Considering Laser Acne Treatments? Stop! Read This First

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Although teenagers are the ones who suffer most from acne, many adults can suffer from it too. Acne can consist of occasional unwanted outbreaks to chronic severe outbreaks. Along with acne often comes the unwanted side effect of scarring. Acne scars can last a lifetime and for some people, they are cosmetically significant enough to cause a loss of self esteem, psychological stress or even suicide.

Acne Treatment Types:

There are a number of treatments for acne on the market today. Some can be purchased over the counter, whereas others require a prescription. This includes topical bactericidals, topical and oral antibiotics, topical and oral retinoids, hormonal treatments and laser treatments. As antibiotics have become increasingly ineffective due to overuse, we are seeing an increase in acne laser treatments.

Acne Laser Treatments:

More and more people are opting for acne laser treatments today to remove acne or acne scarring. People who are considering acne laser treatment, should keep in mind that this sort of treatment really should be considered as a last resort. Treatment of severe acne scars depends on their shape, depth, and location.

During laser resurfacing, a laser pen is held just above the acne or acne scar tissue. A concentrated beam of light is waved back and forth over the area, vaporizing the unwanted tissue and developing a new skin surface for growth. This is where the term laser resurfacing comes from. After the laser treatment, new collagen will form.

Types of Acne Scars:

There are a number of different types of acne scars and the type of scar as well as the severity can determine the type of laser treatment required.

Ice pick scars - Deep pits, most common acne scarring.
Box car scars - Angular scars similar to chickenpox scars.
Rolling scars - Scars that give the skin a wave-like appearance.
Hypertrophic scars - Thickened, or keloid scars.

Associated Pain:

There is pain involved with acne laser treatments. Some people describe it like a rubber band being "snapped" against the skin. Deep laser treatments can often require anesthesia.

Associated Cost:

The cost of acne laser treatments depends on where you live, if multiple treatments are required and how much work is being done. A full face acne treatment is much more expensive then a treatment involving smaller sections of skin.

What You Can Expect Afterwards:

Make sure you plan for plenty of time off after your procedure. It isn't unusual for a patient to experience both pain and swelling after an acne laser treatment. This can vary from person to person, but usually lasts for a week to ten days. During this time, the patient should not wear make up.

Doctor Consultation:

If you are considering an acne procedure, you need to do your homework. Talk to a few different doctors; check prices and check patient reviews.

By keeping all of the above tips in mind, you should be able to make a much more informed decision about laser acne treatments. Keep in mind that this doesn't guarantee your results, but it will increase your chance of a more positive outcome.

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