Acne scars are small pits, or depressions, in the skin after acne pimples heal. These blemishes can leave you feeling embarrassed or self-conscious and challenging to live with long-term. Fortunately, you don’t have to live with them for life—various treatments that remove acne scars are available.
You may already have heard about laser treatment for acne scars but might not know exactly what to expect from a laser acne scar removal procedure. How much does it cost? What type of laser is used? How many sessions do you need? How long does each session take? Is it painful?
Is laser acne scar removal painful?Â
The good news is that laser removal usually doesn’t hurt. Most people feel slightly tingling or warmth during the treatment, which is quite soothing. While some people feel somewhat stinging during laser treatments, others find the experience relatively painless.
How does laser acne scar removal work?
Laser acne scar removal procedures are a straightforward process. The dermatologist will cleanse your skin and mark your acne scars with a pen. He will then apply numbing cream to the affected areas so that you don’t feel any pain while the laser targets your acne scars. After that, the dermatologist will activate the laser and direct the light on your acne scars.
When treating your acne scars with a laser, the light from the laser penetrates your skin and destroys the cells responsible for causing acne scars. This leads to an even skin tone and reduced occurrence of acne scars.
How long does laser acne scar removal take?
The entire laser acne scar removal procedure lasts 15 to 20 minutes, and you are usually allowed to leave immediately after. In some cases, several sessions may be required to remove your acne scarring altogether, but results are typically seen shortly after your very first session.
Are there side effects to acne scar removal treatments?Â
Laser acne scar removal is a safe procedure, but visiting a trusted dermatologist with the expertise and knowledge to treat acne scars is essential. This ensures they use the right laser and technique to treat acne scars and avoid unnecessary side effects.
Taking proper precautions before undergoing a laser acne scar removal procedure is essential. Ensure your skin is clean and dirt-free before visiting the dermatologist. It is also vital to protect your skin from too much sun or any other form of exposure before undergoing laser acne scar removal to ensure the laser does not cause harm to your skin.
The main side effects of laser acne scar removal are redness, swelling, and itching. These side effects will go away within a few hours, but if they don’t subside after a few days, you should consult your dermatologist for advice.
Types of Lasers Used For Laser Acne Scar Removal
Multiple lasers are used for acne scar removal, but the most common ones include Nd:YAG laser, IPL laser, and CO2 laser. Nd:YAG laser treats acne scars, including those caused by ice pick and boxcar scars. It emits a wavelength of 1064 nanometres that targets the oil in your pores and reduces acne.
Alternatively, IPL laser works best for people with darker skin tones. It uses light wavelengths in the range of 500–1200 nanometers. Lastly, CO2 laser is best for treating acne scars caused by surgery. It works by emitting light at 10,600 nanometres.
How much does laser acne scar removal cost?
The price of acne laser treatment varies depending on the type of laser used, how many treatments are needed, and where they’re performed. A dermatologist can help determine if laser treatment is proper for your stage of acne scarring.
Why Laser Acne Scar Removal might be the best option for you
Laser acne scar removal is one of the most effective treatment options for removing acne scars because it is a safe, non-invasive, non-surgical procedure that doesn’t require any incisions in the skin. Laser is a light-based treatment that targets the skin and destroys acne scars. It destroys the cells responsible for forming acne scars while evening out your skin tone.
While there are several acne scar treatments available, laser acne scar removal is a highly recommended option for most clients, as it doesn’t involve any incisions or the usage of chemicals that may cause adverse reactions in the skin, making it an excellent option for those who want to get rid of their acne scars without having to go through any invasive procedures.
If you would like to speak to an acne scar specialist about our laser acne scar removal treatments in London, we welcome you to contact us or book a consultation online.