Laser for Acne Scars – Overview
Scar of Acne is a prevalent condition that may lead negative impact on the patients’ quality of life and is frequently might be worsened by aging. A number of options are available for the treatment of acne scarring, including:
- retinoid,
- microdermabrasion,
- Fractional co2
- dermal fillers
- surgical techniques such as subcision
- Dermaroller
Believe it or not, treating acne scars doesn’t come in a one size fits all. The type of laser treatment that’s best for you will depend on the kind of acne scars you have.
Indications
Acne scars can range from “depressions in the skin—like boxcar, pits, atrophic, [and] rolling—or those where the skin is raised and thickened—like hypertrophic and keloidal “Skin with acne can also be discolored, from red to violet purple to brown (and rarely, blue-gray).”
Acne scars usually consist of both a textural change in the skin as well as a discoloration (usually brown from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or erythematous, which is redness from inflammation). Therefore, multiple modalities can be combined to improve both texture and color to decrease the appearance of acne scars.
How it works?
While you may have heard about the amazing effects laser treatment can have on improving acne scars, many are unaware of the details behind how these lasers actually work their magic. That’s why we asked our experts to explain the process behind it all.
Fractionated resurfacing laser: Fractional lasers are unique in that they tend to have a normalizing effect on skin. This type of laser creates micro-columns of destruction while surrounding intact areas of skin in order to induce neocollagenesis (form new skin) and heal epidermal and dermal injury.
Pulsed-dye laser (PDL) / intense-pulsed light laser (IPL): “In the case of red scars, lasers such as (PDL) work by emitting a wavelength of light that is absorbed by hemoglobin in the blood, causing blood vessel constriction and improvement in redness,” says. These treatments also feed the thickened scar and shut off the abnormal cell, signaling in the fibroblast cells, making thick, extra collagen, and ultimately softening the scar.
Radio-frequency micro-needling with blue-light technology: This treatment emits radio frequency while penetrating your skin to tighten your pores and the surrounding skin. The micro-needling procedure delivers particles of fillers or platelet-rich plasma to further stimulate the development of healthy collagen and normal skin structure.
Method
Fractional co2 laser
- Face is cleansed and topical anesthetic cream is applied for 30 to40 minute duration.
- After that face is sterilized with antiseptic solutions to minimize the risk of secondary infection.
- The affected area is then treated with fractional co2.
Post Procedural Care
After the completion of your treatment you will need to maintain your skin on a regular basis. For the first few weeks and months following treatment your skin will be extremely sensitive to sunlight. While out in the sunlight during daytime ensure to apply a sunscreen on your face and exposed skin and use an umbrella.
- Antibiotic cream and moisturizer are applied every 2-3 hourly to promote the healing of the skin.
- Avoid excessive sun exposure as new skin is developing beneath the laser treated skin, to prevent development of pigmentation.
- You might feel little burning sensation, redness and mild swelling that usually subsides in1-2 days, ice pack can be applied to relieve the discomfort. Contact your dermatologist if this doesn’t help.
- Usual recovery time is 5-7 days.
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FAQs
Are there any side effects?
There are a few side effects associated with laser treatment which usually persists for a few hours or sometimes a day; these are- skin redness, swelling and irritation.
How long does it take to recover?
The recovery time is widely dependent on the healing rate of every individual and also on how well a patient adheres to post-treatment guidelines. But saying that the time taken to recover can take anywhere between a few days to a few weeks.
Are the results of the treatment permanent?
The results of the laser treatment are permanent. But like all treatments you need to follow certain guidelines and also need to keep your acne situation in check by taking proper care of your skin.
What are the alternatives to the treatment?
A lot of people find laser treatments expensive and they opt for alternative methods such as chemical peels, injections that remove the acne scars, fat grafting and microdermabrasion treatment methods.
How long does it take for acne scars to fade with laser?
Laser resurfacing treat the face to create a new skin surface and reduce acne scars, but complete remodeling takes 18 months. Up to 45% of all patients have temporary changes in skin color, but infections are rare.
How many laser sessions are needed for acne scars?
Powerful laser treatments can fade mild acne scars in as little as a single appointment, while other energy-based treatments, such as IPL, may require several sessions to visibly improve your appearance. Laser and light treatments may require anywhere from three to six treatments to significantly reduce acne scars.
Does acne come back after laser treatment?
Answer: Acne Can Return After Laser Treatment
Light- and laser-based treatments won’t cure active acne, so you may see additional breakouts after a laser procedure. Laser treatments may temporarily worsen acne, but they can ultimately be beneficial for many patients.
How long after laser will I see results?
You can begin to see hair fall out in approximately 1-3 weeks post-treatment. Laser hair removal can only damage hair that is in its active growth stage. Although hair will appear thinner and less noticeable with just one treatment, you’ll need to return for multiple follow-up appointments to see optimal results.
How long does it take for your face to heal after laser treatment?
In general, the areas heal in five to 21 days, depending on the nature of the condition that was treated and type of laser used. Once the areas have healed, makeup may be worn to camouflage the pink to red color that is generally seen after laser skin resurfacing.
Can I put moisturizer after laser treatment?
Laser treatments can dry out your skin temporarily. Moisturizing lotion can replace lost moisture and also soothe your skin. The key is to use gentle moisturizing products — and apply them according to your doctor’s instructions.
Do scars come back after laser?
Ablative laser acne treatments should produce permanent results, but the effects of the treatment will depend on the severity of the scarring and how well your skin heals. Additional treatment is rarely needed for this type of laser therapy, but the scar can sometimes re-appear.
OUR DOCTOR
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Dr. Sneha Gohil
Dermatologist and Cosmetologist
Happy Patients
Dr.Sneha is the best dermatologist she is really friendly and makes them feel comfortable she is well experienced I recommend her for any skin or hair problem she give medicine if required.
My experience was really good. I had a outburst of acne.so I consulted her and within a week I was so happy and satisfied with the results.
Awesome; Dr. Sneha Gohil promptly responses to your skin problems, good diagnosis and provides proper remedy. She is of very caring nature and a very nice person too. Definitely recommended.