Laser treatment for acne is one of the more current and popular ways of eliminating the signs associated with the condition. One session lasts no more than an hour and is non-invasive, allowing the individual to get back to their normal routine afterwards. Before opting for a session, it is important to know more about the condition and understand at least the basic information about laser treatment for acne. Cost and effectiveness are also important factors to consider when treating this common skin ailment.
Acne is a common skin condition which affects several million people around the world. The skin’s pores are clogged with oil and bacteria, producing blackheads, whiteheads, pimples or cysts. Scarring is sometimes a result in more severe cases. The condition affects individuals regardless of age, gender or race but some types of individuals are more vulnerable to developing the condition more than others.
Although common, researchers have been stumped on what really causes the overproduction of sebum in the body. In the past, a poor diet consisting of oily foods was determined to be the culprit. This has since been considered a myth although consumption of fast foods and those containing high levels of processed sugar may aggravate the condition. Other factors which can increase the chances of developing the condition involve working in an environment related to cooking oil or machinery as well as genetics.
Incorrect or insufficient treatment of the condition can result in the development of acne scars. There are four general types of scars associated with acne. Ice pick scars form around the check area. These appear as small holes with jagged edges. As the scar penetrates deeper into the skin, it takes longer for the skin to heal. Boxcar or depressed fibrotic scars have a wider base which is depressed. Rolling scars appear wavelike with shallower scars. Distinct from these types are the keloid scars. Instead of depressions, keloid scars are raised, often more massive than the original wound. Unlike the previous types, this scar is formed not because of a loss in tissue but due to the overproduction of collagen in the body.
Laser treatment involves passing a beam of light over the infected area. Some types are used to burn away the scarred areas of the skin while there are also types which target the layers underneath, stimulating the production of collagen.
The laser technology used to treat acne and acne scars is continuously improving. Traditionally, lasers have been attributed to sessions of pain with long healing periods afterwards. These days, it is possible to get back to the normal routine after a session of laser treatment.
By using laser treatment for acne, scars are burned off using a wand-like device. As the damaged skin cells are burned off, this allows fresh skin cells to replace them. The lasers used today are more precise, targeting only the affected areas and leaving other areas alone. A surgeon is able to determine and control how deep the laser should go so as to remove only the scarred tissue. With using laser treatment for acne scars, before and after changes are not immediately noticeable. Each session may be quick but it will take some time before the new skin cells are enough to replace the damaged areas.
Albeit effective, there is one major factor to consider before opting for laser treatment for acne scars. Cost of one session is not cheap. Each 20 minute session will cost at least $300 or more depending on the severity of the acne. To prevent any future breakouts of acne, at least 4 treatments may be required. Consult with a dermatologist to see what type of laser treatment is the best for the particular case.