What to Expect During Acne Laser Treatment

If you are considering acne laser treatment, you may be wondering what you can expect during the treatment process. First, be sure you find a dermatologist who makes you feel comfortable with the process and answers all your questions. Once you have found someone you like and trust, the procedure itself is relatively minor and should not cause you any trepidation.

How the Procedure is Performed

During the acne laser treatment process, a laser will be used through a hand-held wand. This laser will not disturb the top layer of your skin but will go beneath the surface to shrink the sebaceous glands and kill bacteria. Because this process is non-invasive, you will not be given general anesthesia. You may feel a slight stinging sensation, but this can be dulled with the use of a topical analgesic. The entire procedure will take between 15 and 20 minutes. Whether or not you need repeat treatments will depend on the severity of your acne. Your dermatologist will be able to tell you how many treatments will be required to clear up your acne problems.

Risks and Results

After the procedure you may experience some mild, temporary side effects. These side effects include mild swelling and redness, which may be relieved by the use of over-the-counter medications. However, these are usually so slight that you may not need any additional relief. These symptoms will abate on their own in a matter of days or weeks. Acne laser treatment is a gentle, non-invasive way to treat moderate to severe acne. If you have tried other remedies with no noticeable success, you should consult with a dermatologist to see if it's the right option for you.