Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery, Treating Adult Acne

Adult Acne

Reviewed by Linda Nelson, National Technical Director, Skin Authority

Adult acne is a common condition affecting adults of all ages, including 50 percent of women and 25 percent of men. Whether you are 22 or 62, you may be prone to adult acne. The good news is, many new treatments and procedures are available.

Causes of Adult Acne
You may wonder why your condition persists after using every exfoliant, facial toner, and skin treatment on the market. Although the precise reason for adult acne remains unknown, current research is finding that acne is caused when:
-bacteria multiply excessively within the hair follicle
-an oil-releasing blockage develops from the sebaceous gland
-enlarged sebaceous oil glands yield the overproduction of oil

Adult acne is most often caused by genetic and hormonal changes. Contributing factors can include side effects from certain medications, cosmetic products with high oil contents, excessive sweating, stress, pregnancy, and menopause.

Blockages of bacteria and oil can build, leading to adult acne problems including pimples, inflammation, cysts, and scarring. Adult acne most often appears on the face; however, it can appear on the arms, legs, buttocks, and torso.

Adult acne can be physically painful and it can interfere with everyday life. Adults who are concerned about the first impression they make with others will be especially interested in facial acne treatments and remedies.

Treatment
The appropriate treatment for acne varies depending on the individual and the doctor. Some of the products currently on the market include ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retin-a, cleocin-t, accutane, sulfur, erthythromyicin, doxycyline and tetracycline. But there's more than medicine to treating adult acne.

A multifaceted approach of treatments, behaviors, and diet is often most effective. Here are a few simple strategies to help you combat adult acne:
-Consult your doctor about hormonal changes.
-Protect skin from pollution with toners and moisturizers.
-Limit exposure to high humidity.
-Do not touch or scrub your face or the blemishes on your skin.
-Do not wear apparel that is tight on the face or skin, including tight collars or helmets.
-Follow a daily skincare regimen.
-Avoid exposure to sun and excessive cold.
-Select non-oily cosmetic products.
-Eat a well-balanced diet.

Skin procedures can be used for the prevention, onset, or aftermath of adult acne:
-microdermabrasion
-chemical peels
-laser skin resurfacing (for acne scars)
-laser scar removal (for deeper acne marks on the face)

Dermatologists, gynecologists, and other medical specialists may have extensive experience with acne treatment. They may prescribe a variety of treatments depending on their field:

A gynecologist may prescribe hormones or birth control to level unbalanced hormones.

A dermatologist may recommend a topical ointment or oral medication to decrease inflammation and prevent the spread of acne.The dermatologist may also develop a specific daily skincare regimen for acne management.

A doctor, licensed RN, or esthetician may perform treatments to reduce scarring.
Any licensed physician involved in your treatment plan may prescribe an antibiotic.
Treatment Plan Tips

Here are some tips to keep in mind as you put together a treatment plan:
-Review the physician's credentials, education, type of certification held, training, and experience in performing the specific treatment.
-View before-and-after photos of patients who received different types of acne treatment.
A-sk questions about the recommended medication, such as possible side effects or interactions with other drugs you are taking.
-Ask the treatment provider to estimate the number of treatments required to achieve and maintain optimal results.

It's a good idea to investigate all the options available to you, including an integrated treatment plan. Your doctor should be able to answer your questions and help you create the best treatment plan for your condition.

Costs for Acne Treatment
Costs vary depending upon the physician, your geographic region (typically higher in the Northeast and West Coast), and your recommended treatment. Some of the costs may be deemed medically necessary, which may be covered by your insurance plan.

Here are some average costs for commonly used treatments:
-Antibiotics, topical creams, and ointments can range from $45 to $200 per month.
-Hormone therapy can range from birth control ($45 or more monthly) to more aggressive therapy in excess of $200 per month.
-Skin resurfacing procedures including chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing, and laser scar reduction can range from $75 per session to several hundred dollars per session. Keep in mind that multiple treatment sessions may be required.
-Daily skincare programs can range from $700 to $1,500 annually.

If the out-of-pocket cost for acne treatment is too high for you, ask your doctor about payment plans. For financing options and tips, continue reading about Patient Financing.

Acne requires ongoing treatment. Keep in mind the possible lifetime expenses when selecting and budgeting for treatment-plan options.

Related Topics

Try these links for additional information:
Skin Disorders
Skincare for Teens and Adults
Retin-A
Antioxidants
Exfoliants
Laser Skin Resurfacing
About the Reviewer of This Article

Linda Nelson is the national technical director for Skin Authority, which has Skin Authority Skin Clinic locations in the Orange County, San Diego and Riverside areas of southern California.