Get Rid of Pimples

Laser treatments (often referred to as resurfacing), are yet another way that lasers touch our lives everyday. We now use them to get rid of hairs we don’t want, zap wrinkles and lines… And most importantly to us: acne scars.

If you are considering such laser resurfacing for acne scars, you need to consult with a qualified specialist first. Because skin types, amount of damage and previous treatment methods all play a part in deciding the method of treatment used, a thorough consultation is vital to treatment success.

So you don’t go into your first consultation completely blind, we’ve tried to answer some of the more common questions you might have.

Will I achieve an even complexion?
Skin texture and level of scarring dictate how even the results are. Even though laser beams can be very directly targeted to problem areas, it is still hard to treat one area and have it look the same as untreated areas.

Will I still have breakouts?
The laser used in resurfacing is not an extremely penetrating one. As a result, acne breakouts are still a possibility. In most cases where breakouts do occur, they are less frequent and severe.

What is a CO2 laser and how does it work?
A CO2 laser is commonly used for scar reduction. They work by targeting and eliminating the scarred skin. After the scarred skin is removed, a healing process begins. Your body grows new, smoother skin where the scars used to be.

My acne scars are very deep. Will I get good results?
Deep scarring will not likely be removed completely. While you will see a vast improvement, deep scarring often requires more than one treatment.

What are the side effects?
It may be slightly uncomfortable during the actual laser treatment. The skin might become red and irritated. At first, there may be differences in skin tone (some light or dark patches). The procedure can cause some very light scarring.

How many treatments will I need?
Very often, a course of one treatment per month for 3 months is recommended. If you are in the midst of a breakout, or have some sort of infection associated with your acne, this procedure is not recommended. It is better done when your acne is in a less active condition.

Will I need an anesthetic?
Laser resurfacing procedures generally only use a local anesthetic. You might be directed to take an oral sedative too.

What about afterwards?
Afterwards you should apply moisturizing ointments to help the skin heal and to cut down the chances of an infection. Depending on your individual needs, you might be asked to apply just moisturizing ointments, or you might have to apply dressings with ointment on them.

What is the recovery time?
This will depend on both your skin, and the treatment itself. The average recovery time is about two weeks. Pain medication is likely to be prescribed, and possibly something to reduce any swelling.

How much will it cost?
So many factors play a part in deciding this, we can only give you a very broad idea. This is a question best asked in your pre treatment consultation.
We’ll give you approximations, so you have something to work with.
For minor scarring, you can expect to pay between $600-$1500. More extensive scarring covering the entire face could require between $2500-$6000.

Hopefully we’ve answered some of your questions. A lot of factors are at play in this degree of scarring, best treatment course, skin type, prices in your location…This list goes on. If you are considering any surgical procedure like this, a consultation with an experienced pro is absolutely vital.