Although laser treatment was commonly used to treat signs of ageing such as wrinkles, as the technology improved, it has become a popular form of treatment for acne and acne scarring. Technology has also seen faster and virtually painless forms of laser treatment being developed and used by practitioners, which has added to its popularity.
Laser treatment is now seen as a common treatment for acne, and can be used to treat both the active acne and the acne scars, or a combination of both. Generally it uses a combination of controlled heat and light (laser beams) that are targeted on affected areas. After a program of treatment, patients will see a significant improvement in the texture and appearance of the skin, reduction of redness, and scarring, and the elimination of skin blemishes.
The type of laser treatment offered, and the equipment used can vary from clinic to clinic, but most treatments offered are suitable for several different types of acne and can be used on virtually any part of the body that is affected by the condition. Ablative therapies tackle the epidermis and dermis (outer skin layers) and leave behind the younger layers of skin underneath, while newer non-ablative technology leaves the upper skin cells intact, encourages collagen production, and kills off bacteria left in the skin.
If accepted for ablative laser treatments, the skin will be prepared for treatment using a cooling product, medical grade crystals, or a numbing cream to reduce discomfort before lasers are used. Non-ablative treatments do not require any numbing products, so the treatment/recovery can be quicker. Some patients will suffer some after effects such as redness, swelling or dry skin, but these will normally clear up quickly and can be treated with gels if necessary. It’s also worth noting that the laser beams are aimed directly onto the affected areas, and so won’t cause any damage to surrounding skin cells.
If you are suffering from acne and are interesting in finding out more about laser treatments and whether they are right for you, then visit your local GP or clinic. An initial consultation will determine the type and severity of your acne, and which type of laser treatment would achieve the best results. A treatment program will then be offered, and hopefully you won’t be too far away from healthier looking skin.
