Saturday, June 30, 2012

Facing Up To Acne Scars And Laser Treatment

Facing Up To Acne Scars And Laser Treatment

 By Wycliffe Williams

     Acne scars can be so damaging psychologically, that acne sufferers feel compelled to seek laser treatment. Laser treatment may not be their first option, but the unrelenting disease of acne doesn't let up.
The movement away from customary topical treatments for acne should not be taken lightly. Serious consideration and consultation must be sought. A laser treatment for acne puts you at the doorway of surgery. This must not be taken lightly.

      Today the human face is operated on so much more than any other body part. The vast majority of the work done on the face is elective work. Which means, in almost all cases, you have to pay, there is no insurance coverage.

      If you're contemplating seeking this form of treatment, ask your insurance company whether they pay for this type of work. You need to be financially fortified when you wade into these waters.

      Botox injections, laser hair removal, chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing, eyelid surgery, and acne laser treatment represent only a few of the elective areas. When you hear the word elective from you insurance representative, you need to reach into your own pocket.

      To the women who suffer with acne and acne scars, I feel your pain. 90% of all cosmetic procedures performed in 2004 were performed on women. The most startling aspect comes when we hear that compared with 2003, that figure represents a 50% increase!
Mind you, medical science has made fantastic strides via new technology, but someone has to make the choice to lie on the table. Medical research is driven to were the niche markets are. (Hey! That's internet talk!).

     The year over year increase for nonsurgical procedures rose by approximately 60%! That is surprising but understandable. The mind boggling technological breakthroughs in medicine are surely undergirding that figure. But again I say, people are making the decision to climb up on these tables.

     Americans spent over $13 billion last year on face work. Guess what? A whopping 30% of the pie came from the doctor's office. They're smiling all the way to the bank with those types of figures. Almost makes you feel like they're not going to try and stamp out the acne goose. It lays the golden egg!
The final decision to seek laser procedure for your acne scars is totally yours. But it should be taken in consultation with family and appropriate medical professionals.

Consider the following possible complications which may arise using a laser procedure.
o Milia, they're small white bumps. It's possible they may appear in the lasered area.
o Hyperpigmentation, lighter skin discoloration, and sometimes hypopigmentation, darker skin discoloration.

May arise in the laser-treated areas.
o Return of the dreaded cold sore. Again around the laser-treated area.
o You may need to take an antibiotic for seven to 10 days afterwards, to cover the risk of infection.
o Swelling is common after the procedure.
o Scarring may occur, although this is rare.
o Smokers will have to drop their habit during this procedure. This is probably far and away the best 'complication' of all.

     There is so much more to consider when contemplating using laser-treatment on acne scars. Always seek consultation before you make any final decisions.

Acne skin treatments and preventions are vital to the overall health of your skin. Follow this link to help you in your battle with your acne: http://www.acnearticlewriter.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wycliffe_Williams
http://EzineArticles.com/?Facing-Up-To-Acne-Scars-And-Laser-Treatment&id=319185

How Lasers Are Used to Treat Acne Scars






 
 By Blake M Talvitz

     In the past, those who suffered from acne scars had limited options. With advances in technology it is now possible to get rid of acne scars through the use of laser treatments. Even in the most severe cases where scars cannot be completely removed, they can be greatly diminished.

      Laser skin treatments basically come in two forms, ablative and non-ablative. Ablative works by resurfacing the skin, vaporizing or burning away thin layers of older, damaged skin and stimulating collagen production. Non-ablative works by merely stimulating collagen production in the underlying layers and tightening the skin without causing damage to the outer layers.

     The Erbium Yag Laser and the CO2 Laser are two of the most common forms of ablative lasering. These tend to offer greater results on deeper, more pitted scars and generally require less treatments. It takes about two weeks for the skin to heal and redness may last anywhere from a few weeks to several months but often yields a smoother, quite noticeable result.

     Pulse Dye Lasers are the most popular non-ablative form of lasering and are most commonly used to treat mild to moderate scarring. There is typically no downtime involved with this this procedure and works well for a variety of skin tones. Because this method is less aggressive, it may require several treatments to see significant results. As with any laser treatment, it is not recommended for those currently undergoing other types of acne treatment.

     The cost to get rid of acne scars can vary from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Much of this depends on the severity of scarring and number of treatments required. However, cost alone should not be the determining factor when considering laser acne treatment. Individual skin tone and expected results, as well as the credentials and skill of your technician are vital in making an informed decision.
Blake M Talvitz has been writing articles for 5 years, covering a number of topics such as health, fitness, home and garden, and business management. Her latest blogs are about name badge ribbons and garden swing cushions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Blake_M_Talvitz
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Lasers-Are-Used-to-Treat-Acne-Scars&id=4146439

Friday, June 29, 2012

Laser Treatment for Acne Scars - A Detailed Guide to Laser Acne Scar Treatment



By Eva Alexander
Laser treatment for acne scars has become quite popular in recent years. However, this does not mean that you should go for it right away. Learn more about the different types of treatments, how they work, what results they produce and how safe they are. The following will help you make a well-informed decision.

Types of Laser Treatment for Acne Scars
There are two main types of laser treatments - ablative and non-ablative. The ablative procedure involves the removal of the top layer of the skin so that a new one, which is smoother and more elastic, can come to the surface. The non-ablative procedure does not remove a layer of the skin, even though some exfoliation occurs as part of the process. This method is designed to stimulate the natural production of collagen. As more collagen is produced the acne scars are filled naturally.

Types of Ablative Treatments
There are three main types of ablative laser treatments used for the removal of acne scaring. The CO2 laser is the most powerful of all. It allows for deep skin resurfacing. Erbium (YAG) laser is less aggressive on the skin. That is why it is considered safer.
With fractional laser treatment, only fractions of the skin surface are treated. These fractions can be tiny spots. Basically, each scar is treated without the surrounding area being affected.

How does laser treatment for acne scars work?
The laser produces intense light pulses. They travel at a speed that is large enough to give them the power to remove layers of the skin or to stimulate the deeper ones to produce more collagen. Basically, a laser is a powerful skin peeling tool. One of the benefits of the use of this tool is precision. The laser can be regulated to remove a layer of the skin with virtually any thickness.

Safety and Risks
These treatments are invasive. After the procedure, the skin will be red and swollen. Depending on the depth of the skin layer removed, the redness can last from several weeks to several months. It is essential for patients to apply special soothing and protective creams. Sun exposure must be avoided after the treatment.
It should be pointed out that due to the application of thick creams, acne may appear after the treatment. Differences in skin pigmentation may also occur. The treated skin may be lighter or darker than the natural skin surrounding it. Skin infections after laser treatment are not common, but there is a risk of them.

How much does laser treatment for acne scars cost?
Ablative treatment with CO2 or Erbium (YAG) laser can cost between $3,000 and $6,000 per session. Fractional laser treatment is usually around $1,000 per session. You may need more than one treatment session, depending on the depth of your acne scars.

Effectiveness
These laser procedures produces permanent results. Dermatologists recommend it for ice pick, boxcar and rolling acne scars of different depths.
It's highly recommended to consult your Dermatologist prior to choosing either of these procedures. Be sure you understand the side effects and permanent changes these treatments make.
If you're serious about treating your acne then explore all the alternatives available to you. Learn more about treatments for acne scars and find ways to care for your problem skin at cureacnescars.org.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eva_Alexander
http://EzineArticles.com/?Laser-Treatment-for-Acne-Scars---A-Detailed-Guide-to-Laser-Acne-Scar-Treatment&id=6617008

Acne Scar Co2 Laser Treatment




Acne Scar Co2 Laser Treatment

 By Yvette Chau

The acne scar co2 laser treatment is performed with a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. It is considered state of the art technology for laser surgery and is revered by laser surgeons. Is ease of use and precision is unmatched. This laser treatment is best suited to atrophic scars or depressed scars that don't have deep pits. More surface or facial scars respond well to the treatment.
Scars that have already been treated will be more difficult to treat with the CO2 laser. If you are on Accutane (isotretinoin, roaccutane) or have taken Accutane, you should stop it for at least 6 months before using the co2 laser treatment. Do not go on this treatment if you have a skin infection or inflammatory disease.

What is acne scar co2 laser treatment?
A laser beam passes through a carbon dioxide (CO2)gas-filled chamber and performs collagen remodeling. The laser removes one layer of skin at a time, which can eliminate more surface scars. The heat from the laser also makes the skin tight and smoothes out scars.

The surgeon may give you some intravenous anesthesia before the procedure.

How long does it take to see results?
You likely will see results at about 18 months.
The best results occur when this type of laser resurfacing is used in combination with other treatments, like topical creams that help to speed the healing process.
Laser treatment is great for getting rid of more shallow boxcar scars, reducing wrinkles, and smoothing out and tightening existing scars.

Does acne scar co2 laser treatment have disadvantages?
This method for acne scar treatment does have its downsides. For one, healing is painful and takes a long time. Some people experience redness for many months, while others experience changes in skin color.
In darker skin, the acne scar co2 laser treatment can cause noticeable skin color changes.

Helpful healing tips after acne scar co2 laser treatment

Carbon dioxide or Er:YAG laser resurfacing of atrophic scars
-Work with your dermatologist to find a topical cream to help your healing process along.
-Use ice or a cooling mask if necessary.
-Always keep your skin clean.
-Make sure you see your surgeon or practitioner for follow-up.
-Treat any side effects or complications right away.

Alternative laser treatment - Erbium:YAG laser
The Erbium laser is not as harsh as the co2 laser. It produces less heat and therefore results in less redness and faster healing. However, it does not perform collagen remodeling as well as the co2 laser.
Yvette Chau is a freelance writer based in Edmonton, Canada specializing in the area of skincare and acne treatment. Ungoing failed treatments herself before finding a solution for her own skin problems, she offers information and advice to others on http://www.your-best-acne.treatment.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Yvette_Chau
http://EzineArticles.com/?Acne-Scar-Co2-Laser-Treatment&id=135899