Considering laser therapy for acne scars? Read on to discover how this new procedure can benefit you. This procedure is suitable for people with all skin tones and types. Laser therapy is especially beneficial for people who have not had good results with other methods. Of course, if you are experiencing active acne, laser therapy isn’t a good option for you. If this is the case, you should first seek out other methods for treating acne.
Treatments
Laser acne scar removal treatments are available for both dark and light skin tones, and the results can last for years. However, not everyone is a good candidate for the procedure. People with certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis or cystic acne, may not respond to the treatment. Also, patients taking certain medications must stop using them at least six months before the procedure. This is because darker skin types have different reactions to certain laser technologies.
The scars left behind by acne are commonly classified as raised or atrophic. Both types can leave behind a contrasting, yet distinct, appearance. Atrophic scars typically form at deeper levels of the skin than raised scars, and are usually the least noticeable. They may appear as U-shaped marks, round perforations, or even fleshy bumps. In extreme cases, they may be so severe that they can be difficult to cover.
Side effects
While there are no known serious side effects from laser acne scar treatmentremoval, some people experience minor discomfort following treatment. In the first few days after treatment, patients experience redness or pain at the treatment site. However, this side effect usually fades in a few days. Other possible side effects include hyperpigmentation, infection, or other complications. If you are considering laser treatment for acne scarring, you should discuss all the potential risks and side effects with your physician.
Laser treatment may increase your risk of bleeding. During treatment, doctors generally recommend that patients refrain from taking any medicines that may increase bleeding risk. Examples of such medicines include aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Patients also need to consult with their physicians before taking herbal supplements like garlic and ginkgo biloba. Depending on the depth of scarring, laser treatment may also require that patients stop taking certain prescription medications, including antibiotics.
Downtime
The downtime for laser acne scar removal varies depending on the type of treatment used. Most patients experience a 50-70% improvement in the appearance of their scarring. Some patients will experience temporary stoppage of acne treatment, while others may need to stop taking certain medications. Some patients may need to take preventative antibiotics to treat cold sores prior to the procedure. Patients should consult their doctor for more information. The downtime associated with laser acne scar removal can last for several days or longer.
There are two main types of laser treatments for treating acne scars. One of them is Fraxel Dual, which produces two different wavelengths of light, which helps treat both superficial and deep scarring. Another option is Fraxel Restore, which is less aggressive than Re:pair, because it uses a non-ablative laser to heat the skin. The treatment is effective for acne scars, pigmentation, and moderate texture problems. Although the treatment does not cause severe skin damage, it may cause minor redness.
Cost
The price of laser treatment varies widely. The procedure itself is relatively inexpensive, but you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket for the procedure. Some offices charge a consultation fee, so you’ll need to factor that in as well. The total cost of a single laser treatment can range anywhere from $200 to $3,400. The good news is that most of these treatments don’t require extended downtime – you can return to work the day after treatment.
While laser treatment can help reduce the appearance of acne scarring, it cannot completely remove them. As with any type of surgery, there are some risks involved. Pain and redness are common side effects, though they usually go away on their own after about a week. However, infection and hyperpigmentation can also result from laser treatment. If you notice any of these side effects, contact your treatment provider immediately. You should also avoid the sun for at least a week after treatment.
