Laser & Dermabrasion Procedures for Acne & Scars

Laser and dermabrasion may get you the smooth skin you want.

The American Academy of Dermatology claims that acne is the leading skin problem in America. They explain that some forms of acne are very severe and may lead to scarring. The presence of acne and acne scars may warrant professional treatment for some individuals. If you've already tried oral and topical medications, good diet, and proper hygiene and skin care, laser or dermabrasion procedures may help you get the clear, smooth skin you want.

Lasers

Laser procedures for the treatment of acne work in one of three ways, according to Laser Acne Treatment Guide and Your Plastic Surgery Guide. One way is to target and destroy the sebaceous glands that are producing the oil that is clogging your pores. Another way is to use the laser to slough off damaged skin cells (similar to dermabrasion); when the damaged cells are removed, new healthy cells take their place, reducing the appearance of scars. The final way is by using the laser to stimulate the production of collagen in the deeper layers of the skin. The type of treatment you have will depend on the severity and appearance of your acne and scars, and whether the acne is active or inactive.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion literally means the abrading, or rubbing away, of the dermis (the skin). Dermabrasion procedures thus concentrate on fixing acne by sloughing off layers of damaged skin. According to the Plastic Surgery Network, dermabrasion procedures usually involve small hand-held devices. These devices have rotating parts that are covered in diamond particles. As the parts rotate against your skin, the diamond particles scrape away imperfections in the skin.

Laser Vs. Dermabrasion

Any abrasive treatment, whether it is dermabrasion or laser, should not be performed on active acne. Abrasive treatments may open acne cysts and spread bacteria to other areas of the skin. They also may rub away the little skin that is protecting an infected area, making a scar more likely. Abrasive treatments thus need to be used only on acne scars. Lasers are a preventative treatment for acne only when the laser targets the sebaceous glands.

Licensing

Laser and dermabrasion procedures are cosmetic surgery. The Plastic Surgery Network claims that, for this reason, they usually are performed by licensed plastic surgeons. Because the procedures are cosmetic, you might not be able to get your insurance to cover the bill.

Risks And Side Effects

Laser and dermabrasion procedures may result in redness and skin irritation, according to The Plastic Surgery Network and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. For laser procedures, Your Plastic Surgery Guide claims you also may experience changes in skin color and skin sensitivity, as well as sensations of burning or itching, allergic reactions or infection.

References

• The Plastic Surgery Network: Acne Dermabrasion
• Your Plastic Surgery Guide: Laser Scar Removal
• American Academy of Dermatology: Common Acne
• American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Dermabrasion
• Laser Acne Treatment Guide: Laser Acne Treatment