Pustular acne involves deep sebaceous-gland inflammation and frequent recurrence. Gold PTT deposits gold microparticles in hair follicles and sebaceous glands, then heats them with a near-infrared laser to selectively suppress the glands.
Effects are reported to accumulate over repeated sessions at 2–3-week intervals rather than ending after 1 session. Intervals that are too short or too long may reduce the degree of improvement.
Reducing recurrence requires both session planning and an assessment tailored to the individual’s skin condition.
➊How does Gold PTT improve pustular acne?
Pustular acne involves deep inflammation inside sebaceous glands and frequent recurrence. Gold PTT (gold microparticle photothermal therapy) deposits gold microparticles in follicles and sebaceous glands, then irradiates them with a near-infrared laser. The heat selectively suppresses the glands.
Gold is not naturally present in skin tissue and absorbs near-infrared light particularly strongly. This property is used to concentrate heat only where the gold particles have settled.
The heat is described as affecting both overactive sebaceous glands and acne-causing bacteria in this process.
The key concept is to target the sebaceous glands directly rather than taking medication orally.
Effectiveness depends on how well particles reach deep within the follicles. Ultrasound or fractional lasers may therefore also be used to create microscopic channels first and aid absorption.
➋How does Gold PTT differ from other acne laser treatments?
Light-based acne treatments fall into two broad categories.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses a substance produced within the skin and requires avoiding sunlight for around 48 hours afterward.
Gold PTT, by contrast, uses the external material gold and is relatively free of these photosensitivity restrictions.
Gold PTT is commonly combined with a 1064nm laser. Because it reaches deeply while melanin absorption is relatively low, this is described as a relatively safe design for Asian skin.
| Category | Photodynamic therapy (PDT) | Gold PTT |
|---|---|---|
| Chromophore | Produced within the skin | Introduced externally (gold microparticles) |
| Photosensitivity precautions | Avoid sunlight for 48 hours afterward | Few additional photosensitivity restrictions |
| Main target | Sebaceous glands and bacteria | Selective thermal injury to sebaceous glands |
“Gold PTT uses externally introduced gold particles as the light-absorbing medium, so the burden of managing photosensitivity after treatment is relatively low.”
➌Is this suitable for my pustular acne?
It is often considered an alternative for people who find medication such as antibiotics or isotretinoin burdensome or unsuitable.
Typical examples include repeatedly recurring pustular acne and concerns about medication resistance.
It is also mentioned for excess sebum and enlarged pores, but evidence for these secondary effects is limited. It is more realistic to make acne improvement the main goal.
- ✓ Recurrent acne when medication is burdensome: consider as an alternative
- ✓ Moderate inflammatory acne: the main indication
- ✓ Pores and oiliness: secondary benefits with limited evidence
➍How many sessions are needed, and at what intervals?
Small studies commonly report that improvement accumulates over repeated treatments rather than ending after 1 session.
In one multicenter study, after 3 sessions at 3-week intervals, more than half of patients had a clear reduction in lesion counts. Additional sessions were associated with a higher proportion improving.
Another study combining topical medication reported a larger reduction in inflammatory lesions at 12 months than at 2 months, suggesting that effects emerge gradually as sessions and time accumulate.
| Item | Typical plan |
|---|---|
| One course | Usually around 3 sessions at 2–3-week intervals |
| Improvement with treatment alone | Some lesion reduction reported; individual results vary |
| Combination treatment (e.g., topical agents) | Greater improvement reported with long-term follow-up |
➎What reactions can occur after treatment?
The most common reactions are temporary redness and swelling around follicles immediately after treatment, generally reported to settle within a few days.
Treatment may be painful, so discuss anesthesia or cooling methods beforehand.
One issue I particularly want to highlight is temporary blue-gray pigmentation (chrysiasis).
Rare cases of bluish spots have been reported when gold microparticles remained in superficial skin. They were observed to fade gradually over several months even without specific treatment.
It is inaccurate to say there are “no side effects at all.”
Regarding systemic absorption, one study found blood gold levels below the detection limit 2 weeks after treatment, suggesting a low level of concern.
However, most studies have small samples and short follow-up, so firm conclusions are difficult.
➏Who this suits, and who it does not
Gold PTT may be worth recommending if medication is burdensome or you are seeking another option for repeatedly recurring acne.
It particularly suits those who have time to complete the sessions and can wait for gradual improvement.
If you expect immediate change or have widespread, acutely suppurating cystic lesions, other treatments may be better considered first.
Frankly, the evidence still mainly comes from small studies. Even if it benefits clinic revenue, we do not recommend it uniformly to every acne patient.
During consultation, we consider the lesions, previous treatment history, and skin type to decide the number of sessions and combination therapy (individual results vary).
“Gold PTT aims less at an immediate cure than at gradually reducing the possibility of recurrence through a planned number of sessions and intervals.”
QFrequently asked questions
The reduction in lesions is generally reported to accumulate with successive sessions.
Rather than judging only the early results, observing through the planned course is more favorable for controlling recurrence.
This interval allows for sebaceous glands to recover after thermal injury and respond again.
Too short an interval may allow insufficient recovery; too long an interval may let the previous effect fade.
Rare cases of blue-gray spots have been reported.
They result from gold microparticles remaining in superficial skin, and have been observed to fade gradually over several months.
Yes. It is often considered an alternative for adult or recurrent acne when drug side effects or resistance are a concern.
However, evidence is mainly from small studies, so assessment takes individual variation into account.
Consultation first assesses skin condition and the acne pattern, then plans the number of sessions and intervals.
The precise approach and number of sessions are determined after consultation, and results vary individually.
References
- European multicenter open-label study, gold microparticles + 800nm diode laser (1990)
- Sebacia multicenter prospective study, 1064nm Nd:YAG with topical retinoid (1992/1994)
- Asian pilot study, gold nanoparticle ampoule + photopneumatic delivery (1983)
- Case report of cutaneous chrysiasis, confirmed by reflectance confocal microscopy (1991)
Gold PTT is not a filling procedure. It is closer to giving the sebaceous glands time to settle down themselves.
Gold PTT for pustular acne uses gold microparticles and near-infrared lasers to selectively suppress sebaceous glands in an attempt to improve acne. Its effects tend to emerge gradually over the planned sessions and intervals.
If you wonder whether Gold PTT suits your pustular acne pattern, please have it assessed directly during consultation at LUNN Clinic.
Dr. Park Hyungkwon, Director and Dermatologist at LUNN Clinic
This procedure may rarely cause temporary redness, pain, or swelling around follicles. Very rare blue-gray pigmentation that gradually faded over several months has been reported (disclosure relating to Article 56 of the Medical Service Act).
Treatment and procedure results may vary depending on the individual’s condition.
This column is intended to provide medical information.
