[Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon] Gold PTT: How Often Should You Get It? Treatment Cycle and Frequency

Acne may seem like a surface skin problem, but it often stems from excessive activity of the sebaceous glands. For those considering Gold PTT, one question frequently arises: "Is it a one-time treatment, or how many times and at what intervals should I receive it?" To put it simply, Gold PTT is not a one-time procedure but a treatment whose significance increases when repeated at regular intervals, aligned with the sebaceous gland's activity cycle.

Gold PTT is an acronym for Photo (light), Thermal (heat), Therapy (treatment). It works by introducing light-responsive gold nanoparticles into the pores of the skin, then applying a specific wavelength of laser to generate heat, selectively reducing the sebaceous glands.

While symptoms may improve temporarily with antibiotics or sebum-regulating medication, acne is classified as a chronic, recurrent condition. When medication is stopped, sebum secretion often increases again, leading to a cycle of inflammation. Gold PTT differs in its approach by targeting the sebaceous glands themselves, which are the root cause, rather than just suppressing symptoms.

Through this process, sebaceous glands are reduced, acne bacteria are eliminated, and at the same time, collagen regeneration in the dermis is promoted, which may lead to pore reduction and improved skin elasticity. However, the degree and speed of the effects may vary from person to person.

The treatment effects tend to appear gradually rather than all at once. It takes approximately 4-8 weeks for the gold particles to be discharged along with sebum, and this discharge cycle serves as a guide for determining the timing of the next treatment.

In cases of active sebum secretion or frequent inflammatory acne, more intensive treatment at shorter intervals may be considered. The recommended intervals based on skin condition are summarized in the table below:

Gold PTT is a treatment method reported to have a sebaceous gland inhibitory effect, and its effects can be expected to last for about 6 months to over a year. Clinically, a significant reduction in acne recurrence rates is reported after 3-5 sessions.

No separate anesthesia is required, and there is relatively less burden of side effects like redness or pigmentation after the procedure. Receiving treatments repeatedly at appropriate intervals before sebaceous gland activity becomes vigorous again can help reduce the possibility of recurrence and maintain clear skin for longer.

Here are some points to check when planning your Gold PTT cycle:

• Check the discharge cycle to see if 4-8 weeks have passed since the last treatment.
• Observe if the frequency of current inflammatory acne has decreased.
• See if sebum secretion has increased due to season or condition.
• If pigmentation or redness remains, consult with medical staff before the next treatment.

In clinical practice, patients who consistently received treatments according to their sebaceous gland cycle tend to have higher satisfaction than those who received the same number of sessions at irregular intervals.

For questions, inquire via chat consultation about Gold PTT cycles

If redness persists after stabilizing sebaceous glands with Gold PTT, reducing red marks with a vascular laser like Vbeam Prima can be considered. Facial Redness or red marks remaining after acne subsides are issues of a different nature than sebaceous glands, so a staged approach is more natural.

Combining this with ultrasonic lifting or oxygen therapy often improves overall skin tone and texture, leading to increased satisfaction. On the other hand, if acne has left deep acne scars, it is advisable to plan a separate treatment focused on the scars themselves.

Gold PTT aims not for short-term acne relief but to reduce recurrence by targeting sebaceous glands and acne bacteria. Therefore, adjusting the frequency and intervals according to skin and acne conditions greatly influences the results.

To determine the right cycle for you, it is necessary to comprehensively examine your current sebum secretion, frequency of inflammation, and past treatment history. We recommend consulting thoroughly with a specialist before starting.

Chief Director Lee Sang-joo (MD, PhD, Yonsei University College of Medicine and Graduate School; Dermatology Resident, Severance Hospital; President, Korean Dermatological Association) Chief Director Lee Sang-joo's Profile First Published 2025-10-15 / Last Reviewed 2026-06-16

This article is for general information purposes only. Treatment effects and appropriate cycles may vary individually, so please confirm an accurate diagnosis and plan through consultation with medical staff.