N-Lite Laser

[gotbruce]

Dear Dr. Rockoff,

I am an older primary care physician who has been exclusively practicing primary skin care for five years. I do laser hair removal, photofacial rejuvenation, Acne care, and a number of other primary skin care services. I have a good relationship with the areas Dermatologists and create many referrals for them. At present I am using the Clearlight from Lumenis to treat Acne. My experience with the light suggests it has been oversold and hyped by the company. Exclusive use of this light does not clear 90% of Acne as advertised. I get a satisfactory response in about 40-50% of patients and some lesser improvement in another 25%. At least 30% of patients do not respond. I have been using ancillary treatment modalities including oral anti-biotics, topicals, and intense pulsed light for the non-responders. Many of them do improve with these measures. I am now considering the N-lite which is a pulsed dye laser at 510nm that is marketed for skin rejuvenation, rosacea, rhytides, scar improvement, and recently Acne. I have spoken to one Dermatologist who is very happy with his system and is planning to buy another for his second office but he was referred to me by the dealer. I was wondering if you knew of this laser, had experience with it, or knew of any internet forums for laser physicians where experiences with light based applications could be compared and discussed.

Any insight you could provide would be appreciated.

Thank You.

[loris336]

A clinical study on N-lite acne treatment was recently published in the Lancet see www.lancet.com  This research apperas to be independent and in a peer reviewed journal. The results are very impressive and suggests that N-lite is s a superior treatment for acne compared to antibiotics. no side effects and results seen within two weeks. Press reports in the UK are extremely positive. www.euphotonics.com provides more detail.

[gotbruce]

Thank You Dr. Rockoff.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I know and use the N-Lite, though I haven't used it much for acne.  It does a nice job with fine wrinkles.  

I can't tell from the few, company-sponsored studies available how well this laser will work for acne and how long the results will last.  I am therefore not at all sure how to integrate it into my practice, considering that the procedure is not insured.

Lasers can do some nice things, but many are oversold.  Time will tell where they will ultimately fit.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff