Cosmetic and laser center in BASEL/Saint-Louis : Your expert medical center for facial acne treatment
Welcome to the Cosmetic and Laser Center in Basel/Saint-Louis, your trusted destination for advanced medical solutions in the field of aesthetics, specially tailored for acne treatment. At our center, we are passionately committed to providing you with cutting-edge treatment options to help you achieve healthier and more beautiful skin.
We understand the challenges associated with acne and skin issues, which is why our highly qualified team is dedicated to offering you personalized and effective solutions to address acne and enhance the quality of your skin. We utilize state-of-the-art technologies such as laser treatment, LED therapy, and peeling to assist you in achieving your desired outcomes.
Whether you have persistent acne concerns, acne scars, or other skin-related issues, we are here to provide treatment options tailored to your specific needs. Our team of experienced professionals will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your aesthetic goals and medical requirements.
At Biolaser, we recognize that skin is unique, just like each individual. That’s why we are committed to delivering the highest quality care and considering your individual needs to help you regain healthier and more beautiful skin. We look forward to accompanying you on your journey to radiant skin and renewed confidence.
Acne
Acne is not an infectious disease but an inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous follicle.
At the base of each hair is a sebaceous gland that secretes sebum, an oily fluid that drains out of the pores whose normal function is to protect the skin.
In acne, the pores of the skin are blocked by excessively viscous (thick) or excessively produced sebum and by dead skin cells (keratinocytes) that are not properly removed. The changes in the functioning of this pilosebaceous follicle are associated with the proliferation of a bacterium, Propionibacterium acnes (naturally present on the skin) which secretes pro-inflammatory substances.
The main lesions of acne
HYPERSEBORRHOEA
Hyperseborrhoea is a constant. It is the first manifestation of acne and may precede the appearance of acne pimples by several years.
The skin is oily, shiny and the pores are dilated.
It affects areas rich in sebaceous glands: central part of the face (nose, forehead, chin, cheeks) and upper chest (neck, back and front of the chest).
RETENTION LESIONS
There are two types: closed comedones and open comedones:
- Closed comedones (or microcysts) are small whitish papules of 2-3 mm, sometimes more palpable than visible. They are related to the accumulation of sebum and keratin mixed in the follicular canal dilated by the obstruction of its orifice leading to an indurated and localised bulge of the skin centred by a pale area, hence its name of whitehead.
- Open comedones correspond to “blackheads” which measure between 1 and 3 mm in diameter. The black colouring corresponds to the accumulation of oxidised keratinocytes within the dilated orifice of the infundibular duct, which may spontaneously expel or become inflamed.
INFLAMMATORY LESIONS
The inflammatory phase begins as soon as there are enough bacteria in the sebaceous gland. They multiply and secrete pro-inflammatory factors. Inflammatory lesions then appear: papules, pustules, nodules, abscesses.
- Superficial inflammatory lesions include raised, inflammatory red pimples without pus, 1-5 mm in diameter, sometimes tender (papules) and white-headed red pimples with yellowish-white purulent collection (pustules).
- Deep inflammatory lesions include nodules which are lesions > 10 mm reaching the dermis which may progress to abscessation and scarring or rupture in the depth of the dermis giving sinuses, elongated nodules which are very painful.
Causes or triggers/aggravating factors for acne
Acne can have many causes (genetics, stress, hormonal abnormalities, diet, sun, lifestyle, inappropriate skin care, etc.), some of which are recognised:
Use of substances likely to aggravate acne lesions or clog pores : oils, tar, chlorine, unsuitable cosmetics, essential oils…
Taking medication :
- androgens in women, but also in men in the context of doping for sports purposes,
- oral contraceptives containing androgenic progestins,
- local and general corticosteroids,
- certain anti-epileptic drugs that increase seborrhoea secretion,
- lithium salts and some antidepressants…
Acne revealing an endocrinopathy : acne accompanied by signs of hyperandrogenism: hirsutism, alopecia, menstrual disorders, infertility, etc., should lead to a hormonal biology test and an abdomino-pelvic ultrasound to look for polycystic ovary syndrome.
Solutions for acne treatment at the BIOLASER Basel/Saint-Louis clinic
During the first essential consultation, a personalised treatment plan will be proposed to you and you will be given a written estimate as well as a treatment consent form to sign for each technique used. The doctor will check with you that you have no contraindications.
He will suggest a single technique with a precise number of sessions or generally a combination of several techniques depending on the type and extent of your acne.
IPL Nordlys
- IPL Nordlys treatment helps reduce blood flow to the sebaceous gland, resulting in a slowdown in sebum production. The light emitted by IPL also has the ability to directly destroy some of the bacteria present on the surface of the skin.
- The best results are achieved with inflammatory acne: red, painful, and raised pimples. It is important that the skin is not tanned and has not been recently exposed to the sun.
- Ellipse IPL technology improves the appearance of acne pimples, pigmentation irregularities, and skin tone.
Peeling
- Chemical peels from the Dermaceutic and Eneomey product lines are valuable tools in the treatment of acne at the Biolaser Clinic in Basel – Saint-Louis.
- These products are formulated with potent and specific ingredients to target skin issues related to acne.
- Chemical peels work by gently exfoliating the outer layer of the skin, effectively removing dead cells, excess sebum, and impurities that clog pores, helping to reduce acne breakouts. Additionally, these peels can aid in reducing acne scars by promoting cell regeneration and improving overall skin texture.
- Regular use of chemical peels, under the supervision of a dermatology or aesthetics professional, can be an effective component of a comprehensive treatment plan to combat acne and achieve clearer, healthier skin.
Microneedling with Dermapen
- Microneedling with Dermapen is a promising treatment option for individuals at the Biolaser Clinic in Basel – Saint-Louis dealing with acne and its aftermath. The Dermapen is a medical device equipped with sterile micro-needles that create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This procedure stimulates collagen production and promotes cell regeneration, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals struggling with acne-related issues.
- When applied to treat acne, microneedling with Dermapen offers several advantages. It helps reduce the appearance of acne scars by improving skin texture and smoothing irregularities. Additionally, it can aid in reducing hyperpigmentation caused by acne, resulting in a more even complexion. The Dermapen is also effective in reducing skin inflammation, which can be particularly helpful for individuals with active acne.
- Under the guidance of a skilled skincare professional, microneedling with Dermapen can be a valuable part of an overall treatment plan to address acne-related concerns and achieve healthier, clearer skin.
LED (Light Emitting Diode)
- LED MEDISOL® allows for the improvement of stubborn acne, rosacea-related acne, and the reduction of acne scars.
- Blue LEDs target the porphyrins of the Propionibacterium acnes bacteria to destroy it.
- Red LEDs penetrate deeply enough to reach the sebaceous glands, exerting an anti-inflammatory effect. It is recommended to alternate between a session in red light and a session in blue light within the same week.
Topical, general and cosmetic treatments
- Depending on the contraindications, type and severity of the lesions, medical treatment and/or appropriate cosmetics may be offered.
No anaesthetic is required and many patients describe the treatment as virtually painless. A sensation similar to the snapping of a rubber band followed by a mild warm sensation comparable to that felt after a day at the beach can be experienced after the session.
– All acne patients who have already benefited from oral antibiotic treatment, who have experienced failure or recurrent flare-ups, and who no longer wish to switch to conventional treatments. Oral retinoids must be discontinued at least 6 months previously.
– Patients who are unwilling or unable to take oral medication.
– Adolescents too young to use oral retnoids, to avoid excessive skin damage and indelible scarring.
A booster treatment every 4 to 6 months will allow the result to last longer.
Acne is a skin disease subject to the influence of hormonal fluctuations, stress (production of cortisol) and medication (cortisone, antidepressants, etc.). It is important to understand that these factors can cause a recurrence without the effectiveness of the treatment being incriminated.
– The pulsed light used is completely safe and generally no special care is required after the treatment. However, people with sensitive skin may benefit from applying a cold compress to the face immediately after the treatment or using a cream prescribed by the doctor.
– You may notice a general redness on the face after treatment. If your skin is damaged by the sun, some of the pigment spots may become darker and eventually disappear.
– Because acne is difficult to clear up completely, your doctor may recommend that you continue with topical treatments for a few months after the Nordlys device treatment sessions have ended or combine with other treatments. In the event of a future acne outbreak, the treatment can be repeated.
– The Nordlys IPL acne treatment is a combination therapy. Thus, your doctor may suggest a complementary treatment (LED, peeling, cosmetology…) to optimize the acne treatment́.
It takes about 60 flashes to treat a whole face. Including the consultation and post-treatment preparation, it takes about 20 minutes. A typical treatment consists of 4 sessions, performed 1 month apart. The number of sessions required will depend on the severity of the condition, and the area to be treated.
