Is Laser For Acne Scars Worth It?Acne scars can be reduced in visibility with laser therapy, a procedure that employs intense beams of light. Both superficial and deep scars can be treated with the laser, and the laser can also be used to reduce the appearance of acne scars.
The laser used in the therapy is non-ablative, thus it will not remove any of the outer layer of skin from the patient’s face. You can resume your regular activities immediately following treatment because there is no downtime involved. This makes it a great option for those seeking better skin without the associated risks of surgery and recovery time.
A chemical peel is a superficial skin resurfacing procedure that uses chemicals to cause the peeling of the outer layers of the skin, exposing a new layer underneath. A person can choose a superficial or deep chemical peel based on their skin type and severity of damage. A deep chemical peel targets deeper lines, wrinkles and blemishes, as well as removing damaged skin cells. Read on to learn more on best laser treatment for acne scars and acne scar removal.
Is Laser For Acne Scars Worth It
If you experienced acne at any point in your life, you might be left with some frustrating acne scars. Metro Dermatology in Elmhurst, NY can help you blast your scars into the past with laser acne scar removal. This treatment is one of the most powerful and effective ways to achieve smooth, clear skin you want. Read on to learn more about how laser treatments can benefit your skin.
What Is Laser Acne Scar Removal?
Laser treatments for acne scars are a safe, technologically advanced means of improving the appearance of your skin. They use medical-grade, FDA approved light technology to clear your skin of cells that have been damaged by acne. They also activate your body’s natural healing process, stimulating the growth of new cells.
Is Laser Acne Scar Removal Effective?
Yes! We understand that acne is a difficult condition to treat. So is the scarring it leaves behind. If you have won the battle against your acne, you are probably looking forward to finding a way to clear the scars it left behind. After all, when you pictured your beautifully clear post-acne skin, you probably weren’t imagining scars as part of your ideal scenario.
Maybe you have tried other treatments for your acne. When at-home remedies and topical solutions fall short, laser acne scar removal can be used to finally achieve the results you deserve. It is one of the most effective solutions for acne scars because it gets rid of the scarred tissue and encourages your body to replace it with clear, fresh skin cells.
Everything You Need to Know About Acne Scars
What Causes the Scarring
When you have a serious acne breakout, the damage to your skin can go very deep. Your body repairs itself with collagen, a protein that is responsible for the structure and shape of your skin. Collagen is also responsible for keeping our skin wrinkle-free while we are young. Sometimes, the collagen in your body can completely heal the affected area without leaving behind a noticeable difference in the color or texture of your skin. In the case of acne scars, the healing process was incomplete. In this situation, visible changes to your face remain.
Sometimes, acne breakouts can lead to scabs. Eventually, these scabs will fall off revealing new skin underneath. This skin might be the same color as the skin around it, or it might be a different color. When it is a different color, you have a scar. Fortunately, laser acne scar treatment can help your body finish the healing process it started.
The Different Kinds of Acne Scars
Not all acne scars are created equal. They can vary greatly by shape and appearance. Here are some types of scars that you might notice after a particularly tough battle with acne:
Boxcar Scars
These scars can affect your skin at varying levels of deepness. They appear as U-shaped marks that are wide and have sharp edges.
Ice Pick Scars
These scars are often very deep. They make small, round perforations in our skin and can sometimes resemble chicken pox scars.
Rolling Scars
This term refers to a type of scarring that makes wide indentations on your skin. The marks it causes usually have round edges and create a “rolling” look on your skin.
The Difference Between an Atrophic Scar and a Raised Scar
Either type of scarring can be caused by acne. Atrophic scars are indentations that appear on the face because there wasn’t enough collagen present during the healing process. All of the scar types mentioned above are examples of atrophic scars.
Raised scars appear as fleshy bumps on your skin. They happen when your body over-responded and too much collagen was produced to deal with the acne damage. Raised scars are more likely to occur on your back and chest than on your face.
How Does Laser Acne Scar Removal Help?
By Removing Damaged Tissue
During this laser acne scar removal, a specialist uses a laser wand that he or she applies to the surface of your skin. The wand emits a special kind of light that removes the layers of your skin that show damage. When your skin grows back, the new cells show less evidence of the acne that was present. This process improves both the color and the texture of your scars.
By Working With the Blood Vessels in Your Skin
Laser acne removal technology can reach the blood vessels deep in your skin, reducing the discoloration of your scars. Doing so minimizes the contrast between the scarred area of your face and the rest of your coloring.
By Stimulating the Production of Collagen
When the laser penetrates deeply into your skin, it can stimulate the production of collagen. This will help your body do the job of healing your skin naturally.
Is This Treatment Safe?
Yes! Laser treatments are a non-invasive means of improving acne scars. They are FDA approved and involve equipment that was specifically designed for cosmetic purposes. The lasers utilize a refined technology that can treat the deeply scarred areas of your skin without affecting the surrounding tissues.
What Is the Recovery Period Following This Treatment?
You don’t need to plan a significant amount of downtime after this treatment. Most people are able to return to work or school the next day following their treatment. Usually, it only takes 3 to 10 days for your skin to renew itself after the treatment. During this time, you might see significant initial results followed by gradual improvement.
Certain measures, like avoiding sun exposure and going without makeup for a few days after your appointment, will help your skin adjust to the Laser Acne Scar Removal treatment quickly. Washing your face daily and keeping the treated area moisturized are also recommended ways to care for your skin.
What Different Types of Laser Treatments Are Available for Acne Scars?
Acne scars affect everyone differently. Fortunately, dermatologists have developed a variety of laser treatments to address the diverse needs of different patients. We can help determine what solution would be the most effective on your acne scars. Here are some examples of common laser treatments:
Ablative Laser Resurfacing
This treatment removes damaged tissue to make way for new skin. It usually involves a carbon dioxide laser for scars that are deep or an erbium laser for scars that do not penetrate the skin as much.
Fractionated Laser Resurfacing
This treatment goes beneath the upper layers of skin, targeting deep down where it can stimulate the production of collagen. It also removes cells that have developed a dark pigment.
Non-Ablative Laser Resurfacing
During this treatment, infrared heat lasers are applied to your skin. They work to increase your body’s production of collagen, promoting healthy cell turnover.
How We Find the Right Laser Treatment for You
We will be able to determine what kind of treatment is best for you during your consultation. When you come in, we will examine your skin and ask you about the improvements you would like to see. We will take into account the size of your scars and the number of scars you have.
If one laser session cannot meet your needs, we will recommend multiple sessions. You will see cumulative improvement after each session. Best of all, your treatment will address your specific needs as a patient.
Who Is a Good Candidate for This Treatment?
People of all skin types and tones can benefit from Laser Acne Scar Removal treatment. This treatment can be especially effective if you have had breakouts that were difficult to treat. If you spent a lot of time recovering from acne, you might have more extensive scarring than others. In that case, laser technology is an excellent option to minimize the appearance of your scars.
What Are the Benefits of Laser Treatments for Acne Scars?
They Work Quickly
Unlike many over-the-counter and at-home remedies for acne scars, you don’t have to wait long to see the benefits of Laser Acne Scar Removal treatments. You will see positive changes to your skin immediately after your treatment. Your improvement will continue for several days after, as your skin responds to the healing stimulation of the laser.
They Work on Large Areas
Some acne scar treatments are effective for people who only had mild outbreaks. However, if you have large, noticeable scars, laser treatments are a more powerful option.
They Can Heal the Deeper Layers of Your Skin
Some treatments for acne scars only affect the top layer of your skin. These solutions will not be effective if you have had deeper damage during your breakouts. Our lasers use sophisticated medical technology that can deliver benefits deep into the lower layers of your skin. They are effective in areas where other treatments fall short.
The Recovery Time Is Fast
Laser Acne Scar Removal treatments are a gentle, safe way to address your acne scars. The healing time for your skin is less than with some other methods, including dermabrasion and chemical peels.
The Treatment Is Done by Board-Certified Dermatologists
While there are products that you can use to try to repair your skin yourself, laser treatments are performed by board-certified dermatologists. These medical professionals have the experience and expertise to treat your skin gently and effectively. They can recommend treatments that deliver greater benefits than solutions you may have tried in the past, and they can make sure your skin is appropriately cared for in the process.
You Will Love Your Smooth, Clear Skin
The most important benefit of treating your acne scars with laser technology is the feeling you get when you know your battle against acne is won for good. Several different factors contribute to the severity of acne breakouts:
- Oily skin
- P. acnes bacteria
- Dead skin cells
- Certain hormones
No matter what causes your acne, laser treatments can help. When you have done research, invested in products, and taken all sorts of measures to address your acne, you deserve to have the smoothest skin possible. Laser skin treatments can take your recovery to the next level and help restore your skin to the healthful appearance it had before your acne breakouts.
Make Your Acne a Thing of the Past
Having acne is an unpleasant thing, and chances are you don’t cherish your memories of dealing with it. If your acne scars are an unwanted reminder of a condition you put in the past, laser technology can help get rid of them. With laser acne scar removal, you can finally achieve the clear, even skin tone you want to show the world.
This Laser Acne Scar Removal treatment is a powerful solution that goes beyond the effectiveness of other options. It is a safe, scientifically proven way to assist your skin in clearing scarred tissue and replacing it with rejuvenated cells.
Best Laser Treatment For Acne Scars
The best lasers for the treatment of acne scars are the fractionated resurfacing lasers. The fractional CO2 laser therapy is the most aggressive laser acne scar treatment available today and produces excellent results in one treatment.
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.
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,” Dr. MacGregor tells us. “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),” adds Dr. Nussbaum. “Therefore, multiple modalities can be combined to improve both texture and color to decrease the appearance of acne scars. I usually recommend a combination of different lasers, topicals, and radio-frequency micro-needling.”
Here is everything you need to know to determine which laser treatment is best for treating your acne scars.
- Fractionated resurfacing laser: If you have thick and bumpy acne scars, Dr. MacGregor recommends trying a fractionated resurfacing laser to smooth your skin. If you want to reduce brown pigmentation, Nussbaum suggests using this treatment with 1927 wavelength. Fractionated resurfacing lasers also increase collagen production.2 “The result of this collagen production is that depressed scars become smoother and blend in more with the surrounding skin,” Dr. Chwalek concludes.
- Pulsed-dye laser (PDL) / intense-pulsed light laser (IPL): “The most common lasers we use to treat scars are PDL or IPL for redness,” says Dr. Chwalek. If you have thick and firm acne scars, Dr. MacGregor also recommends using a laser like PDL.
- Radio-frequency micro-needling with blue-light technology: This treatment is one of Dr. Nussbaum’s favorites. “It has been great at creating microperforations in the skin, which allow for easy penetration of peptides or growth factors to induce healing,3” she tells us. “The added blue-light technology can reduce the acne-inducing bacteria in the skin.4“
How Do Laser Treatments for Acne Scarring Work?
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,” explains Dr. MacGregor. 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,” Dr. Nussbaum adds.
- 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 Dr. Chwalek. 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,” MacGregor continues.
- 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,” Dr. Nussbaum explains. The micro-needling procedure delivers “particles of fillers or platelet-rich plasma to further stimulate the development of healthy collagen and normal skin structure,” adds Dr. MacGregor.
What Is the Procedure Like?
According to Dr. Chwalek, a PDL or IPL laser treatment feels like “a little rubber band firing against the skin.” The intensity of this feeling depends on the laser settings—but don’t worry, most people find it tolerable. Fractionated laser resurfacing, however, can be more uncomfortable, and for that reason, Chwalek usually applies a topical numbing medication for 30 minutes to one hour before the procedure. “During the treatment, it may feel a little hot as the laser passes over the skin,” Dr. Chwalek explains.
Before and After Results
“The benefits [of acne scar laser treatment] are smoothing out texture and evening out skin tone to create a more unified canvas and clear complexion,” says Dr. Nussbaum.
After receiving acne scar laser treatment, “most people describe it as feeling like a sunburn for a few days… the skin is usually a little more red and swollen—and occasionally it may be bruised,” says Dr. Chwalek.
While patients can expect to see improvement in redness, texture, and discoloration, the amount of improvement will depend entirely on the severity of the scars. Acne scar laser treatment results can vary widely. While mild scars may lessen in only one treatment, more severe scars may require weeks, or even several years of treatment to see desired results.
Potential Side Effects
Acne scar laser treatment side effects vary widely depending on the treatment and the expertise of the provider. “The parameters and settings on different devices are infinite,” says Dr. MacGregor. “Experienced physicians combine therapies to achieve excellent results over the course of months with only a few days of redness and temporary discoloration,” she continues. “The potential side effect and complication list, however, includes: worsening acne, permanent discoloration, and worse and additional scars.”
Here are some potential side effects of specific acne scar laser treatments to keep in mind:
- Pulsed-dye laser (PDL) / intense-pulsed light laser (IPL): “The most common side effects of PDL/IPL are redness, swelling, and occasionally bruising,5” warns Dr. Chwalek. “Rarely there can [also] be blistering or pigmentary change.”
- Fractionated resurfacing laser: According to Chwalek, prolonged redness is the most common side effect for this type of laser. “[Fractionated resurfacing lasers] can also potentially cause scarring if they are used too aggressively and aggravate melasma in susceptible individuals,” she says.
It’s also important to note that different skin types require different laser settings. “Patients with skin types four and five (on the Fitzpatrick scale, which means you have an olive complexion) may react quite differently depending on what the laser is targeting,” Dr. Nussbaum explains. “The epidermis should be properly protected to avoid scarring from the laser. For example, the radio-frequency micro-needling has a different insulated tip which bypasses the epidermal layer in order to avoid causing epidermal discoloration.”
The Cost
Typically, costs for acne scar laser treatment can vary from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars per treatment. Prices are determined by several factors including the method, the severity of acne scarring, the number of laser treatments, and the healthcare provider. (Keep in mind most health insurance plans won’t cover the cost of acne scar laser procedures.)
Fractionated resurfacing lasers “can range from $1200 to $1600,” Dr. Nussbaum tells us. “Radio-frequency micro-needling can range from $500 to $1300. IPL can range from $500 to $1000, depending upon area,” she continues.
The Aftercare
Taking care of your skin after a laser treatment is essential. Here are five of the most important aftercare tips to keep in mind.
- Use sun protection: The most important aftercare step is to protect your skin from the sun. “Sun exposure can delay healing, prolong redness, and even sometimes cause pigmentation issues following laser treatments,” Dr. Chwalek explains.
- Avoid non-essential products: After a laser treatment, it’s best to avoid all nonessential products—aside from the ones your doctor may prescribe—to prevent damaging contact reactions which will delay the healing process.
- Avoid exercise: If exercise is part of your routine, consider skipping a day or two after receiving laser treatment “in order to prevent more swelling, which will slow healing,” warns Dr. Chwalek.
- Use gentle skincare products: Stay clear of scrubs and other abrasive skincare products following laser treatment. Instead, use gentle cleansers and moisturizers.
- Discuss aftercare with your doctor: Last but not least, remember to discuss the aftercare process with your doctor after your laser treatment, and follow their recommendations for how to care for your skin once the procedure is over.
You may notice downy excess body hair growing during your pregnancy but don’t be alarmed, this is quite normal and will typically go away around six months post-partum. However, what about using laser hair removal treatments during your pregnancy?
Many women find out they’re pregnant after they’ve started a course of laser hair removal and are keen to know if it’s safe to continue. We discuss the important considerations below.
HAIR GROWTH DURING PREGNANCY
If you notice hair growing on your body in some unusual places, such as your stomach, you needn’t worry about it! In fact, it’s very common to find downy, light hair growing in some unexpected places during this exciting time of your life.
This condition is known as Hirutism and many women may experience it during their pregnancy because they have higher than normal levels of androgen in their bodies, which can trigger Hirutism.
You might even notice your body hair getting darker too because this can happen due to heightened levels of melanin. This is the pigment in our bodies that is responsible for our natural colouring.
The excess body hair is typically found around the stomach, nipples and the face among other unusual areas and it can also cause your hair and nails to grow too. But, don’t despair – the good news is that this extra hair won’t stay forever and will typically disappear around six months after your delivery. However, if it doesn’t go away or is getting thicker or darker past this point, it’s a good idea to follow up with your doctor.
However, if you are concerned about the appearance of this excess hair and would like to remove it then waxing, shaving, plucking or threading are usually safe hair removal options for pregnant women.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS WHEN GETTING LASER HAIR REMOVAL DURING PREGNANCY?
Most doctors and health care professionals usually don’t recommend the use of laser hair removal treatments during pregnancy, not because of concerns about the safety to the unborn baby, but because it poses a slight risk of permanent pigmentation damage to the skin. This is because, during pregnancy, the skin’s pigmentation can change due to the androgen hormones in your body.
However, due to the lack of scientific evidence, there is no clear guidance as to whether laser hair removal beauty treatments are safe to have during pregnancy. This lack of scientific and medical research into the safety of laser hair removal during pregnancy means that we can’t say for certain how this treatment could impact on the health and development of a foetus.
CAN YOU CONTINUE LASER HAIR REMOVAL WHEN PREGNANT?
Some women become concerned about their excessive hair growth during their pregnancy and seek to use laser hair removal to remove it. Others have already started a course of laser hair removal before they realise, they’re pregnant and wonder if it’s safe to continue the treatment.
It will depend on the individual beauty spa’s insurance and internal policies for offering laser hair removal treatments, as to whether they decide to continue with a course of treatment when their patient is pregnant. In some cases, they may decide to postpone or delay the course of laser hair removal until the baby is born, just to be on the safe side.
At Primas Medispa London, we are more than happy to discuss your specific requirements should you find that you fall pregnant during a course of laser hair removal treatment at our spa. Contact our friendly team today to find out more about booking one of our laser hair removal packages.
Acne Scar Removal
During pregnancy and breastfeeding hair growth and skin changes are common. Increased amounts of hormones are the culprit for the annoying skin and hair problems. Because of these changes, women often desire laser hair removal or skin treatments during these times.
Laser for hair removal and skin treatments have been approved by the FDA since the late 1990’s. Since this time no studies have proven that laser hair or skin procedures are unsafe for pregnant or non pregnant women.
Acne scars are stubborn, and no single treatment is best for everyone. One or a combination of the following approaches might improve the appearance of your skin, depending on your scar type, your skin type and the severity of the scarring.
- Home skin care. Using sunscreen can help limit the contrast between unscarred skin and a scar. Some medicated creams, such as those containing azelaic acid or hydroxyl acids, might help too.
- Soft tissue fillers. Injecting collagen, fat or other substances under the skin can plump the skin over indented scars. The goal is to make the scars less noticeable. Results are temporary, so repeat treatments are needed to retain the effect. This method has little risk of changes in skin color.
- Steroid injection. Injecting steroids into some types of raised scars can improve the appearance of your skin.
- Laser resurfacing. This approach is increasingly popular and is often used on scars that were once treated with dermabrasion. This technique has an increased risk of side effects for people with darker skin or a history of keloids.
- Other energy-based procedures. Pulsed light sources and radiofrequency devices help make scars less noticeable without damaging the outer layer of skin. Results are subtle, and you might need repeat treatments.
- Dermabrasion. This procedure is usually reserved for more severe scarring. Your doctor removes the top layer of skin with a rapidly rotating brush or other device. Surface scars may be completely removed, and deeper acne scars may appear less noticeable. Potential severe side effects include scarring and changes in skin color.
- Chemical peel. Your doctor applies a chemical solution to the scar tissue to remove the top layer of skin and minimize the appearance of deeper scars. You can repeat mild and medium peels to maintain results. You can have only one deep peel. Potential side effects include changes in skin color, especially with deep peels used on dark skin.
- Skin needling. Your doctor rolls a needle-studded device over the skin to stimulate collagen formation in the underlying tissue. It’s a safe, simple and possibly effective technique for acne scarring. It has minimal risk of discoloring the skin. Results are subtle, and you may need repeat treatments.
- Surgery. Using a minor procedure called punch excision, your doctor cuts out individual acne scars and repairs the wound with stitches or a skin graft. With a technique called subcision, your doctor inserts needles under the skin to loosen fibers below a scar.
There have been studies on pregnant rats that have shown negative effects, but incidental human exposure to laser procedures during pregnancy has not proven harmful. However, because there are no long-term studies and due to the delicate nature of pregnancy it has been recommended by most professionals that laser hair removal be postponed until after the birth of the baby. As a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) I would have to agree with this recommendation. It is best to err on the side of caution when it comes to the health and welfare of mom and baby!
Should I Do Laser Hair Removal When Pregnant?
Some may think that the suspension of the hair removal process would cause a lessened effect on hair removal but this is not necessarily so. The hair follicles that have been killed as a result of laser treatment will never grow hair again. Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and breastfeeding do tend to increase hair growth but waiting until after the birth of the baby to begin or continue treatments will not effect the results. Laser hair removal during breast feeding is fine as long as it is not done on the areola or breast tissue.
As far as skin treatments are concerned the same is true during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Numbing agents are commonly used with laser skin treatments. These medications do travel through the skin to our blood supply and have been found in breast milk, so it is best to postpone laser skin treatments until after you have stopped breastfeeding. For optimum results postponing laser treatments until after pregnancy and breastfeeding is recommended especially with the edema and skin changes that are associated with this time.