Treat Your Acne With Laser
Lasers in Dermatology
Dermatologists are using Lasers for just about everything, including hair removal, wrinkle removal and to improve acne.The word Laser that everyone is familiar with actually means Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. It was shortened to "LASER" so it would be easier to refer to.
In the following articles, you will read about the different types of LASER for Dermatology and how this can benefit you. We will also cover other treatment options.
Types of Lasers for Acne
Years ago, when Lasers first came out for the treatment of acne, the results were not as good as expected. Darker skinned people even experienced pigment changes to their skin. Lasers for skin problems have improved a lot since those earlier days. Laser machines have been improved so now it is a much accepted form of treatment for acne and acne scarring. There are different types of Lasers for acne, including the Diode Laser and the Pulse Dye Laser. The Laser for acne has also proved to be more effective in reducing acne than any OTC or prescription acne medicine.
Ask Your Doctor Which Laser Is Right For You
TheDiode Laser works by destroying the sebaceous glands in the thick middle layer of the skin called the dermis, without harming the outer layer of skin. Side effects can be temporary redness and swelling. Topical anesthesia helps lessen any discomfort during the procedure.
Blue light therapy. This therapy includes exposing the skin to a low-intensity blue light source that will destroy the P. acnes bacteria. This painless procedure is usually done as a series of sessions. P. acnes bacteria does multiply rapidly, so ongoing treatment is necessary for the best results. Possible side effects of blue light therapy include temporary redness and dryness in the treated areas. A newer type of light therapy that includes a combination of blue and red light may be more effective than blue light alone.
Pulsed light and Heat Energy Therapy. Pulsed light and heat energy working together is thought to destroy the P. acnes bacteria. It also shrinks sebaceous glands, which lessens the oil production. The FDA has approved this acne therapy that combines pulses of green-yellow light and heat to treat mild to moderate acne, including inflammatory acne. Side effects of this therapy include temporary redness in the treated areas.
Laser Resurfacing
There is another treatment option for people with pitting, or deep holes and scarring from severe acne. It is called Laser Resurfacing. The people who actually started with Laser Resurfacing, were movie stars and celebrities to get rid of wrinkles and showing their age. Doctors discovered that using carbon dioxide in the Laser would remove outer skin and change the texture of non-facial scarring. Laser resurfacing can treat fine to moderate wrinkles, age spots, sun-damaged skin, and acne or chickenpox scars. However, it can't remove deep wrinkles or sagging skin. Also, the results are not permanent because as you age, more lines and wrinkles will appear. Repeated treatments can be done though.
This procedure is done under anesthesia and involves a few days of redness and some recuperation. They also found that in addition to treating the acne, collagen cells are stimulated to renew the skin and prevent more outbreaks.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) This therapy involves the use of a topical drug and a special light source. The drug is called amino-levulinic acid which is a photosensitizer that will react with the light source. The topical solution is applied to the skin and is left on for a period of time. During this waiting period, your skin is a little uncomfortable, but the use of a fan blowing on your skin will help the discomfort. The skin is then exposed to the light source--blue, red, or laser light. The photosensitizer solution is then removed. Side effects are a little more uncomfortable for this procedure and include pain and discoloration. Ask your Dermatologist if this would be a good option for you.