If you suffered from acne during your teen years, or are currently managing a severe case of adult acne, clearing up your skin and reducing acne scars can be a challenge with over-the-counter products and medication alone. However, there are several intensive acne treatments available to help revive damaged skin. Some of these treatments will help to clear up active acne while eliminating scars and discoloration.
Laser acne treatments are proving to be an effective solution for getting rid of acne permanently, and eliminating the troublesome side effects such as acne scars, ‘pits’, and discoloration. Laser treatments, also known as acne phototherapy, help to decrease bacteria and slow down overactive oil glands. This helps reduce the number of breakouts, and restores the skin to a healthier state.
Overview of Laser Acne Treatments
Laser acne treatments are typically administered as a series, and results can be seen after the first month. The procedure has been deemed as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and does not present any side effects of excessive discomfort.
The treatment can be targeted to only a specific area of the skin (such as the cheeks, ‘T-zone’, or around the sensitive mouth area), so that minimal trauma or damage is caused. The laser works by emitting high-energy heat waves deep into the skin and eliminating bacteria and obstructions of the sebaceous glands. This helps to tighten up the skin, shrinks the pores, and makes it harder for the skin to produce excessive oil over the long term.
Each treatment lasts just fifteen to twenty minutes, and there is no downtime involved. Most people see results immediately, and can achieve completely clear skin after two or three sessions. There are no incisions or bandages required, and the skin will only be slightly pink or red for a few hours after the treatment. In some cases, the patient will need to apply a cooling gel or lotion to the skin overnight to speed up the healing process.
Who Can Benefit from Laser Acne Treatments?
Anyone interested in achieving clear and smooth skin can benefit from a series of laser acne treatments, and the procedure can actually prevent future breakouts. The best candidates for this procedure include:
- Adolescents who are experiencing constant breakouts
- Men and women who are suffering from severe cases of adult acne because of hormonal changes
- Women who recently given birth, and are still experiencing hormonal shifts
- Individuals who have not been able to keep acne under control with skincare products or medical-grade facials
- Individuals who do not want to resort to any type of medication to manage acne
- Individuals suffering from acne rosacea
In addition to managing acne, laser treatments can be effective at getting rid of broken capillaries and red marks left after severe acne breakouts, and also improve the texture and tone of the skin overall.
Published: 04/10/2009, Last Updated: 04/10/2009
By LocateADoc.com Medical Staff Writers
Our writers strive to present an objective, upfront and open view of the medical procedures you're interested in. We present you with both the good and bad, and work to represent both doctors' and patients' points of view. Our articles contain facts and statistics obtained from medical associations, medical and surgical journals, and through doctor and patient interviews.