What to Expect During a Laser Acne Treatment

Acne can be a frustrating condition that keeps you from enjoying your life to the fullest. Breakouts can ruin important events and even leave acne scars. While you have many options for treating acne, not everyone gets relief from these treatments. Laser acne treatment can provide long-lasting acne control that leaves your skin smooth and clear. 

What is Laser Acne Treatment?

Have you tried cleansers, topical treatments, or even oral medications like Accutane for your acne but not seen the results you want? Even the most treatment-resistant acne often responds to laser acne treatment. This treatment uses blue light energy that decreases breakouts without harming the skin for a gentle but highly effective way to manage acne. This treatment can be used alone or in combination with your current acne regimen to improve its results.

How Does Laser Acne Treatment Work?

Laser acne therapy uses blue light energy that helps control acne in several ways. First, it eliminates the acne-causing bacteria that live on your skin and inside your pores, preventing them from causing breakouts. The blue light also decreases inflammation in the outer layers of the skin, reducing redness and irritation. This blue light has no harmful effects on your skin cells. 

Those bothered by acne scars may be recommended for laser resurfacing. These treatments use laser energy to smooth your skin’s texture and tone. 

What to Expect During a Laser Acne Treatment

Your medical aesthetician will apply a cooling gel to your face to enhance the effectiveness of treatment. They will also place protective covers over your eyes. The handpiece emits pulses of blue light. This wavelength does not contain any UV light, so it does not increase the risk of skin cancer. You may have laser acne treatment on your face or almost anywhere on your body. Your medical aesthetician will customize the intensity of your treatment to meet your needs.

Is There Any Downtime After Laser Acne Treatment?

You can return to your usual activities after laser acne treatment with no downtime. However, you must wear sunscreen and avoid sun exposure after treatment to prevent UV damage to your skin. Your skin may look red or flushed, and you may experience some sensitivity for a few hours. Some topical acne medications can be irritating and should be avoided for a day or two after treatment. 

What Results Will I See After Laser Acne Treatment?

Most people will need a series of blue light treatments to get their acne under control. We usually recommend four to six sessions spaced a few weeks apart. Following this series, most people can maintain dramatically clearer skin with one treatment every six months. Some people with severe acne may need more frequent maintenance treatments. You will experience a decrease in the frequency and severity of your breakouts that may let you stop using other acne treatments. 

People who also have laser resurfacing for acne scars will typically see significant improvements in skin’s smoothness and brightness. Acne scar treatment often begins after acne breakouts have been brought under control.

Take the Next Step

If you’d like to learn more about laser acne treatment, schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Scott A. Greenberg and his team at Winter Park Plastic Surgery & Laser Center in Winter Park, FL (serving the Central Florida area). (407) 644-3137

*Individual results may vary