Acne scars are an annoying reminder of previous breakouts, both in appearance and self-esteem. Fortunately, dermatology has advanced enough that laser treatment is now one of the most effective methods of minimizing the look of acne scars. With various laser treatments, the choice relies on the severity of the scars, skin type, and what the desired outcome is.

Below is a summary of the most commonly used laser treatments for acne scars and how they function.

Types of Laser Procedures for Acne Scars

1. Ablative Laser Resurfacing

Ablative laser procedures, including CO2 laser and Erbium YAG laser, strip away the outer layer of skin while stimulating the growth of collagen. Ablative laser procedures are best for deep scars, as they tend to smoothen the texture of the skin and induce the development of healthier skin cells.

  • CO2 Laser: Suitable for deep pitted scars, this laser shows significant improvement at the cost of a longer healing time (a fortnight).
  • Erbium YAG Laser: A less intense version of CO2 lasers, this type is suitable for superficial scars and heals faster.

2. Non-Ablative Laser Treatments

Non-ablative lasers heat the inner skin layers without eliminating the surface skin. These treatments stimulate collagen formation and skin tightening with minimal downtime.

  • Fractional Laser (Fraxel): This laser treats small areas of skin, making it a good option for enhancing texture and minimizing scar visibility.
  • Nd: YAG Laser: For darker skin types, this laser is gentle in improving acne scars and reducing pigmentation risks.

3. Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) & Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

PDL and IPL treatments target redness and coloration of acne scars more than resurfacing the skin.

  • Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL): Aims at blood vessels to minimize redness and inflammation in new acne scars.
  • Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): Suitable for mild coloration and can even out skin tone through several sessions.

Summing Up!

Laser therapy is an extremely effective method for diminishing acne scars and enhancing the texture of your skin. No matter if you require intense resurfacing or subtle discoloration correction, there is a laser treatment to meet your requirements. To get the best outcome, always visit a skincare expert to customize the treatment according to your skin’s specific needs.

This post was written by a professional at Dvida Medical Spa. Dvida Med Spa in Cary, NC, is your premier destination for top-tier stem cell clinic Raleigh NC and advanced laser treatments. As the best med spa in the area, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional care and customized beauty solutions to help you achieve your desired look.