Laser Acne Scar Removal has emerged as one of the most sought after forms of acne scar treatments. Like most acne scar removal treatments, laser treatments are aimed at removing the acne scar and improving appearance of the scarred site.

Understanding Laser Acne Scar Removal Treatment

There are two kinds of laser treatments for various types of skin conditions, including acne scars, pigmentation and signs of aging.

1. Non-Ablative Laser Therapy: It is the newer version of laser skin treatments and is generally not used for acne scar removal.

2. Ablative Laser Therapy is referred to as Laser Resurfacing. This is regarded as the superior kind of laser treatment. Apart from treating a particular skin condition, it is also reputed as a wholesome facial rejuvenation treatment. It uses a more penetrative approach that might stretch the recovery time a bit, but the results are far better. When Laser Acne Scar Removal methods are mentioned, it generally refers to Laser Resurfacing.

Why Laser Resurfacing for Acne Scars?

Hard-to-treat acne scars like Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars consist of skin adhesions along the outer surface of the skin. Keloids are among the thickest of acne scars. They have a very hardened texture due to presence of fibrous bands. Such acne scars typically have a protruding scar tissue, making them extremely unsightly. The scar tissue can slowly penetrate across the edges of the scar, widening the acne scar. In Laser Resurfacing, the outer layer of skin is comprehensively worked upon. This makes it the preferred treatment for treating thick and wide acne scars. Laser resurfacing allows greater degree of customization, making it easier to render moderate or deeper level of resurfacing.

How does Laser Resurfacing work?

Laser Resurfacing uses ablative lasers. This laser is potent enough to minimally erode the outer layers of skin. This helps to destroy the scar tissue without inducing much harm on the underlying skin.

Use of laser ensures that intense heat is induced on to the treated site. This causes comprehensive heating of the deepest layers of the skin, including the ones that contain collagen. These Collagen fibers are responsible for maintaining the taut, younger appearance of skin. Due to laser-induced intense heating, synthesis of dermal collagen is stimulated. Heating also stimulates formation of more skin cells.

Thus, Laser Resurfacing treats acne scars by removing the scar tissue and stimulating generation of new skin cells to replace the scarred site.

The heating is penetrative enough to raise the circulation of blood within the blood vessels. Increased circulation means better supply of nutrients to the skin. This allows the skin to repair itself quicker. Greater blood circulation also helps to establish the radiance or refurbished appearance in the facial skin.

Understand Laser Resurfacing Risks      

There is some degree of risk associated with Laser Resurfacing.

• The process of obliterating the scar tissue essentially involves injuring the skin. Yes, the entire procedure is controlled via advanced tools. However, among people with sensitive or reactive skins, there is always a risk of the surrounding tissues getting injured.
• Sometimes, after the treatment, the treated site might become very vulnerable to sunlight or contaminants in the air.
• The treated skin is expected to retain a slight, pinkish hue for some days. In some individuals, this pinkish hue might be retained for a few months.
• People with a darker skin tone are not the best candidates for this procedure. The intense heating can make the treated scar site seem much lighter than the surrounding skin. This might make it look like a whitish spot or pigmented part of the face.

However, Laser Resurfacing is still preferred by many people who are afraid of undergoing surgical procedures for acne scars. Surgical treatment requires a much longer recovery period and is quite expensive. In comparison, Laser Resurfacing yields faster results. It is a non-invasive procedure. This is why it is often referred to as Laser Peeling of Acne Scars or Laser Vaporization Treatment.

Laser Resurfacing Candidature—who is more suited for Laser Resurfacing?

Laser Resurfacing is more suited for people who have hardened, aged acne scars. If somebody has an active acne condition with some acne scarring, Laser Resurfacing is usually not recommended. The intense heating carries a risk of increasing inflammation across the existing acne. It is ideally suited for people with mature, keratinized acne scars that have a dark, brownish or black shade. It is preferred by women who want a wholesome facial skin treatment, i.e. combining acne car removal along with skin rejuvenation.

Types of Laser Resurfacing

There are two, common types of Laser Resurfacing treatments:

• Carbon Dioxide Resurfacing
• Erbium Laser Resurfacing

CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) Laser Resurfacing

This the more conventional type of Laser Resurfacing. Along with treating acne scars, it is also useful for treating enlarged pores. This is helpful for treating acne. Bigger pores are associated with excessive secretion by sebaceous glands—this can cause acne.

Erbium Laser Resurfacing

This is a slightly milder form of Laser Resurfacing. It isn’t as effective as CO2 resurfacing but is recommended because of its safer approach. The degree of ablation or weathering of the outer skin surface here is restricted. The heating induced by laser beams too is minimal. This is more suited for people having hyper-allergic or reactive skin.

Features of Laser Resurfacing:

• Laser Resurfacing has been approved by the FDA in United States.
• This treatment is generally painless. The patient might feel a bit of pinching or pricking on the skin. However, discomfort is for a short while.
• The results of Laser Resurfacing usually last for several months/years.
• It is not recommended for people suffering from genetic diseases or blood infections.
• Latest versions of Laser Resurfacing include a cooling system. This ensures that the heating doesn’t induce too much of discomfort.

After Treatment Care:

• After the treatment, external cooling like use of ice packs is recommended.
• Cosmetologists advise patients to avoid sunshine for a few days after treatment. Follow-up care also includes applying some topical creams. This prevents formation of scabs and fastens the healing process.
• The treated individual might need to wear some sort of camouflaging cosmetics for a few days to hide any signs of discoloration.
• For the first few days, the treated area develops a pinkish hue. This patch gradually darkens. This is suggestive of new tissue cells replacing the acne scar site and absorbing melanin pigment.

Please note that results of laser acne scar removal are long-lasting but not permanent. This treatment cannot cure an acne problem. Acne can resurface and again, cause scarring. Some people are apprehensive about their skin reacting adversely to laser-induced heating. Thus, if you are searching for a comprehensive acne scar removal treatment without any fear of side effects, consider herbal acne scar remedies. Such natural treatment for acne scar is safer and comprehensively cures the acne problem.