Information on Laser Acne Removal
Dermatologists have long relied on topical ointments to treat and clear acne. Oral medications are the next option tried if topical treatments don't work. For patients with acne that is unimproved by traditional treatments, laser acne removal may offer some relief.
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The Facts
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Acne is a skin disorder caused by the effects of hormones and other substances on the skin's oil glands. Symptoms include clogged pores and lesions, or pimples, on the face, neck, back and other parts of the body. Severe acne can lead to scarring of the skin. The most common form of treatment for acne is topical medication. Dermatologists have developed different light-based and laser removal tools to treat acne.
Photopneumatic
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The FDA has approved a photopneumatic device that uses light therapy for acne removal. Broadband light between 400 and 1,200 nm is applied to the skin at the same time a vacuum device is used to gently suction oil from the skin. This device clears acne by eliminating excess oil from the skin and shrinking the size of oil-producing glands. After treatment, some patients have complained that their pores appear larger or stretched after the vacuum tool was used.
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Fractionated Laser
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A dermatologist can use an FDA-approved 1550 nm fractionated laser for the removal of acne scars. The fractionated laser allows the doctor to precisely target scar tissue and burn it away in tiny columns Healthy tissue is left untouched while the acne scars are destroyed. This laser treatment removes acne scars but does not treat current lesions or prevent future breakouts.
New Developments
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The latest form of laser acne removal under development combines a long-pulse, pulsed dye laser with the topical application of a photosensitizer. As the topical treatment penetrates the skin, it binds to oil glands, making them more sensitive to light. A doctor then targets the glands with the laser which shrinks them so they produce much less oil. This treatment is designed to clear and prevent acne lesions and can improve the appearance of older acne scars.
Consideration
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Laser treatment is rarely the first tool a dermatologist will recommend for acne removal. Topical medications are often effective, and there are oral medications that can help as well. Because of the expense of laser removal and the relative newness of the technology, it is often tried only after other options have failed to work. As with any form of laser therapy, there is a risk of burning and damage to healthy tissue if the laser is misdirected.
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