Laser treatment for acne, does it work?

Acne Laser Treatment – How Does It Work?


Extremely severe acne does not always respond to treatment. Medicines such as antibiotics cannot safely be used for months on end and often stopping the medicine results in the spots coming back and the user can become resistant to the antibiotic so over time it does not work anymore. Over the counter creams are often caustic and very harsh to the skin which may irritate the acne and can cause premature lines. If the acne is very extreme it needs aggressive treatment, some of these treatments can contain retinoids and or birth control pills, side effects are likely and taking these medications long term can be harmful and again, the spots can return if the treatment is stopped. One treatment that is very effective is laser acne treatment.

What is Acne Laser Treatment?


There are various different acne laser treatments but typically a carbon dioxide laser light I shone on the skin to target the bacteria that causes infection that leads to acne, it naturally encourages the skin’s natural repair. It burns away the sebaceous gland which produces the oil and burns away the follicle sac from which the hair grows. Not only is the acne significantly reduced but scarring caused by acne is reduced. Acne can be cured successfully with laser treatment sometimes in just a couple of sessions.

How Does Acne Laser Treatment Work?


Acne laser treatment works by heating the top layers of skin over and around the acne damage, this helps to kill off the acne bacteria, reduce the redness and halt the over-activity of the sebaceous glands so the oil production is reduced so less spots will occur. Laser treatment can also help to minimise the appearance of scarring by remodelling the top layers of skin and making tiny holes in the damaged tissue only so the undamaged areas of skin aid in the healing. Collagen production is replenished underneath the damaged area.

What Are The After Effects Of Acne Laser Treatment?


Some people (but not all) will suffer some form of minor side effect. Roughness of the skin, discolouration and swelling of the area that has been lasered has been reported. Some people may experience a tingling or hot sensation during the procedure, others liken it to having an elastic band pinged across the skin but generally any discomfort felt during acne laser treatment is minimal.

How Much Does Acne Laser Treatment Cost?


Prices for Acne laser treatment vary, in the UK prices can range from £150-350 but it depends on your individual circumstances, i.e.) how advanced the acne is and where you are having the treatment. Doctors are reluctant to perform this procedure on any kind of health insurance as it can be extremely expensive as most people need a few sessions and even then there is always the possibility that it may not work as well as hoped so it is normally a very last resort when no other treatment or medication has helped.