Laser Skin Resurfacing for Acne
Acne is an all to common skin condition characterized by plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), inflamed pimples (pustules), and deeper lumps (nodules). Acne lesions are most common on the face, but they can also occur on the chest, neck, shoulders, back, scalp, upper arms, and legs. Most people are able to manage their acne with over-the-counter treatments. Unfortunately for some, acne can be more serious.
Close to 100% of females and males between 12-17 years have at least experienced an occasional whitehead, blackhead, or pimple, regardless of ethnicity. In fact, in the United States, 40% of adolescents by their mid-teens, have acne severe enough to require some treatment by a physician.
Acne can be a socially and emotionally debilitating disorder at any time, but more so during the tumultuous time of adolescence. The detrimental effects of acne can be tremendous with those severely effected. These individuals suffer from being marginalized by their peers, consequently leading to low self-esteem and poor self-confidence. In these cases, acne scars are usually present and serve as remnants of their poor unaccepted skin condition.
Combatting Acne
Because of the high demand for effective treatment for acne, the plastic surgery industry has been greatly advancing various ways to combat acne. One of the most effective treatments is laser skin resurfacing.
Laser skin resurfacing for acne acts on similar premise as other forms of treatments like chemical peels and dermabrasion - where the flawed outer layer of skin is removed to expose the newer, healthier underlying skin. Skin resurfacing laser treatment involves targeting the afflicted areas with a highly controlled laser beam, with specific intensities and pulse times, to vaporize the outer skin cells, leading to their destruction.
Acne scars have been notoriously difficult to treat in the past, however clinical research studies conducted in the past few years reveal promising results with the use of skin resurfacing laser treatments for acne scarring. Dr. Tina Alster from the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery and Georgetown University have shown a 57% to 83% textural improvement in thickened and deeply colored acne scars.
Thanks to laser resurfacing, great strides have been made against improving the skins appearance against acne and acne scars. Laser resurfacing has the potential to be more precise than the other techniques in the treatment of some facial scars, but is expensive and may have side effects. Laser skin resurfacing for acne is now regarded to be more effective than chemical peels and dermabrasion.
This has given a lot of acne-affected individuals hope for a transformation that can lead to a better appearance, and more importantly, a renewed sense of confidence.
If you have any questions about laser skin resurfacing or if you would like to schedule a free consultation with a laser skin doctor in your area, fill in the form on the right-hand side of this page and one of our experts will contact you shortly. You may also call the toll free number at the top of this page to speak with someone right away.
