Laser Treatment for Acne Scars

Many people worldwide suffer from acne scars. And unlike popular opinion, it affects men and women both. These scars can last for a long time and become skin imperfections that significantly lower one’s confidence and self-worth. Despite the availability of several treatments for acne scar, highly advanced laser therapy is the most sought-after because of its unmatched efficacy.

Treating stubborn and frustrating acne scars can be possible with the utmost effectiveness if one opts for laser therapy. Leveraging the correct laser type helps reduce the visibility of scars resulting from outbreaks of old acne. Nearly 95% of individuals with acne scars have some kind of residual scarring (Source)

Aside from the reduction of the appearance of acne scars, cutting-edge laser treatment is instrumental in minimizing acne-induced pain. The laser beam breaks the scar tissue up, besides fostering the growth of healthy, new skin cells. Subsequently, these cells end up replacing the scar tissue.

Make sure you consult a certified dermatologist to learn whether you’re the right candidate for laser treatment for acne scars.

Working Procedure of Acne Scar Laser Treatment

Dermatologists consider the acne scar type as well as the tone of a patient’s skin to determine the laser method. The acne scarring laser treatment works primarily in two ways.

The beam of concentrated light falls on the skin’s top layer, which consists of acne scars. It’s the heat from the utilized laser that functions to eradicate the topmost part of the skin. A person’s skin will appear smoother, and the prominence of acne scars will be significantly lower.

Because of the destruction of scar tissues, light and heat generated from lasers contribute to healthy skin cell growth. The laser’s heat draws the blood flow to the pointed area. It is instrumental in reducing inflammation as it targets the blood vessels in acne scars.

The combination of heat and light makes acne scars appear less reddish and raised, ensuring they are less noticeable. Laser treatment for acne scars is preferred because it encourages faster skin healing.

Three Prominent Types of Laser

Here are the three common yet effective laser types.

1. Fractional CO2 Laser

When it comes to pitted, deep scars, dermatologists prefer utilizing this laser. Leveraging this laser treatment helps create minuscule holes effectively in the skin. The result is the stimulation of the production of collagen. The Fractional CO2 Laser method is excellent in fostering the regrowth of skin.

2. Morpheus 8

Morpheus8 is one of the most popular treatments of Hollywood and loved by Kim Kardashian , Eva Longoria & Lindsey Lohan & Brad Pitt . It combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to address acne scars and improve skin tightening. This minimally invasive procedure is designed to enhance skin texture, reduce the appearance of scars, and promote a more youthful look.

3. Intense Pulsed Light

Most skin care specialists recommend Intense Pulsed Light for the treatment of hyper-pigmented acne scars. These scars are extremely noticeable because they are darker than the skin surrounding them.

Different Ways the Laser Types Work

Here are the most common ways various types of laser function for acne scarring.

1. Ablative Laser Resurfacing

A carbon dioxide (CO2) or erbium YAG laser is used in relative resurfacing. This type of laser treatment aims to completely eliminate your skin’s outermost layer in the scarred area. The redness caused by ablative lasers may take three to ten days to go away. Resurfacing is the most typical intervention for the treatment of acne scars (Source.)

2. Non-Ablative Laser Resurfacing

Infrared lasers are used in this kind of laser acne scar therapy. These lasers’ heat is designed to restore damaged and scarred tissue by promoting the creation of new cells and increasing the production of collagen.

3. Fractionated Laser Therapy

Fractional lasers, like Fraxel, stimulate the tissue beneath your scar. They help get rid of darkly pigmented cells that are under the skin’s outermost layer. This type of laser sometimes works effectively on scars like Icepick and Boxcar.

Types of Acne Scars Lasers Can Treat

Here are the main types of acne scars that different laser types can treat effectively.

• Hypertrophic scars are thickened and raised scars.
• Atrophic scars are pitted or indented scars.
• Keloids are more raised and more extensive scars that surpass the main boundary of the wound.

Which are the Areas Lasers Target?

Lasers mainly focus on a patient’s face for acne scar treatment. However, dermatologists point the beam of strong light on several other areas where acne scars are more noticeable. The main regions lasers usually target are the face, back, arms, neck, and upper torso.

What are the Potential Risks and Side Effects?

Using lasers to heal acne scars carries some dangers and adverse effects. The type of laser utilized, the type of skin you have, and the number of treatments required will all affect these adverse effects differently.

Common adverse effects could be:

Pain, redness, and swelling at the treatment location. After an hour or two, acne scars-triggered pain usually disappears after laser treatment. The reduction of redness could take up to ten days.

Infection and hyperpigmentation are two risks associated with this treatment to reduce the look of acne scarring. These side effects are frequently avoidable. Yet, discussing your risk factors with your doctor before therapy begins is crucial.

How to Prepare for Laser Treatment for Acne Scars?

If you want laser therapy for acne scars, you might need to adjust your way of living.

The following are common preparations for this treatment:

• Avoid blood-thinning medications or aspirin for two weeks before the surgery
• Do not use retinol-containing skin care products for two weeks prior to your procedure
• Refrain from smoking for two weeks before the procedure

You might need to temporarily cease taking your acne medication before having laser therapy, depending on your particular situation. If you are prone to cold sores, you can be prescribed an antibiotic as a prophylactic measure.

Make sure you visit MedLinks, a reputable skin treatment clinic in Delhi and Gurgaon. It boasts a team of expert dermatologists who treat acne scars effectively. Undergoing the laser treatment at this trusted clinic can help you get your expected results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can Laser Treatment Work Effectively On Acne Scars?

Certainly, cutting-edge laser therapy can work effectively on acne scars on your face, neck, back, etc.

2. What Does The Laser Treatment Do?

The intense beam of light falls on the skin’s top layer, which consists of scars. The laser ends up destroying the scar tissue and promotes the growth of new skin cells.

3. What Should You Do After The Acne Scar Laser Treatment?

At least, you need to be in the recovery phase post-laser treatment for acne scars. Consult your dermatologist if you experience excessive swelling, discomfort, or skin crusting.

4. How Painful Is Laser Acne Scar Removal Treatment?

Rest assured that the laser treatment for the eradication of acne scars isn’t painful at all. Still, make sure you choose a reliable skin treatment clinic for laser therapy.