Acne Treatment in Columbus, OH

Acne is often seen as a problem related to poor hygiene, but anyone can have acne regardless of their efforts to maintain healthy, clean skin. Treating acne is challenging because the clogged pores causes the condition and many over-the-counter treatments have an adverse effect on your skin. At Downtown Dermatology, your acne treatment is based upon the professional expertise of Dr. Shari Hicks-Graham, a board-certified dermatologist who provides acne treatment to men, women, and teenagers in the Greater Columbus areas.

What is Acne Treatment?

A basic understanding of acne helps you understand how our treatments work to improve overall skin health. The clinical term for acne is “acne vulgaris,” a medical condition that describes the clogging of pores. When dead skin cells are stuck inside the pores, the skin develops a variety of blemishes, such as:

• Pimples
• Blackheads
• Whiteheads

Acne ranges from mild to severe, and some people always have blemishes while others only experience blemishes occasionally. Dr. Hicks-Graham understands the root cause of your acne, and she recommends treatments that address skin health rather than simply eliminating the blemishes. If you have acne scars, Dr. Hicks-Graham will also recommend treatments to reduce the appearance of the scars.

Acne Treatment Benefits

The primary goal of patients who seek treatment at our practice is to eliminate the cosmetic appearance of acne on their skin. While this is achieved with acne treatment, our true goal is to improve your skin health so that you are able to control outbreaks now and in the future. You will not only feel confident about how you look, but you will also feel more confident about your ability to maintain healthy skin.

What Areas Can Be Treated for Acne?

Our acne treatments can be applied on any area that has blemishes, such as:

• Forehead
• Upper lip
• Cheek area
• Chin
• Back
• Chest

What Can I Expect From Acne Treatment?

Not all acne is the same, and this is why over-the-counter medications typically do not work. Each person’s skin is different, and treatment must also consider the type, severity, and location of the acne. Our acne treatments include:

• Topical treatments
• Injections for severe, painful cysts
• Symptom management
• Antibiotics and other oral medications
• Laser treatments
• Chemical peels

Acne Treatment Preparation

Preparation for your acne treatment depends on which treatment is right for you. If Dr. Hicks-Graham recommends injections for your cysts, topical applications or oral medication, she will advise you about changes to your skin care routine.Chemical peels and laser treatments normally only require that you clean your skin the morning of the procedure, and avoid using any lotions, makeup and other substances that may interfere with the treatment.

Acne Treatment Recovery

Topical applications, oral medications, and injections do not require recovery, but you should be patient with the results. The medications may need some time to improve skin health.Chemical peels and laser treatments for mild cases of acne do not require any downtime. You will only have some very minor symptoms, such as redness and flaking. If you have a severe case of acne, your chemical peel, and laser treatments will need to penetrate deeper into the skin. You may experience scabbing, tenderness and other symptoms after your treatment. Dr. Hicks-Graham will explain what to expect from your personal treatment during the consultation appointment.

How Much Does Acne Treatment Cost?

Your acne treatment may be covered as specialty care under your medical insurance. Our patient coordinator works with your insurance to determine coverage, including any deductible, copayment and coinsurance that you are required to pay. You are responsible for any balance that is not covered by insurance. For your portion of the cost, we accept cash, personal check, and major credit cards. We also offer financing through CareCredit®.

Is Acne Treatment Right for Me?

Acne is the most common skin condition, and it affects an estimated 80 percent of all people, regardless of age and skin type. If you are struggling with keeping your skin free of acne, acne treatment at Downtown Dermatology may be right for you.

Acne Treatment Consultation

A personal consultation with Dr. Hicks-Graham is the first step to learning what acne treatments will keep your blemishes under control. As a board-certified dermatologist, she is able to pinpoint the cause of your acne and recommend safe and effective treatments that will improve the health of your skin. If you are ready to feel more confident about your skin and appearance, contact us today to schedule a personal consultation.If you have tried to treat your acne on your own with little to no success, acne treatment at Downtown Dermatology might be the answer! Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shari Hicks-Graham specializes in advanced acne treatments for children, teenagers, and adults in the Greater Columbus areas.