to our compassionate, personalized care and our years serving the community.

How Much Does Sebacia Acne Laser Treatment Cost?

The price of Sebacia acne laser treatment in Boston depends on several factors. The number of treatment sessions required can affect the total cost of the procedure, as can the patient’s acne-reduction goals.

The Consultation

During your Sebacia acne laser treatment consultation at The Dermatology Institute of Boston, you will meet with one of our board-certified dermatologists. They will ask you questions about your acne and will examine the affected areas.

As part of this consultation, your dermatologist will ask you questions about your medical history in order to prevent any potential treatment complications. They will ask about any pre-existing medical conditions, recent treatments, current medications, and allergies.

Your dermatologist will explain the details of the Sebacia laser treatment process from start to finish, answering any questions you may have. They will recommend a number of treatment sessions to help achieve your goals, and they will set expectations regarding your potential results and the recovery process.

The Sebacia Acne Laser Treatment Process

Before your Sebacia acne laser treatment session, you’ll need to cleanse the skin of your face. This will effectively remove any products or debris.

During the treatment, the Sebacia gold microparticle formulation is applied and massaged into your skin by a trained clinical assistant. This step is important as it pushes the tiny gold particles into your pores. A long-pulse Nd: YAG (1,064nm) dermatology laser is then applied to the skin by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Emmy Graber. The laser heats the gold microparticles in the pores and reduces the oil glands. This targeted heating can improve your acne over time.

A subtle warm sensation may be felt during treatment, and the process is relatively pain-free. No anesthesia is needed. It’s a gentler treatment thanks to the gold microparticles; because these microparticles can absorb concentrated light, less heat is needed for the treatment to be effective. 

In total, the treatment appointment takes about 30 – 45 minutes. After the treatment, you will have some redness, but this usually resolves in a few hours.

Most patients who do the Sebacia Acne Treatment are also using some type of topical or oral prescription medication.

Sebacia Acne Laser Treatment Aftercare

After a Sebacia acne laser treatment session, no recovery period or downtime will be required. You will be able to return to your regular schedule immediately after the session, and many patients go right back to the office.

Minor swelling may be present for a short time following treatment, and a degree of minor discomfort may be felt. These side-effects will fade quickly.

Contact Us to Learn More

To schedule appointments for Sebacia Acne Treatment in Boston, contact our office or schedule online. If you’d like to discuss if you are a good candidate for other forms of acne treatment, please contact us today. Acne consultation visits are usually covered by insurance.