Acne – our common misery:
Regardless of our age, acne would have plagued us at least once or at some point in our life. This skin condition goes hand in hand with surges and imbalances in our hormones. This is perhaps why it is the most dreaded and intrusive skin problem in our adolescence.
There are several underlying factors that cause acne; in general, acne develops when the pilosebaceous unit of our skin becomes clogged up by dirt, dead skin cells and bacteria due to increased sebum production. This, in turn, produces a favourable environment for the colonisation and multiplication of Propionibacterium acnes (P.acnes), the main perpetrating bacteria that causes acne. Consequently, an inflammatory reaction results within the pilosebaceous unit and this causes tissue injury. Wound healing is then initiated at the site of insult to the skin, forming scars. These scars may either appear atrophic or hypertrophic. Therefore, it is evident that the battle against acne involves tackling both the active pimples as well as the resultant acne scars.
How does Thermage work to counter acne?
There are countless beauty products and cosmetic procedures that guarantees to solve one’s acne woes. One prospect of particular interest is Thermage. Thermage is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved cosmetic procedure which uses monopolar radiofrequency to treat skin conditions such as saggy skin and acne. The radiofrequency waves used in Thermage are monopolar. In contrast to bipolar radiofrequency waves, monopolar waves are able to penetrate and reach the deeper layers of skin, without damaging the skin’s surface, because the electric current does not need to return to the hand piece.
With the advantages of Thermage therapy in mind, the question remains: How does it exactly help in the treatment of acne? Thermage directly affects the skin in two ways – increased production of collagen and reduced production of sebum.
Radiofrequency waves generate heat as it passes through the different layers of skin. This heat then induces the breakdown of collagen. In the short term, the breaking up of collagen causes collagen fibres to shrink and thicken. The change in their structure aids in improving the appearance of acne scars. Additionally, with the breakdown in collagen, skin fibroblasts (cells in charge of synthesising collagen) are stimulated as well. In turn, this results in long-term beneficial effects in the treatment of acne scars.
Apart from the effect on collagen production, Thermage is also clinically efficacious in decreasing the level of sebum production which is another major cause of acne. This can be achieved by reducing the size of the oil glands. Furthermore, Thermage is also useful in minimising the size of pores. Although this effect may not directly reduce the development of acne, it provides an additional aesthetic and cosmetic appeal.
Patients who have been through procedures such as botox, plastic surgery, laser therapy or fillers are still able to receive Thermage treatment; except for patients who have had silicone fillers. Substantial results can be expected just after a single session. If required, the next session can be scheduled around six to twelve months after the previous treatment.
Steps involved in Thermage treatment:
Thermage treatment consists of four steps. The initial stage is the cooling of the skin to prevent and reduce any damage done to the skin surface as a result of the heat generated.
Subsequently, the treatment tip is placed on the targeted areas of skin requiring treatment. As each pulse of radiofrequency is delivered, a cooling effect is consequently administered. Finally, after the entire procedure, cryogen is provided to the skin surface to cool down the epidermis.
Side effects of Thermage:
Every procedure has its side effects. Thermage therapy is no exception; it can be categorised into minor and severe side effects. Minor side effects include the redness of the skin and the swelling of the treated area which tends to be temporary. On the other hand, more worrying side effects include the sudden development of superficial blisters, small indentations and altered sensation to the treated areas. Although the severe side effects tend to be rare, it is still necessary to communicate clearly to the patient during the consultation before the procedure.
Contraindications for the usage of Thermage:
It is crucial to note that there are certain groups of patients who are not suitable to undergo Thermage treatment. Since the effectiveness of Thermage treatment is largely dependent on the healing process of the skin which helps to create new collagen, patients with pre-existing medical conditions or lifestyle habits that will impair the healing process cannot to go through this treatment. Such patients include smokers and patients with autoimmune diseases like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus or those on long-term corticosteroids. Besides that, patients who have a pacemaker or defibrillator implant are also not allowed to receive Thermage treatment. Lastly, patients who have undergone corneal surgery or Lasik recently should wait for a few months to allow for healing before receiving Thermage therapy.
Other modalities of treatment available to treat acne:
As previously mentioned, acne is a multifactorial disease. To rely on a single mode of treatment will certainly not be as effective as a combination of treatments.
Oral medications such as antibiotics like doxycycline as well as hormonal pills like Estrostep and isotretinoin are available to help counter acne. Oral isotretinoin is a proven and effective remedy to treat severe acne as well as acne scars. Other cosmetic procedures include chemical masks as well as laser treatments. The latter is a viable alternative for acne patients, who have gone through traditional treatments but made no progress, to clear their problem. Apart from looking towards such treatments, a good skincare routine, tailored specifically for one’s skin is crucial in improving and maintaining its condition. As such, only select and use beauty products that are suitable for your skin. One can also consider making changes to their diet. A diet which has a low glycemic index, low dairy content and rich in zinc and omega-3 fats is postulated to exert beneficial effects when it comes to clearing up one’s skin. However, more research is still required to draw established links between diet and acne.
Conclusion:
Thermage might be the innovative treatment for acne in certain groups of patients. However, it is not perfect and should be supplemented with other modalities of treatment as well. Acne is a distressing phase of life, but it can be controlled. It is essential for those with acne to seek treatment from a medical practitioner early to prevent its progression and further complications. While this article serves to provide more insight into Thermage therapy as a treatment option for acne, a more detailed discussion ought to be carried out with a relevant clinician who could offer better advice if the treatment and other appropriate modalities of treatment are suitable for them.
