Laser Acne Scar Removal  

Laser acne scar removal is a great boon for all those that have used a number of creams, lotions and even natural and herbal remedies and haven’t found the appropriate level of relief for their acne scarring. Usually, severe facial acne scarring occurs during adolescence, but it can also form at later points in time as well.  However, regardless of the point in time when acne scarring takes place, a cne laser treatment remains one of the best treatments available today for those that have facial acne scarring.   

  A few basic treatment tips 

Any treatment should be done at a specialized centre only to ensure proper care.  In addition, all participants should be at least 18 years of age and shouldn’t suffer from any medical complications.  Generally, it is a good idea to delay acne scar removal treatment until your twenties to decrease the risk of later acne outbreaks and scarring resulting in you needing to undergo additional treatments.

How is the procedure done? 

The procedure is extremely simple and is quite similar to sand papering the surface of skin.  The result of using the laser in this manner will be to make the scars less visible.  For ablative laser treatments, the outer surface of the skin is slowly taken away and the face is ridden of the scars. The laser ace scar removal may take a few sittings depending on the extent of the scars. The procedure isn’t length and usually takes an hour. Before the procedure, the entire face is numbed by using a topical face numbing cream. Then the light (the beam of laser) would be targeted to remove the outermost layer of the skin. Depending on the skin of the person, it usually takes 12-18 days for a person to fully recover.  For non-ablative laser treatments, the laser penetrates the top layer reaching the underlying layer of skin.  It is popular because it causes less damage to the top layer of skin resulting in faster recovery and healing times. 

Visible reduction is seen in the first sitting 

It has been shown that scars are often visibly removed by 60-80% in the first sitting alone. If you have really deep scarring then injections are given under the skin. This is used to make the skin plumper and look more natural. Usually collagen, silicone and even a person’s own fat can be used for this procedure. 

Laser acne scar removal procedures do create longer recovery times and may result in certain discomforts.  For example, some redness, swelling and pigmentation are common in the area that has been treated. For this reason, a doctor will often prescribe a local antibiotic and a topical cream to be applied to the face. 

Some of the precautions that should be taken just before and after a facial laser acne treatment:  

1.      Avoid direct exposure to sun. If you must go out, apply sunscreens that have SPF 30 and above 

2.      Avoid scratching and picking as this can worsen the situation. Showers are permitted but don’t rub your face dry. In fact just pat it dry with a soft towel. Many doctors recommend washing the face with Aquaphor healing ointment. 

3.      Don’t go swimming or do any activity where your face may come into contact with water or dirt. 

4.      Immediately after the acne scar removal procedure, ice gel packs are applied to the face to reduce the swelling and this should be performed by the doctors. If there is any burning sensation, you can use Tylenol or other medication prescribed by the doctor. 

Depending on the scarring and the specific procedure, the cost be anywhere from $1000-$10,000.  The key with any laser treatments is to make sure you are comfortable with the procedure and take the necessary steps to reduce any side effects.  With this said, recognize many people experience successful laser acne scar removal treatments everyday and are very happy with the results.