Acne Treatment with Lasers- How Effective Is It?

Some have non-inflammatory acne, like blackheads or whiteheads, while others have inflammatory acne, like papules, pustules, nodules, or cysts in the course of their lives. Dermatologists have many options to offer to get rid of acne and its scarring. In this article, we will be discussing lasers for acne treatment in Bangalore and concluding how lasers can be the best choice for acne treatment. 

What is Laser Acne Treatment?

Laser acne treatment is a medical procedure wherein medical-grade lasers are utilised to reduce the appearance of acne. The therapy is performed at the office of a dermatologist who is well-versed and trained in using lasers, based on the specific condition/type of one’s skin. Its worth depends on the acne type/severity and even the type of laser device used. 

How Does Acne Treatment with Lasers Work?

Lasers emit concentrated light of a specific wavelength that releases immense heat. The thermal energy either just peels off the skin or just heats the dermis to induce collagen skin remodelling.  But for acne, as the laser is focused on the skin with acne, the skin’s inflammation, excess sebum, and bacteria causing acne are all brought under control. The laser works to treat active acne by:

• Reducing the sebum production- The lasers’ heat destroys or reduces the activity of the sebaceous glands. This lowers the output of the skin’s natural oil, known to clog the pores. 
• Eliminating acne-causing bacteria- The lasers’ heat kills bacteria that cause acne. 
• Facilitating natural healing of the affected skin- The lasers’ heat targets and destroys the small blood vessels lying under the skin affected with acne. It helps lessen the swelling and redness- the inflammation associated with acne. 
• Post-treatment of acne with laser, the laser can even be used to treat acne scars by peeling off scar tissue and encouraging collagen and new skin growth. The effectiveness of lasers is found to be more for inflammatory acne and its scars than for non-inflammatory acne. The lasers provide optimal outcomes when they are paired with other acne treatments, like certain medications and topicals.

Which Type of Lasers are Effective in Treating Acne?

There is no one fixed laser type that can be effective in treating all forms of acne. Dermatologists may recommend either of the following FDA-approved light therapies or lasers for an effective acne treatment:

• Red, Blue, or Combined LED light therapies- For mild to moderate inflammatory acne
• Photodynamic therapies- Involve the use of a special solution that makes skin more sensitive to light/laser; best for severe acne. 
• Infrared light therapy- for treating pimples
• Photo pneumatic therapy- Involves the use of intense pulsed light and vacuum; recommended for non-inflammatory acne and mild to moderate inflammatory acne. 
• Pulsed dye laser- Best for inflammatory acne and acne marks
• Diode laser- For moderate to severe acne
• Fractional CO2 and Erbium YAG lasers- Especially used post-acne for acne scars.

What to Expect from Acne Treatment with Laser?

• Pre-treatment: The skin needs to be kept sun-protected and protected from any injuries or conditions that irritate the skin. In case of susceptibility to cold sores, antiviral medications must be taken beforehand. 
• During treatment: The acne-affected skin will be cleansed and numbed locally. Both the practitioner and the patient will have to wear eye protection. Next, the laser handpiece will be placed over the skin to be treated, and section by section, the light will be passed into the skin. At this time, it’s expected to experience as if a superheated needle is pricking the skin. The procedure length depends on the severity of acne and the size of the treatment area.   
• After treatment: The treated skin becomes red or darker, tender, swollen, and even painful. It heals within a few hours or days. Follow-up care is a must, as advised. It’s crucial to keep treated skin clean, hydrated, non-irritated, and sun-protected.

Why Choose Laser Treatment for Acne Clearance and Managing Further Acne Breakouts?

Here are the reasons why acne treatment with lasers is favored by many:

• Lasers are effective when traditional treatments fail.
• Lasers target the root cause of active acne and yield fast, targeted outcomes. 
• Laser acne treatment allows for minimal downtime, in some cases. 
• Laser acne treatment is a professional, customisable, and drug-free option. 
• Laser acne treatment can improve both tone and texture of the skin. 

Consult Dr. Rasya Dixit for Professional Advice on Laser Acne Treatment

If seeking acne treatment, don’t miss out on a consultation with Dr. Rasya Dixit, best dermatologist in Bangalore for professional evaluation, recommendations on acne treatments, skincare guidance, and the best treatment results. Dr. Rasya Dixit is highly dedicated, skilled, and experienced in lasers for acne. Speak to her to learn about your candidacy and further treatment details.