rad@ringpfeildermatology.com 610.525.5250

Smoothbeam Laser

acne treatment with smoothbeam before and after

Overview:

This non-ablative diode laser selectively destroys sebaceous glands.

Expected results:

Destruction of sebaceous hyperplasias. While not first line treatment for acne, the Smoothbeam laser offers an effective treatment option in recalcitrant inflammatory acne.

Preparation:

None

Post treatment instructions:

Sun protection x 6 weeks

Time to desired results:

1-3 treatments about 3-4 weeks apart may be necessary to eradicate sebaceous hyperplasias, acne treatment is variable and may require between 1-5 treatments.

Contraindications:

None. Safe on all skin types.

Duration of desired effects:

Permanent. Note: sebaceous hyperplasias are genetically determined and new growths may form in other areas. The Smoothbeam laser does not prevent this genetic tendency.

Downtime:

Redness and possible blister formation for up to 3 days.

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Selected Patient Questions and Answers

Smoothbeam - Patients ask, Dr. Ringpfeil answers

Please feel free to use the blog below to share information about Smoothbeam or to ask Dr. Franziska Ringpfeil a question that might be of interest to others.

2 Responses to “Smoothbeam”

lh377 says:

March 24, 2014 at 11:19 pm

Hello,

I have had inflammatory acne since I was 16 (i’m now 22). I now get the some cysts around my period, n my cheeks (usually 1-3, but this month I got 6). They don’t heal quickly, are painful, and leave large red marks. I was wondering if this laser is a good option for me? Will this destroy alot of my sebaceous glands, or only the hyperplasias? I don’t wish to have extremely dry skin, but it always has been very very oily.

Reply
- Franziska Ringpfeil MD. says:
  
  March 25, 2014 at 7:26 am
  
  The strength of the Smoothbeam laser is its ability to destroy oil glands. This is the reason that it received FDA approval to treat acne when it was first released to the market many year ago. We use it only occasionally for acne. However, it is the right choice for some people. If used for acne, we recommend about 3 treatments 6 weeks apart to induce remission. For acne treatment with Smoothbeam, your skin must be fair (Fitzpatrick skin type III or lighter) and not tan at time of treatment. A medical consultation is needed prior to treatment.
  
  Reply

# of surveys: 4187
Last updated: 1/02/2024 11:10 AM

PATIENT RATINGS

Would you recommend us?

definitely: 93.1%
probably: 6.16%
maybe: 0.58%
not likely: 0.08%
no: 0.02%

Compare our service to other similar practices

excellent: 87.9%
very good: 10.1%
good: 1.8%
poor: 0.06%
very poor: 0%

Overall doctor performance

excellent: 94.2%
very good: 4.89%
good: 0.80%
poor: 0.03%
very poor: 0%

The doctor listened to you attentively

excellent: 93.9%
very good: 4.97%
good: 1.05%
poor: 0.05%
very poor: 0%

The doctor took time to answer your questions

excellent: 94.0%
very good: 4.66%
good: 1.27%
poor: 0.02%
very poor: 0%

The doctor explained treatment options

excellent: 94.3%
very good: 4.16%
good: 1.25%
poor: 0.14%
very poor: 0.02%

The doctor explained treatment options

excellent: 92.0%
very good: 5.69%
good: 2.18%
poor: 0.11%
very poor: 0.0%

Front desk performance

excellent: 85.6%
very good: 10.2%
good: 3.66%
poor: 0.31%
very poor: 0.08%

Aesthetician performance

excellent: 88.6%
very good: 7.61%
good: 3.39%
poor: 0.24%
very poor: 0.08%

Office comfort

excellent: 90.9%
very good: 6.93%
good: 2.08%
poor: 0.05%
very poor: 0.05%

Parking

excellent: 66.4%
very good: 14.4%
good: 15.7%
poor: 2.49%
very poor: 0.9%

Friendliness of the staff during appointment

excellent: 90.9%
very good: 7.23%
good: 1.85%
poor: 0.05%
very poor: 0%

What WE DID WELL

(Answers:674)

Both the doctor and medical assistant were very knowledgable.

#12010-11-09 10:53:55

I have been to a number of derm docs....often it seems as though they have you try this or that but never seem to have a clear plan as to how they will treat ALL of the issues at hand. Thank you for taking the time to address each one of my concerns.

#22025-06-26

Dr took time to answer all my questions.

#32025-08-20

I have been extremly impressed with this practice.

#42011-04-13 12:25:11

I didn't feel rushed when asking questions - the staff took the time to explain answers well.

#52025-09-22

Latte!

#62011-06-02 09:33:27

Everything was easy, transitions were smooth, staff was friendly, everyone smiled. It was a great experience

#72012-07-26 11:37:17

Explanation by both DR. and assistant Thanks!

#82026-01-25

Office was very nice, comfortable atmosphere.

#92025-08-27

Very knowledgeable and good at explaining the condition.

#102026-01-25

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What can we do better?

(answers:373)

Friday appointments with Dr. Ringpfiel

#12011-01-17 16:36:22

Today I had to wait 45 min. to see the Doctor. I understand that sometimes other appointments run over but I took time off work to come here and I felt like I spent most of my time here waiting to see her.

#22025-10-07

service wonderful!

#32011-01-03 11:45:01

A little warmer temperature.

#42010-09-09 16:03:32

beethoven & mahler symphonic music pumped N2 waiting area* squash magazine & velonews & roleur periodical*(my wish list JK)

#52025-06-01

A follow up, even if its an email, after the apt. could help!

#62010-08-23 16:38:55

Almost too methodical - thought of one more 15 second type question after Dr. left re one spot not noted - would have waited some time to have her look at it. Told no time until lunch.

#72011-11-03 10:28:10

I can't think of anything else that you can do, everything was excellent.

#82026-04-04

Service was extremely good.

#92011-01-27 16:47:12

Everything was great.

#102025-07-02

see more patient answers >>