How Laser Treatments Can Achieve Acne Scar Resurfacing

Untreated acne is often a precursor to acne scarring, a result of inflammation that was caused by the infection and that eventually destroyed healthy skin tissue. When the inflammation is severe, you will most likely suffer from noticeable scarring, which is why it is important that you learn to treat acne and know what your options are if you have acne scars.



The Best Way to Treat Acne



Cleansing skin regularly is probably the easiest way of controlling acne outbreaks. Cleansing helps remove acne bacteria, excess sebum, dirt and debris, and dead skin cells which tend to lead to clogged pores and acne lesions. However, to get the best results you should follow up your cleansing routine with an acne cream.



Learn How to Treat Acne Scars



Resurfacing techniques are one of the best ways of dealing with acne scars. Some people will rely on microdermabrasion for acne scars while others will turn to chemical peels or even laser therapy.



If you are using laser therapy for resurfacing acne scars then you will subject the surrounding area of skin to a small amount of damage. This means less recovery time if you want to rid acne scars from your skin. Laser therapy can also be less painful than chemical peels or dermabrasion.



Two of the most common types of lasers used for acne scar treatments are Er:YAG lasers and CO2 lasers. Fractional lasers can also be used, but the end decision will depend on your expectations, the type of scar you're treating, and the location of the scar or scars.



Er:YAG is an abbreviation for Erbium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet lasers. This type of laser emits an infrared, 2940 nm wavelength. The frequency of this type of laser is more strongly absorbed by water than its CO2 counterpart. Nevertheless, it can be used in conjunction with CO2 lasers to take full advantage of benefits of each type of laser.



This type of laser is often used to treat darker-skinned people that have atrophic scars. Side effects often include erythema, edema, itching and burning sensations. Recovery is relatively short, but you should follow your doctor's indications to obtain the best results.



If trying to treat wrinkles or deep scars, your best option are CO2 lasers. Due to recent advancements, doctors can use a pulsed or scattered beam to produce less damage. This type of laser also allows a stronger laser to be used, which produces more dramatic effects.



The recovery period for this type of laser is more extensive than Er:YAG lasers. In fact, side effects can also be more serious with CO2 lasers. They include problems such as hyperpigmentation, infections, swelling, and the reactivation of a herpes simplex cold sore.



Fractional laser therapy basically uses the same types of lasers with a different type of beam. Fractional lasers deliver a dispersed beam that only affects the cells it touches. This allows for a short recovery period.



As a matter of fact, this type of treatment also allows for the use of stronger, more effective beams to be used. Therefore, the results are much more impressive and the potential damage and side effects are reduced.