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.

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