5 Ways Laser Treatments Reduce Acne Scarring
Over 50 million Americans are affected by acne every year, making it the most common skin ailment in the U.S. Up to 85 percent of people between 12 and 24 years of age will experience some form of acne, many of whom will get acne scars for the rest of their lives.
Fortunately, with advances in medical and dermatological technology, there are now laser treatments available that can reduce or eliminate acne scarring.
Different types of acne scars require different laser treatments. The most common type of laser treatment for acne scars in New Orleans, LA, are IPL photo facials, Fraxel laser skin resurfacing, and fractional skin resurfacing.
These various treatments take different approaches to acne scar healing, which we will discuss below.
Remove Dead Layers of Skin
Acne scars form when the structure of the skin cells is damaged in such a way that prevents the skin from healing properly. As the skin heals and closes the acne wound, it does so in a rapid, chaotic manner that results in a cluster of deformed dead skin cells, showing a scar.
A particularly useful laser treatment in these cases is fractional skin resurfacing. During this process, a highly controlled laser that’s segmented into thousands of microlight threads focuses on the treatment area. The laser then induces thousands of microscopic controlled injuries.
This gently stimulates the body’s natural healing processes, shedding the outer layers of deformed scar cells and allowing for gradual, uniformed healing. This process evens out the skin and reduces the appearance of acne scars.
Treat Large or Small Areas
Acne breakouts occur on a spectrum, ranging from mild to severe. The severity of a person’s acne usually determines the extent of scarring; more severe acne results in deeper scars, affecting a larger surface area.
Laser treatments are particularly useful in treating these cases as they can target a specific small area, such as the nose, or can be used to treat larger areas of skin, such as the cheeks, forehead, or jawline.
Treat Varying Depths
Deep acne scars are harder to treat because the skin cell damage goes further into the dermal layer. This means treatments for these deeper scars need to inflict micro-injuries further into the skin, without affecting the healthy cells around the scar.
Fraxel laser skin resurfacing is an excellent option in these instances. Another non-laser option for this concern is dermal fillers, which can also volumize deep suppressions in the skin and level out the skin surface, thus reducing the appearance of a scar.
Stimulate Collagen Production
Collagen is naturally produced by our body and is one of the most important substances in skin health and structure. Laser treatments, in particular Intense Pulsed Light (IPL therapy), offers incredible scar-healing potential over greater surface areas by stimulating the body’s natural healing response and collagen production, which improves skin tone and texture.
Minimal Downtime
Laser acne scar treatments incur minimal downtime and healing. This is incredibly beneficial to patients seeking the treatment as it doesn’t interrupt their daily schedules. The skin will be sensitive post-treatment, so patients should prevent the sun from getting to their skin by using a wide-brimmed hat for ten to fourteen days following the procedure.
Acne scars can be constant unpleasant reminders of a self-conscious past. But they don’t need to be. With laser skin treatments in New Orleans, LA, the expert team at Etre Cosmetic Dermatology has helped hundreds of people eliminate their acne scars and enjoy smooth, soft facial skin. We can achieve the same for you. Simply reach out to us at 504 227 3873 or fill out this online form to arrange your consultation today.