LASER ACNE SCAR REMOVAL
If you had acne as a teenager or as a young adult, it might have left scars that affect your confidence. It can cause embarrassment all these years later, as well as attracting unwanted glances from others. Scarring can range in severity from pale blemishes to red or purple “icepick” scars, leaving your skin lumpy and uneven. Most of the time, cosmetics aren’t enough to cover up the damage.
Fortunately, several treatments can significantly improve your looks and self-esteem.
Luna Plastic Surgery
Available Procedures
For information on how laser acne scar removal can change your life and renew your well-being, contact Luna Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa in Johns Creek, GA, at 678-892-7820. Because every person’s situation and desires are different, we can present you with a range of options. Our state-of-the-art solutions include the following.
laser resurfacing
Laser resurfacing uses light waves to destroy the outer layer of damaged skin to prompt new skin cells to grow. In time, there will be a noticeable reduction in acne scars, and your skin texture will improve. The options include the Actove FX Deep FX, Scaar FX, and Total FX laser treatments. These different options use different types of lasers and address different issues. For instance, some work better on skin with a darker pigmentation and others work on different depths of acne pitting.
Since these treatments remove the top layer of skin, you will need some recovery time, as you’ll typically regrow new, healthy skin within 10 days. However, it could take up to 18 months to fully heal and achieve normal pigmentation.
photo-rejuvenation
Photo-rejuvenation uses a laser light source to stimulate the skin’s production of collagen. It creates tiny, superficial wounds in the skin’s surface, activating the body’s natural response to heal itself by producing new, smoother tissue. You will start noticing results after a series of treatments. The laser light source does not remove any skin layers, so there is no recovery time needed.
photodynamic therapy
This non-invasive procedure uses light and a photosensitizing agent to clear up your skin. It can treat acne, acne scars, minimize pores, and reduce the size of the oil glands.
lumecca
Your face will begin to clear up after just one to three procedures using this treatment. This procedure uses a powerful intense pulsed light, or IPL, to treat your face. Patients report being comfortable during the procedure. There will be a warming and redness of the skin that will subside relatively quickly.
ipl
Doctors use IPL to target specific skin flaws. The device heats the skin, which kills the targeted cells. The difference between IPL and lasers is that the IPL device provides more than one wavelength of pulsating light to treat your face.
alexandrite
This procedure targets pigmented or vascular lesions in your face. It uses an alexandrite crystal to produce a specific wavelength of light to heat the targeted area and destroy the blemish or affliction.
yag lasers
This type of laser can remove the top layer of skin in the affected area to remove the scarring. The procedure is effective and safe because a practitioner can precisely control the depth of the laser penetration. The treated area will be red for about three to 10 days.
laser acne scar removal faq
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE PROCEDURE?
There are several things you need to do, including quitting smoking for at least two weeks before the procedure and stop taking skin care products that contain a retinoid or glycolic acid for two to four weeks. You should also stop taking vitamin E, aspirin, and other medications and supplements that can delay healing. If you’re prone to cold sores, take medication to prevent their development. Avoid the sun, because we can’t treat you if you have a tan or sunburn.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
Depending on the severity of your acne scars and the procedure that’s best for you, your dermatologist might schedule a series of laser treatments. This is common when using a non-ablative laser.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ABLATIVE VS. NON-ABLATIVE LASERS?
Ablative lasers remove the top layer of skin while non-ablative lasers heat up the underlying skin tissues without harming the surface so that your body begins producing new collagen. Ablative lasers are more invasive, making them the choice to treat mild to moderate wrinkles, acne scars, and skin discoloration. A single treatment can lead to noticeable improvement, but you will need two or more weeks of recovery time. There will be some general discomfort, as well as swelling, oozing, and crusting of the skin.
Non-ablative lasers are the choice for improving skin texture and tone. You may need a series of treatments, but the recovery generally takes less time. There will be some mild redness or swelling. This procedure is good for patients who are between 25 and 65, have mild to moderate signs of aging, and can’t afford to take time off from work.
WILL ONE TREATMENT SOLVE THE PROBLEM?
Sometimes, you might require a series of treatments or a combination of procedures to see your best results. For instance, deep scars might need three or four sessions with a laser before you achieve clear skin. Your doctor might also suggest adding a filler to your laser treatment.
WHEN WILL I START SEEING RESULTS?
Healing can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on the procedure and the size and location of the scarring. After your skin heals, keep it well-moisturized and always use sunscreen before going outdoors.
To find out more about laser acne scar removal procedures and to schedule a consultation, contact Luna Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa in Johns Creek, GA, today.