Acne laser treatment uses different types of heat and light lasers to treat moderate to severe acne and reduce the appearance of acne scars. There are a few different acne laser treatment techniques; they vary depending on the causes and severity of the acne and scarring.
How Acne Laser Treatment Works to Cure Acne
Acne laser treatment gets below the surface of the skin to target the causes of acne. Acne laser treatments kill the bacteria that contribute to acne. They work to reduce the production of oil by sebaceous, or oil-producing glands. And they speed up the growth of new skin and the removal of dead skin to prevent clogged pores.
Types of Acne Laser Treatment
There are several types of acne laser treatment which are used to treat different types of acne. * Blue light therapy uses a low-intensity source of blue light, which is believed to kill Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria responsible for many cases of acne. Blue light therapy is painless, but usually needs to be repeated over many sessions before it's successful. Those whose acne is caused by bacterial infection may need to repeat acne laser treatment. Side effects include temporary inflammation and temporary dry skin. * Pulsed light and heat energy therapy is believed not only to kill P. acnes, but to act on sebaceous glands to reduce the production of skin oils. Pulsed light and heat energy therapy combines green-yellow light and heat and can be used to treat mild to moderate acne, or inflamed acne. Side effects include temporary inflammation of the skin. * Diode laser treatment destroys sebaceous glands in the dermis, or middle layer of the skin, without affecting the epidermis, or outer, visible layer of the skin. Destroying these glands means your skin won't produce oil, so you won't get acne. This treatment is used only on the most severe cases of acne, and can be painful. Your dermatologist may apply a topical analgesic to the affected skin before beginning diode laser treatment; side effects include inflammation and swelling.
Acne Laser Treatment for Acne Scarring
Dermatologists may use a carbon dioxide laser or an Erbium laser to remove acne scars. The Erbium laser uses heat to disperse acne scars without further damaging normal skin. The carbon dioxide laser uses bursts of high energy light to disperse acne scars layer by layer. In the case of severe scars, several treatments may be needed; rarely, acne laser treatment for scar removal causes renewed scarring.
The Acne Laser Treatment Procedure
The dermatologist will clean your skin and apply a topical cream to the affected areas before beginning the procedure. You'll both wear protective eyewear so that the laser light doesn't damage your vision. Then he will apply the laser to your skin using a hand held device. The typical session lasts about 15 to 20 minutes, but may take longer if your acne covers a large area; if your acne is severe, you may need multiple sessions.
