Launch of Gold PTT For Treatment of Stubborn Acne in Singapore

by Andy Cheng Director

Gold PTT, also known as Gold Photothermal Therapy was recently launched in Singapore. It is an FDA-approved treatment for acne using selective photothermolysis.

Although it obtained U.S. FDA approval in 2018, it was offered by aesthetic clinics in Singapore early this year.

Overactive sebaceous glands responsible for acne vulgaris

Contrary to popular belief, sebum production is actually very important for skin health. However, if the oil glands become overactive and produce too much sebum, it may cause acne.

For acne to form, 2 things must happen:

· Excessive production of sebum by the sebaceous glands

· Blockage of the hair follicles

Blockage of hair follicles is mainly caused by the skin not shedding its dead skin cells quickly enough. Over time, the accumulation of dead skin cells will clog the pores. In addition, comedones, whiteheads and blackheads may also form on the pores. When the clogged pores get colonised by bacteria, skin inflammation occurs, and pimples develop.

It is these overactive sebaceous glands which the Gold PTT treatment targets.

The pathogenesis of acne is multifactorial and includes overactive sebaceous glands, follicular hyperkeratinisation, immunological changes, plugging of the infundibulum facilitating P.Acnes bacteria colonisation and inflammation of the skin.

How does Gold PTT treat acne vulgaris

To understand how Gold PTT works, we first need to understand what photothermal therapy is. Photothermal therapy is a type of light therapy which uses electromagnetic radiation, commonly in the near infrared (NIR) wavelengths in the form of lasers, for the treatment of various medical conditions including cancer.

If PTT seems somewhat familiar to you, that's because PTT is rather similar to an older acne treatment called PDT, or photodynamic therapy. However, the principle is different. Unlike PDT, PTT does not require oxygen to interact with the target cells. This means that PTT can work more effectively in the deeper layers of the skin. PTT also causes less skin redness because longer wavelength lasers are gentler on the skin.

Gold PTT contains gold nanoparticles that have 120nm diameter silica core and 15nm thick gold shell.

When applied to the skin, the gold nano shells penetrate deeply into the follicles. When a laser is applied, the gold nanoshells localised into the follicles absorb the light and energy, get heated, and induce focal thermolysis of the sebaceous glands.

In this treatment, we combine the principles of PTT with gold nanoparticles. These specially designed nanoparticles are tiny – with a 120nm diameter silica core and 15nm thick gold shell.

When applied to the skin, the gold nano shells penetrate deeply into the follicles. When a laser is applied, the gold nanoshells localized into the follicles absorb the light and energy, get heated, and induced focal thermolysis of the sebaceous glands. Simply put, this action destroys part of the hyperactive glands.

Visible effects of Gold PTT on the skin

The main aim of Gold PTT treatment is to reduce sebum production through selective photothermolysis. With less sebum produced, there is a cleansing effect in the follicles. Gold PTT treatment works particularly well because it targets one of the root causes of acne directly. In addition, pore size becomes smaller because of the less sebum produced by the glands.

Acne treatment requires a holistic approach

Lasers are not the only option for acne treatment in Singapore. Acne, being a chronic condition, it is one of the most challenging conditions to treat. It often requires multiple modalities like topical creams, oral medication, facials and also lifestyle changes.

Recently with increased mask wearing, more people are complaining of breakouts. It is important to have a conversation with your doctor to understand the condition before undergoing a treatment program to combat this difficult skin problem.