Acne Laser Treatment

Acne Laser Treatment

from 60 min

Laser treatment of acne, blemished skin and acne scars, with versions for mild and deep scars.

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Laser treatment of acne

60 min
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Treatment of mild acne scars

60 min
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Treatment of deep acne scars

60 min
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About the treatment

At a glance

Duration
1 hr
Downtime
Usually 1–5 days of redness

Benefits

  • Treats both acne and scars
  • Calms inflammation and bacteria
  • Smoother skin texture over time
  • A plan suited to your skin

Expected results

The skin becomes gradually calmer and smoother through the series. Scars become less visible over three to six months but rarely disappear completely.

Overview & Procedure

What the treatment is and how it's performed

What it is

Laser and light can calm acne in several ways: the light reduces bacteria and inflammation in the skin and can reduce oil production. Acne scars are treated with fractional laser, which creates small treatment zones in the skin and starts new collagen production. The practitioner chooses the laser and settings depending on whether you have active acne, scars or both.

  • Active acne: usually four to six treatments two to four weeks apart.
  • Acne scars: usually three to five treatments four to six weeks apart.

  1. The practitioner assesses your skin, your skin type and your health.
  2. The skin is cleaned, and numbing cream is applied if needed.
  3. Your eyes are protected, and the skin is treated with the laser.
  4. The skin is cooled and covered with a soothing cream and sunscreen.

  • Avoid sun, sunbeds and self-tan for four weeks before the treatment.
  • Tell the clinic if you have taken tablets for acne in the last six months, or use medicines that make the skin sensitive to light.
  • If you have had cold sores, tell the clinic before treatment around the mouth. A doctor may recommend preventive treatment.
  • Stop using retinol and acids a week before.

The treatment itself takes 20–45 minutes, depending on the area.

Experience & Recovery

Pain level, downtime and healing

Most people rate the discomfort 2–5 out of 10, depending on the laser and whether scars are treated.

  • Common: redness, swelling, warmth, dryness and flaking.
  • Uncommon: spots, itching or a cold sore outbreak.
  • Rare: darker or lighter pigment, especially in dark skin, infection or scarring.

  • Keep the skin clean, and use the soothing cream you are recommended.
  • Do not pick at scabs or flaking skin.
  • Avoid make-up for two to three days, or until the skin has closed.
  • Avoid retinol, acids and scrubs for one to two weeks.
  • Avoid sun and sunbeds for at least four weeks, and use a high-factor sunscreen every day.

Usually 1–5 days of redness. Treatment of active acne often causes only a few hours of redness. Scar treatment causes redness, swelling and flaking for a few days.

Expectations & Safety

Who it's for and safety information

  • Dark skin and tanned skin have a higher risk of pigment changes. The practitioner adapts the settings and can do a test patch.
  • Sun protection before and after is part of the treatment.
  • The result comes gradually, because the skin needs time to form new collagen.
  • Acne often has several causes. Laser helps most together with good skincare and any treatment from a doctor.

  • Acne and blemished skin that has not improved with skincare alone.
  • Acne scars, both mild and deep.
  • Large pores and uneven texture after acne.

  • Severe acne with nodules and cysts. A doctor should assess treatment first.
  • Anyone taking tablets for acne, or who has done so in the last six months.

The effect on active acne comes gradually through the series. Scars become gradually smoother over three to six months. Acne can come back and need maintenance.

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
  • Sunburnt or recently tanned skin.
  • Infection, inflamed spots, eczema or wounds in the area.
  • Tablet treatment for acne in the last six months.
  • Medicines that make the skin sensitive to light, unless the practitioner has cleared it.
  • A tendency to raised, growing scars (keloids).

Contact the clinic if you get blisters, increasing pain or swelling, pus, yellow crusts or a fever. Also contact the clinic if a cold sore appears after treatment around the mouth.

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