The objective of laser treatment for acne scars is to reduce the visibility of scars from previous acne outbreaks. According to a study, in 95% of individuals, most acne sufferers have some residual scarring.
To break up scar tissue, laser treatment for acne scars focuses light on the top layers of your skin. At the same time, the treatment encourages the growth of new, healthy skin cells to replace scar tissue.
Although this treatment does not completely remove acne scars, it can help reduce their appearance and pain.
This treatment may not suit you if you have active acne, a darker skin tone, or very wrinkled skin. Only the best dermatologist can tell if laser therapy for acne scars is proper for you.
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How Does it Work?
There are two ways that laser treatment for acne scarring works.
First, the laser’s heat removes the top layer of skin where formed. As the upper layer of the scar peels away, your skin appears smoother, and the scar seems less noticeable.
As the scar tissue breaks down, the laser’s heat and light encourage the growth of new, healthy skin cells. The laser’s heat draws blood to the area, and inflammation is reduced as blood vessels in the scar are targeted.
This contributes to less raised and red scars, resulting in a smaller appearance. It also aids in the healing of the skin.
Procedure
The most commonly used lasers for acne scarring are erbium YAG lasers, pulsed-dye lasers, and carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers. Each of these devices is designed to target the specific type of scarring that you have.
Resurfacing With A Low-Level Laser
A carbon dioxide CO2 laser or erbium YAG is used for ablative resurfacing. This type of laser therapy aims to remove the entire top layer of your skin in the scarred area. The redness caused by ablative lasers may take 3 to 10 days to fade.
Resurfacing With A Non-Ablative Laser
Infrared lasers are used in this acne scar laser treatment. The heat from these lasers is intended to stimulate collagen production and new cell growth to replace damaged, scarred tissue.
Treatment With Fractionated Lasers
Fractional lasers (Fraxel) stimulate the tissue beneath your scar to remove darkly pigmented cells beneath the top layer of skin. Boxcar and ice pick scars can sometimes benefit from this type of laser.
Specified Areas
Acne scarring lasers typically target the face. However, the treatment can also be used in areas where acne scars are common.
- Face
- Arms
- Back
- Upper torso
- Neck are common treatment areas.
Side Effects and Risks
When using lasers to treat acne scars, consider some risks and side effects. These side effects will vary depending on the type of laser used, your skin type, and the number of treatments required.
Here are examples of common side effects:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Pain at the treatment site
The pain associated with laser treatment for acne scars usually subsides within an hour or two, and it may take up to ten days for the redness to fade.
Hyperpigmentation and infection are two risks of using laser treatment to reduce the appearance of acne scarring. While these conditions are uncommon and often preventable, it is critical to consult with your doctor about your risk factors before proceeding with treatment.
If you experience pus, severe swelling, or fever after laser treatment for acne scarring, you should contact your provider right away.
What to Anticipate?
It’s critical to have realistic expectations before undergoing any cosmetic procedure. Keep in mind that laser treatment will not completely remove your acne scars. In the best-case design, your scars will be much less visible, but there’s no telling how well it’ll work for you.
You’ll need to be more careful with your skincare after laser treatment in the coming weeks and months. Applying sunscreen before leaving the house is essential because your skin will be more vulnerable to sun damage.
You’ll also need to avoid tanning and other activities that expose you to a lot of sunlight for 6 to 8 weeks.
To help increase the effects of your treatment, your doctor may also give you special skincare instructions, such as using a special toner or moisturizer.
You’ll need to keep the treated area clean to avoid infection, and your skin may be red for several days or even weeks. You may also be advised to refrain from wearing makeup for a week or more until the risk of complications has passed.
Your treatment’s results will not be visible right away. Within 7 to 10 days, you’ll notice how well the therapy worked to reduce the visibility of acne scars. The effects of this treatment are long-lasting.
You should consult an experienced dermatologist to get laser treatment for acne; otherwise, it can worsen the condition. Visit Marham if you want to get a consultation from an expert Best Dermatologist.
FAQs
1. Is laser treatment effective for acne?
Acne scars and pigmentation are cured by laser treatment, but not completely.
2. Is it possible for acne to reappear after laser treatment?
Some types of pigmentation changes caused by acne can be helped by laser acne treatment. The effects should be long-lasting, but they are not always permanent. After many months, the discoloration may reappear.
3. Does laser treatment work for hormonal acne?
It is a gentle laser that can be used on patients with sensitive skin and can even help to reduce acne scars. Blue and red light therapy is another beneficial light treatment that kills acne-causing bacteria and shrinks the glands responsible for oil production.
