Acne Scar Laser Treatment

When acne is formed on the skin, it rips apart the surface of the skin and thus causes damage to the tissue. Scarring is a quick and natural method in which the skin tries to cure any damage or infection. Regeneration of new skin is a time consuming process so the body develops scarring tissue to cure the wound. The texture of the scarring tissue is quite different from that of normal skin. Acne scars are characterized by different forms. One of them forms depression of the skin as the infection leads to destruction of the underlying tissue. In another form of acne scar, a bump is formed on the skin, owing to the growth of tissue below the acne. Most of the acne scars thus formed are permanent and stay on the skin surface for a lifetime. This is reason why people are interested in acne scar removal with the help of laser therapy. Acne scar laser treatment is broadly categorized into two different types - ablative / resurfacing and non-ablative laser treatment.

Ablative Laser Treatment

Carbon dioxide laser or YAG laser are most commonly used for this treatment. In ablative type of acne laser treatment, the outer layer of the skin is destroyed and removed by burning it off with the help of a laser beam. This high impulse light produces a lot of heat energy that leads to increase in production of collagen, a form of protein that enables skin tightening. This collagen brings about improvement in the skin condition and thus the scars become either invisible or less noticeable. In this process, destruction is carried out in a controlled manner and one experiences minimum bleeding. As the tissues get injured, there is a high risk of infection. Therefore, proper care for the wound and prevention of infection is a must. In some cases, immediately after the treatment, temporary skin pigmentation or reddening of skin occurs in the affected area which takes a year or so to disappear.

Non-Ablative Laser Treatment

The non-ablative types of laser treatment for acne scars have a much gentler effect on the skin. It is suitable for all types of skin and there is not much risk associated with it. It brings about changes in the inner layer of the skin. Smoothbeam light rays are projected on the skin which heats up the sebaceous glands under the skin reducing their production of sebum, which in turn helps in acne prevention. Collagen is also released in the process that firms up the dermis and reduces the visibility of scars. To achieve the best results, you will require 4-8 sittings. Usually between two sittings there is a gap of 4-6 weeks.

Yellow pulse dye laser is one form of non-ablative laser treatment wherein a type of anesthetic cream is applied on the skin an hour before the surgery. This gives a cooling effect on the skin surface and protects it from any kind of damage. This also makes the burning sensation of the laser heat somewhat bearable. It reduces the redness of the scar and the itching sensation associated with such scars. Each session lasts for an hour and totally 3 sessions are required, each after a gap of one month.

Nlite laser treatment is a form of non-ablative acne scar laser treatment which acts very rapidly on the acne scars. Here, yellow laser light of very high intensity is applied on the scar that stimulates collagen formation and kills the bacteria hidden deep within the skin that are responsible for developing the ugly scar marks. The length of each session is about half an hour and at least three treatments are required to get any noticeable effect. Usually, this treatment is a painless one.

Acne scar laser treatment will help you to get flawless glowing skin. However, the treatment is a costly affair. There are several factors which determine the cost of the laser surgery for acne, like, the size of the scar, location of the scar and the severity of damage caused by it, etc. Sit with your doctor and have a proper discussion before you undergo any acne scar laser treatment.