Laser Treatments For Acne Scars - How Does It Work?

Laser acne scar treatment is also called laser resurfacing. It uses high-energy light to remove skin damaged by acne scars. Laser treatment is used not only to treat acne scars, but also to minimize wrinkles and other skin imperfections.

For years most dermatologists recommended dermabrasion or chemical peels to remove acne scars. For some people these treatments worked very well, for some they didn't. Laser acne treatment is a recent invention and it produces very good results. Modern laser scar removal methods promote the growth of collagen under scars. So the scar is filled from the inside. The effect is long lasting and usually don't cause any complications.

There are three different types of laser acne scars treatment:

Smoothbeam laser Fraxel laser Vbeam laser

Smoothbeam Laser

This treatment is done under topical anesthetic. Cooling cryogen spray is sprayed to your face just before the laser goes to work. The entire treatment feels comfortable.

One advantage of Smoothbeam laser treatment is that your face doesn't look red for days afterwards. Actually, redness disappears very quickly and in a few hours your skin looks normal, but smother and refreshed.

Fraxel Laser

Fraxel laser scar removal is the most modern of laser methods. It is focused on getting rid of old pigmented cells of the top layers of the skin. This method is very precise; it only targets the scar aria without affecting surrounding skin.

Vbeam Laser

Acne scars can be different shape: flat, depressed or raised. Vbeam treatment works for all of them. This scar removal method targets blood vessels in the scar. It works particularly well with red scars, making them significantly less visible.

The downside of laser resurfacing for acne scars is that your face will hurt for about a week after the treatment. You will have to take special medicine prescribed by your doctor to deal with the discomfort. Another thing is that you skin will be red for a couple weeks, so you will have to stay home or camouflage it with good foundations. Discuss with your doctor what make up brand would be best, because most over the counter cosmetics will irritate your already sensitive skin.

Your dermatologist would know which laser treatment for acne scars is best for you. Important questions to ask is how much your laser treatment would cost and can you expect scars to disappear completely or just be reduced. Laser scar treatments are more expensive than dermabrasion, for example, but it well worth it. The results of laser acne scars treatment are far more impressive than any other acne scar removal method.