There are some people who have acne scarring on their faces that is embarrassing to them and they want to get rid of it. However, many of the methods that are available nowadays are very painful and entail down time from work, which is not an alternative for many people. The therapy is also not often covered by the insurance that the person might have, so in addition to losing work time, the entire cost of the procedure must be covered out of pocket. Although there are often payment methods that people can use to cover the expense, this is still a big decision and commitment to smooth out the skin of the face. For those with mild scarring, there are a few methods that may work to resolve their problem. One of these is called the acne scar laser treatment. For those who have deeper, pitted scarring, there are other methods, such as the acne scar removal treatment.
How Laser Treatment Works
Ablative laser acne scar laser treatments use lasers that remove the top layers of the skin. At the same time, it heats the underlying skin (the dermis) and stimulates the growth of new collagen fibers. The skin that forms as the wound heals is smoother and tighter. In this way, the scars are removed with the top layers of skin and the collagen stimulation helps with the healing process and to make the skin fuller and healthier looking once the healing has occurred. The recovery with ablative laser therapy is painful, since the top layers have been taken off of the skin, and require the patient to recover at home rather than being able to go about day-to-day activities.
Laser resurfacing is a popular option. It removes damaged skin and allows younger-looking skin to take its place. It is effective for minor facial flaws. It has the drawback that the effects aren't permanent and have to be repeated. Nonablative lasers avoid injury to the surface skin and treat the underlying layer, This stimulates the production of collagen but requires less recovery time because the upper layer of skin isn't damaged by the treatment. They are less powerful, however, and usually require multiple sessions.
What to Expect from Laser Acne Scar Treatment
The procedure is performed in an outpatient surgery center or in a surgical suite in the doctor's office. No overnight hospital stay is required. Because the procedure can be painful, the skin is usually numbed with a topical anesthetic and you may be provided with a sedative to help you relax. You may be given general anesthesia if the planned laser treatment is extensive.
Ablative laser resurfacing procedures take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the technique used and the size of the area being treated. After the procedure, you'll look kind of like a boiled lobster! You'll feel like you have a severe sunburn, your skin may be raw, oozing and have blisters. You may have pain. The surgeon or the surgery center staff will advise you on postoperative care and followup.
Nonablative procedures are known as "lunch time" procedures because they don't damage the epidermis (the upper layer of skin) and patients don't have the boiled lobster look.
You may notice an immediate difference in skin quality and will likely continue to see improvement over the 6 to 12 months following your procedure. Although the effects of laser resurfacing can last for years, repeat procedures may be necessary.
Which laser acne removal is best for you?
This is something you'll need to discuss with your dermatologist and/or the surgeon you are consulting with about the procedure. Each has it's pros and cons and it really depends on how severe your acne scars are, what procedure will be most effective, and what you can tolerate in terms of recovery.
