Treating Acne with Laser

The skin is the most visible part of the human body, and acne is one of the most common skin problems. In addition to being a cosmetic issue, it also dampens a person’s image and confidence levels. The issue is more complicated given the age group it affects – teenagers and young adolescents who are always keen on looking their best.

During the pustular stage, there is a lot of itching, burning, and pain. As they dry and fall off, there are marks which sometimes take forever to disappear. Recent cosmetic advancements have successfully used the laser to get rid of these marks, almost completely.

Laser in Acne:

• Laser works in controlling acne in more than one way.
• During laser treatment session, a beam of light is applied on the acne-affected area. This helps in removing the acne scar without damaging the surrounding tissue. The beam of light is highly focused on only the scar tissue.
• The increased number of cells which are left behind after acne are killed by the laser beam, thereby lightening the skin and reducing the scars.
• The bacteria that are present in the acne are killed when a beam of the laser is applied. This reduces the number of bacteria present in it, thereby reducing the severity of acne.
• The laser beam also reduces excessive sebum production, thereby reducing the incidence of acne. Excessive sebum is directly related to the severity of acne.
• Laser is used in all kinds of acne – papules, pustules, whiteheads, blackheads, cysts, and nodules.
• While the exact treatment plan will be determined based on skin type and intensity of the scars, most treatment plans would include about 3 sessions.

What to expect:

• Set realistic expectations and understand possible risks and complications. A detailed discussion of going for laser session is essential with the doctor. Clarify if you are a good candidate for laser.
• Sunbathing, waxing, collagen injections are to be avoided for at least 2 weeks prior to the procedure.
• Chemicals like deodorants and perfumes are to be avoided in the proposed area of laser
• Tell your doctor about any medications or supplements that you are on. While some may be stopped, others may need dose adjustments.
• Immediately after the laser session, the skin would appear red for about 4 to 8 hours.
• The skin might feel itchy and prickly and even be swollen mildly
• Apply cool packs or moist cloths to reduce this itching
• Use copious amounts of moisturiser at least twice daily
• Avoid makeup until the redness and itching have subsided.

Benefits:

• Minimally invasive
• Usually done in 2 to 3 sittings
• Shorter recovery period
• Minimal pain
• Laser therapy is used for multiple other skin problems, so treatment can be clubbed. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Cosmetic/Plastic Surgeon.