Is Laser Treatment For Acne Scars Safe?
Acne is a skin disease that not only is significantly visible on the skin but also is painful.
Feeling judged, a sense of lack of self worth, inablity to be social, irritable moods, eating discorders are common associated with active acne.
Mostly recurring, acne also leaves scars on their area of occurrence. This disturbs the texture of the skin as well as impacts a person’s emotional state. Scarring changes the appearance of a person, thereby making one conscious as well as low on confidence and self esteem. However, with the advancement in medical sciences, several remedies have been developed for different levels of scarring. Acne scar treatment in Bangalore nowadays include procedures like chemical peel, light therapy, laser therapy, PR, threads, fillers.
What Causes the Scarring?
An acne or breakout can cause damage to the skin. The skin heals itself by producing collagen, a protein that keeps the structure of the skin intact. In most cases, collagen can completely heal the affected area, leaving behind some alteration in the texture. However, when the healing is left incomplete fibrosis is more and the acne can lead to scars.
Recommended Reading – Acne Scars – Causes and Their Treatment
Which Laser is Best for Acne Scars?
The procedure for laser treatment for acne scars includes concentrating high intensity light on the scars. The laser breaks up the scar tissues and then promotes the growth of new cells. Laser treatments use medically approved machines as well as light technology. The heat from the laser gives controlled damage to the level of skin where the scar is present, this boosts the production of collagen, thus reviving your body’s natural healing phenomena. There are several types of lasers to target different types of acne scarring.
- Ablative Lasers employ a YAG or CO2 laser – These go a little deeper, to the level where it is required, the scar is present in the dermal level of acne scar and this is most effective in the treatment.
- Microneedling RF – This technology heals with radio frequency energy which reaches a bit deeper and leads to healing.
- Carbon Peel – This is a laser assisted peel where carbon is applied to the skin and this actively helps reduce the acne and the spots, and to some extent the texture of the skin.
What Are The Myths Related To Laser Treatment for Acne?
Since laser therapy to treat acne scars is a relatively newer procedure, there are several myths and misconceptions related to it. Some of the myths that surround Laser Acne Scar Treatment include:
- Lasers are Harmful for the Skin – Depending on the wavelength and purpose of using lasers, they penetrate different layers of the skin. However, when performed under the right supervision, laser treatments are not harmful. They do not function like MRI or X-Ray and don’t ionise and harm the body.
- The Treatment Causes Burns on Skin – Truth is, lasers may feel like warm pinches on your skin. However, it does not cause burns on your skin. Advanced lasers are designed using the theory of selective photo-thermolysis, which means it targets specific areas only. The targeted areas receive the lasers, which are prepared following precautionary guidelines.
- Lasers Make the Skin Exposed to Radiation – Lasers behave like normal light with very small amounts of ultraviolet or infrared emissions. Medically approved lasers do not cause any harm to the skin. In fact, natural light (sunlight) has more radiation than most lasers.
What are the Safety Precautions to Follow Before Laser Treatment for Acne?
Before undergoing acne scar treatment in Bangalore, there are certain precautions that should be taken to ensure a safe and effective treatment.
- Before you undergo laser therapy for acne scars, medical evaluation is essential. Lasers come under medical procedures and therefore, only an experienced individual should perform such treatments.
- Using sunscreen both before (and after) laser treatment for acne is a must! Sun exposure will make your skin sensitive, making it unsuitable to get exposed to lasers. Avoid getting exposed to the sun even after the treatment to reduce the chances of redness and irritation.
- Avoiding cosmetic procedures like waxing, collagen injections, and chemical peels, for at least a period of 7-10 days prior is advised.
- Refrain from picking, scrubbing or scratching the areas of treatment. This may make the skin irritated. Instead, be gentle towards your skin prior to the date of procedure.
Who is an Appropriate Candidate for Laser Treatment for Acne?
It is important to know that the effectiveness of the treatment varies from patient to patient. So, who is an ideal patient to undergo laser treatment for acne? A dermatologist cannot treat someone who arrives for a laser procedure with a tan or a sunburn. Using a laser could result in a severe burn or skin discoloration. The sensitivity and the colour (pigmentation) of the skin can also impact the effectiveness of laser treatment. An ideal patient therefore, would be someone who has mild to moderate scarring. Lasers work the best on people who have lighter skin tones.
In summary, Laser treatment is one of the best means as well as a safe procedure to undergo, to reduce hyperpigmentation and scarring left behind by dreadful acne attacks. However, one must have realistic expectations when it comes to any medical procedure for scarring. Laser treatment for acne requires several sessions as well as proper care to show effective results.
Dr.Tina Ramachander is one of the best dermatologist in Bangalore and Medical Director at Dr.Tina’s Skin Solutionz, a skin care clinic in Bangalore. She completed her master’s in dermatology from the well acclaimed JJM Medical college in Karnataka and is now a practicising dermatosurgeon and Medical Cosmetologist in Bangalore.