What type of lasers/energy based devices do we use to treat acne scarring?
This will depend on your comprehensive assessment and specific acne scar type. Lasers we use at Contour Clinics include:
- Fraxel laser- this is one of our favourite lasers for acne scarring, providing excellent results that are suitable for most scars in all skin types.
- Icon Max G intense pulsed light– this is perfect for lighter skin types who are experiencing redness from post inflammatory erythema (PIE) common to most in the early years following resolution of acne.
- 1064 Nd:YAG laser for reducing acne scarring redness in darker skin types. This also stimulates collagen giving your skin a healthy glow.
- Revlite q-switch laser- this is perfect for collagen stimulation to aid in acne scar remodelling as well as post inflammatory pigmentation common in darker skin types with acne.
- Morpheus Radiofrequency Skin Needling– It’s insulated tips mean its energy is concentrated to the deeper layers of the dermis where its needed. It is perfect for atrophic and rolling scars.
- Icon 1540 fractional non-ablative laser– this works in a similar way to Fraxel, but is slightly less aggressive for those who don’t have the same downtime available. It is safe in all skin types provided the skin has been appropriately prepared for treatment.
How do fractional laser scar treatments work?
Scar tissue is resurfaced with our fractional non-ablative technology. Specialist laser beams are passed in tiny columns through the outer layers of the skin where they treat a fraction of the skins surface. These lasers produce thousands of microscopic ablation zones within the treatment areas and extend deep into the dermis, where acne scars lie. Healthy skin is left around these ablation zones, allowing faster regeneration of the surrounding treated skin.
Our expert cosmetic professionals control the laser depth, energy and number of passes dependent on your specific acne scarring. This stimulates collagen production, causing renewal remodelling and tightening of scarring. The ‘fractional’ nature of laser columns means less downtime, with results comparable to the more ablative laser therapies. Different types of laser treatment may be selected depending on whether scarring is red, pigmented or your baseline skin colour.
Will laser acne scar treatments hurt?
This treatment is minimally uncomfortable. Topical anaesthetic creams can be used if required. Cold compresses are used throughout the treatment to reduce the hot sensation one may feel during laser treatments. Some patients describe a sunburn sensation once anaesthetic creams have worn off. This should subside in 6-24 hours.
What are the risks of laser resurfacing?
Risks associated with laser resurfacing are rare in the hands of expert medical practitioners.
Redness and a sunburn sensation are common post treatment. Your cosmetic professional will prescribe a post laser cream to soothe any redness that may result. Occasionally, you may experience blistering, which will heal without issue. Rarely, patients with darker skin may experience hyperpigmentation in the treatment area. A lightening cream may be prescribed prior to treatment if you are at risk. Scarring does not occur with non-ablative laser resurfacing.
What is the downtime associated with laser scar treatments?
This depends on the type of laser and energy selected to deliver the treatment. Recovery times can be tailored for each patient but are usually 2-7 days of redness and a sunburn-like sensation.
More aggressive treatments/treatment settings deliver better results, but longer downtimes. You may choose to have less aggressive treatments to reduce your social downtime, but more of them to arrive at the same final result at the end of your treatment plan.
How many fractional laser treatments will I need for my acne scars?
This will depend on the treatment modality used. As a general guide you can expect to have 3-5 sessions spaced 1-2 months apart.
The choice of treatment modality depends on your skin type, severity of acne scarring and tolerance of downtime.
