Can Laser Treatments Help Diminish Acne Scars?

Acne scars can have a significant impact on a person's confidence and self-esteem. With advances in dermatology and nonsurgical treatments, laser therapy has emerged as an effective option for reducing the appearance of acne scars.

At VivaSkin Dermatology and Aesthetics in Wellesley, MA, Dr. Hyemin Pomerantz offers advanced laser treatments for fading acne scars and treats patients from all over Massachusetts, including Newton, Westin, Needham, and Dover.

Keep reading to find out how laser treatments can diminish acne scars and help prevent them from forming in the first place.

How do laser treatments help fade acne scars?

Laser acne treatment has been shown to effectively reduce the appearance of acne scars and give patients a more even skin texture in a few ways, depending on the type of laser used. Overall, the goal of the laser is to target damaged skin and stimulate the body's natural healing response using focused light energy.

Ablative lasers remove the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and heat the underlying layer (dermis) to stimulate the production of new collagen fibers. As the skin heals from the treatment, the new collagen helps to fill in the depressions and irregularities caused by acne scars, resulting in a smoother and more even skin texture.

Non-ablative lasers work by targeting the dermis without damaging the epidermis. They also stimulate collagen production to help to improve the skin's tone and texture. While they are less invasive and typically have a shorter recovery time, they may require more treatment sessions to achieve optimal results.

Fractional lasers can be either ablative or non-ablative. These lasers create microscopic columns of controlled damage in the skin, leaving the surrounding healthy tissue intact. This approach accelerates the healing response and reduces the risk of side effects and downtime.

How does laser treatment for acne scarring work?

During laser treatment, Dr. Pomerantz will apply numbing cream to the treatment area to minimize any discomfort. Protective eyewear will also be provided to ensure your safety. The laser treatment typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the treatment area.

After the treatment, you may experience mild redness, swelling, and a sunburn-like sensation. These side effects generally subside within a few days. It is essential to follow aftercare instructions, including avoiding sun exposure, using a gentle cleanser, and applying a moisturizer and sunscreen.

Most patients will see a noticeable improvement in their acne scars after a single treatment. However, multiple sessions spaced 4 – 6 weeks apart may be recommended to achieve optimal results.

How does the Accure laser help patients with acne?

The Accure is a light-based laser that delivers pulses to the skin's sebaceous glands. These are the glands that produce the oily substance called sebum. While sebum is necessary to our skin's health, those with acne tend to have overproductive sebaceous glands that produce excess sebum that can clog hair follicles. When follicles are clogged with sebum and skin cells, they provide an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria that causes acne.

By targeting the sebaceous glands with Accure, Dr. Pomerantz can reduce sebum production so that it's enough to hydrate skin but not so much that it causes breakouts.

The Accure laser is carefully calibrated to deliver the correct amount of light to the oil glands. In addition, it has temperature control settings that ensure there is no damage to the surrounding skin. This is why having an experienced professional like Dr. Pomerantz perform this procedure is crucial.

Get laser treatment for acne scars in Wellesley, MA

If you want to reduce acne scars and resurface your skin for a smooth, even complexion, lasers are a promising option. Some lasers, like the Accure laser, can even help prevent the acne flare-ups that cause scarring.

If you're considering laser treatment for your acne or acne scars, schedule a consultation with Dr. Hyemin Pomerantz at VivaSkin Dermatology and Aesthetics in Wellesley, MA. She welcomes individuals from the surrounding areas of Newton, Westin, Needham, and Dover, MA.