[Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon] Acne Treatment ⭐Gold PTT vs. Similar Procedures⭐ Experiment Review / Sinchon Station Dermatology

Acne that repeatedly appears on the face is more than just a skin problem; it's a concern that can shake daily confidence. When researching acne treatments, Gold PTT is often one of the first names encountered, but it's natural to wonder, "What exactly is the principle of Gold PTT, and how does it differ from similar-looking procedures?" To get straight to the point, Gold PTT is a photothermal therapy that uses gold nanoparticles that react to light, and even with the same name, the amount of heat generated can vary depending on the ampoule (product) used.

Hello. This is Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon, your skin doctor. Gold PTT is one of the frequently mentioned procedures in recent acne treatments. Today, we will explain the working principle of Gold PTT and the differences between it and similar procedures that claim the same name, based on experiments we conducted ourselves.

Gold PTT is a photothermal therapy that involves deeply penetrating gold nanoparticles, which react to light, into the pores. Then, a specific wavelength of laser is applied to generate heat in the nanoparticles. This heat selectively targets the sebaceous glands and acne bacteria, which are the causes of acne.

The core lies in the word "photothermal" itself, meaning generating heat with light. The extent to which the nanoparticles reach a sufficient temperature when the laser is applied determines the nature of the procedure.

As the original Gold PTT has become widely used for acne management, similar procedures claiming to be "upgraded Gold PTT treatments" have also emerged. Therefore, Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon, which has extensive experience with Gold PTT, directly investigated the actual differences between the original Gold PTT and similar procedures.

To achieve the full effect of Gold PTT, the following conditions should be met:

• Gold nanoparticles should sufficiently penetrate into the pores.
• Nanoparticles should reach a sufficient temperature when the laser is applied.
• It should selectively act on sebaceous glands and acne bacteria.
• Verify that the ampoule (product) used is the original.

Among these, it is crucial how high the temperature of the nanoparticles rises instantaneously when the laser is applied. As it is a heat-based treatment, a sufficient temperature must be secured to expect the intended action. This directly leads to a difference in product quality.

If you need to understand acne itself, it may be helpful to review Causes and Management of Acne. If you have any questions about ongoing treatment, you can feel free to ask via Acne Treatment Chat Consultation.

Therefore, we measured the temperature of nanoparticles when a laser was applied to the original Gold PTT and three similar Gold PTT ampoules. The experiment aimed to visually confirm the differences under the same conditions.

The results were consistent with what we observed in the examination room. The similar procedure ampoules, excluding the original Gold PTT, recorded temperatures not significantly different from saline solution. Even when using the same name "Gold PTT," there was a clear difference in the actual heat generated.

Therefore, when receiving Gold PTT, it is advisable to confirm that the ampoule used is original to expect the intended acne improvement. This is because even if introduced under the same name, the heat generated can vary depending on the product.

If you wish to know more about the difference between Gold PTT and similar procedures, we recommend watching the video included in the main text until the end. The video provides a more intuitive demonstration of the experimental process.

If marks remain after acne has subsided, you can refer to Types and Treatment Directions for Acne Scars, and if depressed scars are a concern, we recommend also looking at Managing Depressed Acne Scars. If a phased approach to managing acne and scars is needed, check out the Triple Acne Package.

Acne procedures, including Gold PTT, may have different outcomes depending on skin condition. The following points may be helpful to know in advance:

• Temporary swelling or redness may occur depending on individual skin characteristics.
• Temporary changes such as pigmentation may be reported.
• Outcomes may vary individually, so it is better to observe the trend rather than judging at once.
• Fully discuss your skin condition and goals with the medical staff before the procedure.

If you are concerned about the treatment direction or choosing what is right for your skin, you can use Chat for Consultation.

Gold PTT is a photothermal therapy using gold nanoparticles and a laser, and the key is whether the nanoparticles reach a sufficient temperature during laser irradiation. Even similar procedures using the same name may generate different amounts of heat depending on the product, so confirming the originality before the procedure leads to a safe choice. We recommend determining the accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment direction through consultation with medical staff.

Sang-Joo Lee, Chief Director (MD, PhD, Yonsei University College of Medicine & Graduate School, Completed Dermatology Residency at Severance Hospital, President of Korean Dermatological Association) Chief Director Sang-Joo Lee's Profile First published 2023-06-05 / Last reviewed 2026-06-16

This article is for general information purposes only, and outcomes may vary depending on individual skin conditions. Accurate diagnosis and treatment require consultation with medical staff.