Acne Laser Treatment - Is this the answer to severe skin conditions

Acne laser treatment is fast becoming the popular therapy of choice for severe acne as a growing number of people often don't respond well, to conventional treatment methods. This problem is becoming greater as antibiotics loose their effectiveness against all sorts of diseases. Acne laser treatment slows down the production of acne as it targets the sebaceous glands beneath the skin's surface. The infected area is treated with a laser beam that generates enough heat to reduce the size of the sebaceous glands without afflicting any additional damage to the skin. Only the unwanted skin tissue is vaporized, leaving a 'new' surface for fresh skin to grow on.

Acne laser treatment is not limited to facial acne. It can be used effectively to treat acne that is located in any other part of the body such as the neck and back. Fewer side effects are also associated with the use of this type of treatment. The most common side effects encountered by patients are skin discoloration, crusting and swelling. Discoloration and swelling of the treated area generally subsides an hour after the acne laser treatment. As far as crusting is concerned, prescribed creams and medications may be used to minimize its occurrence after the acne laser treatment.

The Different Types of Lasers Used for Acne Laser Treatment

Acne laser treatment procedures make use of any of the following types of lasers: non-ablative lasers, erbium (ER) lasers and carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers.

Non-ablative lasers are used to accelerate the development of collagen. In addition, the underlying skin becomes tighter after laser treatment. Patients can look forward to better skin tone and reduced fine lines.

Erbium (ER) lasers focus heat on the water molecules beneath the skin. ER lasers are used mainly on patients with superficial to average wrinkles and blemishes. CO2 lasers are possibly the best acne treatment available. Small bursts of intense light target damaged skin tissues and effectively remove all types of acne.

Acne Laser Treatment Precautions

Acne laser treatment is a costly medical procedure recommended only for severe cases. Individuals should explore other acne treatment procedures before proceeding with acne laser treatment. Also, keep in mind that any medical procedure involves a certain degree of risk and laser treatment is no exception.

In addition, patients should take into account all factors before proceeding with the procedure. Acne laser treatment does not solve the underlying cause of acne. Laser treatment should be part of a comprehensive skincare program that includes a shift to a healthier lifestyle to achieve lasting results. Lastly, laser treatment is a serious medical procedure that should only be performed by a licensed doctor with proper training, who should fully explain the benefits and drawbacks of this relatively modern technology. At the time of writing there are no federal restrictions on who can perform laser acne treatments, and therefore the onus is very much on you to satisfy yourselves of the ability and credentials of your doctor. Ask plenty of questions, and insist on seeing before and after pictures, which any self-respecting skin specialist should have to hand.