Acne is known to take an emotional toll on its victims just as are the scars it leaves behind. Not many people with acne scars are happy with the image they see in the mirror. The pitted indents left behind by an acne outbreak are almost permanent and can last an entire lifetime.
As much as it is possible to get rid of acne scars, it can be very difficult trying to treat them. There are many solutions to this problem, but one of the most effective is laser treatment for acne scars. In this write-up, you will read about this acne scar removal technique and whether it is the best solution.
Definition of Laser Treatment for Acne Scars
Compared to other methods of treating acne scars, laser treatment is non-invasive. It is, therefore, a very effective alternative to surgery, especially considering that you can do it during a break from work. Laser treatment for acne scars rarely comes with any form of downtime or discomfort. It is useful for the removal of scars, wrinkles, and fine lines. No matter the skin type, this method is effective. However, people with current acne outbreaks may not see any benefits.
If you are a person who still has acne outbreaks, then you should first read about Acne No More Program or about The Best Skin Care Products for Acne.
Type of Laser Treatment for Acne Scars
There are different types of laser treatment for acne scars. If you are considering this method, you will have to choose between the following options:
Carbon Dioxide Laser Treatment
The other name of the method is CO2 laser resurfacing. It is used to get rid of skin issues like scars, wrinkles, and warts. The area affected is usually numbed using sedative medications and anesthesia. After that, the laser resurfacing is done before a dressing is applied to the affected area. You have to properly take care of the wound to prevent the formation of the scab.
Fractional Laser Treatment
Although non-invasive, this method has the ability to reach the deeper skin layers. It works by delivering a laser beam that is then divided into numerous tiny, yet deep columns of skin treatments. These are known as microthermal treatment zones (MTZ) and are effective when it comes to removing old pigmented cells, which appear as scars.
The ability of MTZ to reach the dermis means it helps in the formation of new collagen as well as collagen remodeling. That is even as it keeps the healthy tissues unaffected and intact. That way, it is able to maintain the tightness of your skin.
Pixilation
Pixilation is a very effective laser treatment for acne scars when you are only targeting specific points. Its pin-sized laser beams only target the scarred areas and nowhere else. Use it to get rid of specific acne scars.
Erbium Laser Treatment
If the target is a set of surface-level scars, you may want to choose this method. Unlike CO2 laser resurfacing, this method promotes fast healing, typically a week or less. The side effects are nothing more than redness, bruising, and swelling.
The doctor should be able to prescribe the best method of dealing with your acne scars. But don’t just take it lying down. As a precaution, always find out the side effects of the recommended procedure. You want to be sure that your skin will not be harmed.
How Does Laser Treatment for Acne Scars Work?
Laser treatment for acne scars relies on beams of intense light that gets through the layers of the skin. Apart from stimulating collagen production, laser light helps in skin tightening and cell renewal. With time, the damaged parts of the skin are removed and replaced with a healthy layer underneath.
It doesn’t take more than one hour to perform this technique. The length of time frame, however, depends on the size of the scarred skin. Compared to surgical treatment methods, laser treatment has little or no downtime. You will be able to get back to your daily activities in no time.
Remember that this procedure is not a one-off solution to acne scars. You will have to sit through several sessions, five times a month at least for you to see an improvement in your appearance. Laser treatment for acne scars works well when focused on only a part of your face and not the whole of it.
Laser Treatment for Acne Scars Pros
Are you planning to take care of your scars using this method? The following are some of the pros of laser treatment for acne scars:
- It is approved by the FDA and is, therefore, generally safe.
- It leads to quicker recovery compared to the other methods.
- It is highly effective and precise compared to the available surgical options.
Laser Treatment for Acne Scars Side-Effects
Although hardly invasive, this method has a number of side-effects. You will certainly have to watch out for the following:
- Short-term swelling and redness.
- Bruising.
- The possibility of getting a darker or lighter skin.
- Slight itching.
- Hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation on the treated skin areas.
How Much Will You Pay for Laser Treatment for Acne Scars?
When it comes to getting rid of acne scars, laser treatment is one method you should consider. You should, however, be prepared to pay the price for this pricey procedure. The average cost of laser treatment per session lies between $700 and $800.
After all, there is a lot that goes into making this procedure a success. You have to take care of transportation costs, medical facility fees, the doctor’s fees, overhead expense, as well as the equipment and materials required for the procedure.
Depending on whether the procedure is meant to remove pre-cancerous tissues or modify scars, it could be covered by insurance. You can talk to your doctor to find out if you will have access to a financing or payment plan.
Conclusion
Laser treatment for acne scars is effective when it comes to flattening and smoothening acne scars. It also spurs the production of healthy cells for the quick replacement of the dead ones in the scars. By encouraging the production of collagen, it helps heal and strengthen your skin for the eventual scar-free face. Why don’t you consider this safe procedure? It will work wonders for you.
But if you think the laser treatment is too expensive, then check out the Acne No More eBook, where in the Appendix, Mike Walden describes how to get rid of acne scars at home for good.
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