Can laser treatments control breakouts?

Wednesday, hey ohhh! I had terrible acne as a teen, both on my face and my chest. I did the accutane and the dermatologist and all that jazz. I still have some as an adult, so this was interesting to me. I hope it's interesting to you too.  As regular readers know, from time to time I will give space for things I do not write about from a personal point of view. This is one. 
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Acne is a challenging skin condition, one that causes physical discomfort and embarrassment. Even when the skin condition is treated effectively, it can leave unsightly scars and pits behind. The good news is that today, there are a variety of acne treatment options available.

Laser Treatments To Control Acne Breakouts

While laser treatments are often used to heal any discoloration and scars that acne has left behind, lasers can also be used to treat active breakouts. Laser acne treatments can be done on the face, back, neck and chest. Acne develops when bacteria builds up within and on the skin. This type of bacteria features a substance known as porphyrin. When the light from a laser comes into contact with porphyrin, it destroys the bacteria, decreasing or eliminating breakouts and pimples. Along with getting rid of surface pimples, lasers can also treat the noninflammatory kind in addition to severe cysts, lesions and nodules.

What Should You Expect from a Laser Treatment for Acne?

We know that for many people, lasers are intimidating, but keep in mind that today’s dermatology laser is usually a basic, hand-held device that your dermatologist or plastic surgeon just holds close to your skin. To see if a laser acne treatment will diminish or get rid of your skin affliction, consult with a cosmetic professional. If he or she suggests a course of treatment, prepare for it by asking whether you should continue to take any regular prescriptions or keep applying topical medication. You should cancel any chemical peel or waxing appointments that you may have.

During a laser acne treatment, you’ll likely feel a little bit of warmth on your skin, but the light from the laser is unlikely to cause you pain or discomfort. After the procedure, you may experience inflammation, which can be slightly uncomfortable, as well as skin peeling. Stay out of the sun for at least 48 hours and apply the topical treatment that your plastic surgeon prescribes. Following these steps provides the best possible results.

How Many Treatments Will You Need?

While the number of laser acne treatments recommended will be based on the type and scale of your outbreak, most cosmetic treatment professionals advise starting out with six treatments followed by touch-up treatments every two or three months. This type of plan generally helps people maintain a glowing complexion, one with little to no acne.

What You Should Know About the Results

When it comes to laser treatments for acne, it’s important to know that the results will vary from person to person. Currently, cosmetic experts are unable to predict just how well a laser will work to clear up an individual’s skin, but most studies show that lasers are able to help those who suffer from acne outbreaks.

Laser treatment for acne also takes time. Studies show that often, people see the best results following the last laser treatment. According to one study, those who received photodynamic therapy had 50 percent less spots by the end of a 4-week treatment period. Once they reached the 12-week mark, they had 72 percent fewer spots.

What are the Benefits of Laser Treatments for Acne?

The benefits of laser treatments for acne vary from offering a convenient treatment method to decreasing the production of oil in the skin. Acne laser treatments are particularly convenient because the procedure itself usually takes just 15 minutes. Lasers penetrate the skin to kill the bacteria that causes breakouts. The sebaceous gland generates an oil that protects hair and skin. However, in some people, this gland can be overactive, and when it is, it causes acne. Laser acne treatments often damage this gland, decreasing breakouts.

If you have acne scars, laser treatments can diminish the appearance of these scars. The treatment can also improve the smoothness and texture of your skin. Lasers decrease irregularities and inflammation in skin tone, and when you have a laser treatment, little to no recovery time is required. This type of treatment is extremely safe. Lasers used for acne treatment are designed to control the breakout of acne without damaging the skin.

Are You a Candidate for Laser Acne Treatments?

You are a candidate for laser acne treatments if you suffer from acne. This type of treatment is considered a new weapon in the fight against a common skin affliction. If your dermatologist has prescribed photosensitive drugs like Accutane to prevent acne from forming, then you may have to wait six months or so to have a laser acne treatment. Photosensitive drugs make your skin especially sensitive to light. Your cosmetic treatment provider will determine the safest time to start a laser acne treatment.

How Much Do Laser Treatments Cost?

The cost of laser acne treatment varies based on the type of lasers needed and the extensiveness of a treatment plan. You can expect to pay anywhere from $75 a treatment to $400. Most people require from 4 to 8 treatments to see clear skin. While most people’s insurance plans won’t cover laser treatment, payment plans may be available through the clinic, making the treatment more affordable.

Laser Treatments for Acne Look Promising

While more studies are needed, previous ones show that the future of using lasers to treat acne is promising since even people with severe cyst-type acne are seeing clear skin after laser treatments. Cyst acne is a tough one to treat. Currently, different types of lasers are need to treated different kinds of acne. So, a laser treatment for cyst acne is unlikely to work if blackheads are developing on your skin or traditional pimples. Because of this, it’s important to see a cosmetic specialist to determine the best course and type of laser acne treatment.

Offering Expertise

Highly respected and dedicated to excellence, Dr. Philip Schoenfeld is an acne laser treatment expert in Washington, DC. He is double certified in reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology, head and neck surgery. Dr. Schoenfeld earned his undergraduate degree from Hobart College, and he received his medical training from the New York Medical College. Several local and national publications have named him a “Top Doctor” while his honesty and dedication have resulted in patients flying from around the world for a consult. Visit his RENU practice at www.renudc.com for more information.

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I've done laser hair removal, but no laser treatments to treat leftover acne scars etc or active breakouts. You?