Laser Therapy for Acne Scars

Acne is a chronic skin problem affecting all ethnic groups and both sexes. Acne typically starts around puberty and can last well into middle age. When blocked oil glands and hair follicles become infected and the oil gland ruptures, the result is an acne lesion. White blood cells, which function to repair and fight infection, rush to the infected area and remain there for days and even weeks and the result can be a scarring of the skin. Laser therapy is one of the ways doctors treat the scars left by acne lesions.

Acne and Acne Scars

Acne Scarring

When a hair follicle becomes clogged by the over production of sebum, the result is an acne breakout. Sebum is a substance produced by the sebaceous gland. The function of sebum is to prevent the skin and hair from dying out. Overproduction results in infection, and the body's defense system goes into action. White blood cells go directly to the site to fight the infection. After the white cells have done their job and leave the infection site sometimes a scar remains.

Types Of Acne Scars

Fraxel Laser Treatment

The body's reaction to the influx of white blood cells determines the type of scar that is left behind. The scar may be in the form of a fibrous scar: raised tissue called a keloid or hypertrophic scar. These overgrown scars are caused by excessive collagen production. Keloid scars are sometimes genetic. A depressed scar called an icepick scar is caused by loss of tissue. The amount of tissue loss varies with the size and shape of the acne scar, and the depression can get worse over time.

Laser Therapy for Acne Scars

Protective Eyewear For Treatment

Lasers have become the treatment of choice for acne scars. Lasers work by stimulating the body's own collagen, and the new skin appearing after laser therapy is smooth. The Smoothbeam laser is a non-ablative laser. This laser is gentle and can safely be used on darker skin. The Fraxel laser produces tiny treatment columns in the skin, leaving the surrounding tissue untouched and it can be used on deep acne scars. This laser is passed over the skin and removes layers of skin and the uppermost portion of the scar. New collagen is produced in the healing process.

What to Expect From Treatment

Laser Treatment

Your skin is cleansed and a topical anesthetic is applied to the treatment area and remains for about 60 minutes. The laser handpiece is passed over the treatment area. The treatment takes between 20 and 25 minutes depending on the severity of the scarring. You and your doctor wear protective eyewear during treatment.

Treatment Plan

Use Sunscreen and Proper Skin Care

Consult with your doctor and work out a treatment plan for your desired results. Discuss options and understand what results are achievable for your skin. Laser therapies are done in a series over time. Each treatment needs time to heal so three to five treatments could be spaced two to four weeks apart.
Take your doctor's recommendations for the amount of down time to expect.

After Your Treatment

Avoid Sun Exposure

Any laser treatment may cause pain. After your treatment your skin may look like you have a severe sunburn and may blister. There will be some flaking and peeling as your skin heals from the laser treatment. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication or Tylenol. Avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen. Use moisturizer and any other skin care products your doctor recommends for healing.

Tips

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Acne is a chronic skin condition. Follow the advice of your doctor and skin care professionals about home care and stick to your treatment plan. Make sure you drink plenty of water and eat a healthy diet. There are some foods that trigger acne outbreaks, which can result in scarring. Laser therapy for acne scars can cost between $1,000 to $4,000 depending on the severity of the condition. Laser treatments are costly but can make a significant difference in your appearance and your confidence.

References

• Acne Scars and Surgical Scars
• Acne Scars