Posted on May 31, 2023 by Claudio Sorrentino If you’re a teenager or adult who has acne scarring, you may be seeking effective methods for treating it. Most people would prefer their skin to be free of any kind of scars, but acne scars can be particularly uncomfortable for some. If you’re one of the millions of individuals who have sustained acne scarring, laser treatments may be the solution you’ve been looking for. Body Details True Laser® Centers have helped many patients make acne scarring a thing of the past.
How Do You Get Acne Scars?
Acne scarring is common among teens. It is caused by an inflammation of acne blemishes, which sometimes swell, creating fissures. If the fissures are small, they can heal quickly, and visible scarring fades. In some cases, however, the fissures are more pronounced and are still visible years after the acne that caused them clears.
Acne scars can manifest themselves as indentations or as ridges. With indentations, your body doesn’t produce enough tissue to replace the lost skin from the acne damage. On the other hand, when the skin produces too much collagen, a ridge may form. Skin discoloration is also common with acne scarring.
Not everyone who has acne will sustain scars. In fact, only 1 in 5 people who have acne experience permanent scarring.
What are the Categories of Acne Scars?
There are several categories of acne scars. The success of your treatment may depend on the type of scarring you have.
- Boxcar Scars – These are shallow scars with sharp edges.
- Rolling Scars – These are relatively shallow scars. Edges are soft and smooth. The skin may appear wavy.
- Icepick Scars – As the name would imply, these cars appear as though the skin has been punctured or may look like a large empty pore.
- Keloid Scars – Raised scars caused by the skin producing too much collagen in an attempt to heal the damaged skin. There may also be discoloration.
If you are unsure about the efficacy of laser treatments for your acne scars, schedule a free, no-obligation appointment at a Body Details True Laser® Center.
How to Prevent Acne Scars
Of course, reducing or preventing acne is the preferred way to prevent acne scarring. However, If you don’t already have acne scars, there are things you can do to try to prevent them, even if you have pronounced acne.
- Refrain from popping pimples. This often causes further damage to the surrounding skin.
- Moisturize your skin to keep it hydrated and resilient. Moisturized skin cells tend to be fuller, and that can help close in the gaps.
- Get acne treatments. Some over-the-counter solutions can help prevent or reduce acne, but in more extreme cases, you may need to obtain a prescription.
- Protect your skin with sunscreen. This will help your acne scars be much less pronounced. Dermatologists recommend SPF 30 or higher.
Different Scar Removal Methods
There are many acne and acne scar treatments. Always consult your primary care physician or dermatologist before trying to apply a treatment on your own.
Chemical Peels
This is the application of an acidic solution to the target area. The solution kills acne-causing bacteria and helps to remove dead skin cells.
Microdermabrasion
This is an intense exfoliation of the outer layer of skin. Dead cells are washed or vacuumed away.
Micro-Needling
This method involves dozens of needles making tiny punctures in the skin, creating tiny wounds on the surface. Acne-reducing medication is applied, which enters the skin via the abrasions. When the skin heals, the cells are often plumper, reducing the fissures and pockets.
Laser Acne Scar Removal
A medical laser targets the surface of the skin, reducing ridges and stimulating collagen production. Laser acne scar removal is safe, effective, and painless, and there is no downtime.
How Laser Acne Scar Removal Works
Lasers are intense beams of light energy. When a medical laser is used for acne scar reduction, the laser heats the skin in the targeted area, causing the scar tissue to break up. At the same time, the laser stimulates the skin to produce collagen and heal the treatment area. At Body Details True Laser® Centers, our trained technicians use the PicoWay Resolve Laser. This particular laser can deliver a 532nm or 1064nm wavelength and can be calibrated based on your skin type.
How Laser Treatment Can Help
Laser skin rejuvenation is not only effective for treating acne scars but all mild scarring. At Body Details, our medical professionals have successfully treated thousands of patients for things like acne scars and other types of skin conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Acne Scar Removal
We know that getting any dermatological treatment can seem like a big decision. The following are some of the most frequently asked questions by our laser acne scar removal patients as well as answers from our professional staff. For specific answers to your questions, schedule a free consultation at a Body Details location near you.
Does Laser Acne Scar Removal Have Side Effects?
Facial skin is extraordinarily sensitive, but side effects from laser treatments are mild. Most of the common side effects include slight irritation, swelling, redness, and skin peeling. You can equate the side effects to a mild sunburn. Some patients feel mild discomfort during the process, but those effects rapidly disappear.
What Should I Do Before Treatment?
You should avoid any other skin treatments before laser acne scar removal. Other treatments include chemical peels, microabrasion, micro-needling, waxing, etc. Avoid tanning beds or exposure to the sun the week you will be receiving treatments. Do not wear makeup to the laser center on the day of your treatment.
What Should My After-Treatment Regimen Include?
We recommend cooling the treatment area with a cold compress. Use natural moisturizers that are free from artificial dyes or scents. Do not rub or pick at the treatment area.
Am I a Good Candidate for Laser Acne Scar Removal?
It’s difficult to assess whether a patient will be a good candidate for laser acne scar removal without examining them in person. While there are some laser treatments that only work with specific skin types, this is not the case with laser treatment for acne scars. The success of the treatment depends on the severity of the scarring, the type of scarring, and the resiliency of the skin. The best way to determine if laser acne scar treatments are for you is by making an appointment for a free assessment.
What is the Down Time Period After Laser Scar Removal?
Laser acne scar removal requires no downtime. In fact, you don’t even need to take time off from work. With morning through evening hours and weekend appointments available, you can be in and out in under an hour.
What Does Laser Treatment for Acne Scars Cost?
Cost is dependent on the condition of your skin and the number of treatments required. Body Details True Laser® Centers offers a free consultation and generous financing terms for acne scar removal packages.
Laser Centers of Florida
With multiple locations throughout South Florida and Central Florida, there’s bound to be a Body Details location near you. All of our facilities are staffed by medical professionals with advanced degrees and overseen by a medical doctor. In addition to acne scar reduction, we offer laser tattoo removal, laser hair removal, laser lipolysis (laser lipo), injectables, and more. Your initial consultation is free, and you’re under no obligation to commit to treatments. Schedule your free consult today.
