Laser Acne Therapy

Acne is a skin condition typically appearing around puberty that can last well into adulthood and affect all skin types. Acne lesions appear when blocked oil glands in the skin become inflamed and the gland or hair follicle ruptures. Hormonal changes also trigger acne breakouts. Research has found laser acne therapy effective in controlling and preventing acne breakouts. Laser acne therapy is safe and can have long-term beneficial results. Different lasers and laser protocol has been developed to treat this skin condition. Educating yourself about the procedure and having realistic expectations are the keys to successful treatment.

What Causes Acne

Bacteria plays a pivotal role in an acne breakout. When bacteria that is normally present on the skin gets blocked inside of the hair follicle, white blood cells speed to the clogged follicle in an attempt to get rid of the offending bacteria. Once the bacteria and the white blood cells mix, an infected lump called a comadome forms. During puberty and around the time of menstruation, acne can become more active because of the increased amount of bacteria on the skin.

How Laser Therapy Works

Laser therapy works by targeting the sebaceous glands and shrinking them. Laser acne treatment works in two different ways. First, the laser heats up the tissue surrounding the sebaceous gland or hair follicle to a temperature that kills any bacteria being produced. The laser also shrinks the sebaceous glands so they do not produce as much oil. These two approaches to treatment have been found to be highly effective for all skin tones.

What to Expect During Treatment

Your skin will be cleansed and a topical anesthetic may be applied. This needs to remain on the skin for about 30 minutes, then removed. Your eyes will be covered with safety eye wear to protect them from the laser light. Your doctor will also wear protective eye wear. The laser hand piece will be passed over the affected areas of the skin. Your treatment can take a few minutes or as long as an hour depending on the size of the affected area. You may feel a slight discomfort, but the cooling technology of the laser works to diminish this sensation. Depending on the severity of your condition several treatments may be needed.

Photodynamic Treatment and Laser Acne Therapy

Photodynamic Treatment (PDT) is a laser therapy used in severe acne cases. This therapy uses a photosynthesising medication called Levulan. Levulan binds to the damaged tissue and glands and is then activated by the laser light. The Levulan selectively destroys acne bacteria and shrinks the oil glands. First your skin is cleansed, the Levulan is applied and remains on the skin for 30 minutes. The residual is cleansed away and the laser light passed over the skin. The Levulan binds to the diseased tissue and allows the laser to target the affected glands more effectively and reduce the size of the pores.

After Laser Acne Therapy

During any laser treatment you may experience pain. Topical anesthetics can minimize your pain level and cooling technologies Incorporated into the laser cool the skin during the treatment. After laser therapy there is typically no down time, however with Photodynamic Therapy there is some down time. There is considerable redness after a PDT treatment that can last for a period of two to four days, followed by a light peeling. Darker pigmented spots, or areas of hyper pigmentation may become darker but will peel away leaving normal skin. Avoid sun exposure after your laser acne therapy for at least forty eight hours and take the advice of your doctor or skin care professional about follow up treatments and skin care.

Co2 Laser Therapy for Acne Scarring

This laser therapy involves a more invasive process. The Co2 laser is used for deep acne scars and lesions. When this laser is passed over the skin it removes layers of skin and the upper most portion of acne scars while the heat from the laser smooths the skin. When the skin heals from this therapy new collagen is formed and the new skin has a smoother, tighter appearance. Laser skin resurfacing for acne therapy done with the Co2 laser takes at least 18 months to completely heal. During the healing process avoid sun exposure and tanning, wear sunscreen and use the skincare products your doctor or skincare professional recommends.

Costs and Warnings

Laser acne treatment costs can be from $300 to $500. Photodynamic Therapy can cost between $1,500 to $3000 and Co2 laser resurfacing can cost $4,000 or more. These treatments are costly but if you have been using over the counter and prescription medications for years to combat your acne, laser therapy might be the answer. Acne Therapy using the Co2 Laser for resurfacing is not recommended for dark skin types. Follow your doctor's advice about treatment for your skin tone and remember to wear sunscreen before and after laser treatments

References

• Photodynamic Therapy
• Treatments