Acne and Scars Laser Treatment: What to Expect
Laser treatment for acne scars is designed to lessen the appearance of old scars, which about 95 percent of acne sufferers have. This treatment breaks up scar tissue by using light focused on the top layers of your skin. It also encourages new healthy skin cells to grow and replace the scar tissue.
Laser treatment can help reduce the look of acne scars and minimize any pain they cause. However, it might not be suitable if you currently have acne or have darker skin. A dermatologist can tell you if laser treatment is right for you.p
Cost
Insurance usually doesn’t cover laser treatment for acne scars. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of laser skin resurfacing is about $2,000 for ablative treatments and $1,100 for non-ablative ones. Your total cost depends on various factors, including:
- The number of scars being treated
- The size of the treatment area
- The number of sessions required
- The experience level of the provider
This treatment doesn’t require any recovery time; you can return to work after a few days. Before choosing a provider, consult with several providers to make a comparison. Note that some may charge a fee for the initial consultation, where they’ll examine your skin and suggest a treatment plan.
Call to schedule at 727-404-0857
How It Works
The laser treatment for acne scarring has two main effects. First, the heat of the laser removes the top layer of skin where the scar is, making it less visible as it peels away. Second, the heat and light from the lasers stimulate the growth of new healthy skin cells by breaking apart scar tissue.
The laser’s heat also brings more blood to the area, which reduces inflammation by targeting the blood vessels within the scar. Together, these effects work to decrease the appearance of scars and promote skin healing.
Procedure
Erbium YAG, CO2, and pulsed dye lasers are some common types used for treating acne scarring. Each works differently depending on the type of scarring you have.
Ablative Laser Resurfacing
Ablative resurfacing uses either erbium-YAG or carbon dioxide CO2 lasers. These lasers remove the top layer of skin from the scarred area. Redness from ablative lasers can last from 3 to 10 working days.
Non-ablative Laser Resurfacing
Infrared lasers are used for this treatment. They use heat to encourage collagen production and new cell growth.
Fractionated Laser Treatment
Fractional lasers are designed to stimulate tissue beneath your scar and remove darkly pigmented cells. This type of laser can be effective for Boxcar or Icepick Scars.
Targeted Areas
Lasers used for treating acne scarring are usually aimed at the face. However, they can also be used on other areas prone to acne scars. Common treatment areas include:
- Face
- Arms
- Back
- Upper torso
- Neck
Side Effects and Risks
Lasers can have side effects and risks when used to treat acne scars. The side effects depend on the type of laser, your skin, and how many sessions you need.
Common side effects include:
- Redness
- Pain at the treatment site
The pain usually goes away within an hour, while redness might take up to 10 days to disappear.
Risks of laser treatment for acne scarring include hyperpigmentation and infection, although these are rare. It’s important to discuss these risks with your doctor before proceeding.
What You Can Expect
Realistic expectations are crucial when undergoing any cosmetic procedure. Laser treatment won’t completely remove acne scars. The best outcome is that your scars will be less noticeable, but it’s hard to predict how well it will work for you.
After the treatment, you’ll need to take extra care of your skin. You’ll be more sensitive to the sun, so always apply sunscreen before going out. Avoid sunbathing or excessive sun exposure for 6-8 weeks.
Your doctor may provide special instructions for skin care, like using toner or moisturizer to enhance results. Your skin might stay red for days or weeks, and you may need to avoid wearing makeup for at least a week, or longer if there are any issues.
Results won’t be immediate. You’ll start seeing them within 7-10 days, and they should last a lifetime.
Call to schedule at 727-404-0857
Prepare for Treatment
If you’re considering laser treatment for acne, you might need to adjust your lifestyle beforehand. Here are some common preparations:
- Avoid aspirin or blood-thinning supplements for 2 weeks before the procedure.
- Stop smoking at least two weeks before treatment.
- Don’t use skin care products containing retinol for 2 weeks prior to your treatment.
- You may need to temporarily stop taking your acne medication before laser treatment.
- If you’re prone to cold sores, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic as a preventative measure.
Book Your Appointment with Enduring Beauty!
Discover a haven of beauty and renewal at Enduring Beauty, centrally located in downtown St. Pete, FL. Whether you’re seeking to refresh your complexion or diminish acne scars, our expert team is dedicated to elevating your natural radiance. Don’t hesitate – seize the opportunity to indulge in personalized skincare solutions.
Reserve your appointment now and let us illuminate your path to lasting beauty!
