Acne Laser Treatment
Acne is a skin disorder that affects millions of people of all ages. Clogged pores or hair follicles under the skin cause acne. It is most often on the face but is also sometimes seen on other parts of the body such as the back or arms. While mild acne may be successfully treated with over the counter topical methods, a dermatologist must treat severe acne. One of the new methods becoming popular is acne laser treatment.
Laser stands for "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation". Laser energy can be provided by many sources. The different sources emit different wavelengths and thus deliver different depths of penetration. Laser treatments work by removing the damaged skin areas beneath the surface. Different wavelengths target different elements in the skin.
Because lasers emit a tiny stream of light they are able to target specific areas of the skin without damaging surrounding areas. This results in better healing of the skin after treatment so that the incidence of scarring is lowered. When lasers were first used they were not as precise and have been replaced by newer laser technology that is preferred. These newer lasers can target the source of the acne such as the sebaceous glands or the blood vessels that cause swelling without hurting the surrounding skin.
New laser treatments don't require much healing time so that patients can resume normal activities quickly. The new devices are also much less painful than earlier versions were. Several types of laser treatments have been approved for use in the treatment of acne. There are two main types of laser treatments, ablative and non-ablative. Ablative types heat larger areas of skin and require more healing time. These may be good for treating certain types of acne that are not deep. Non-ablative laser treatments are by far the most common and have fewer side effects. Some of the common names of laser treatments are OmniLux Blue, LuxV, CoolTouch, Smoothbeam and CO2. The number of treatment needed to get results varies based on the severity of the acne and the type of laser used. Typically, initial treatments may be weekly for 6 to 8 weeks. Once the active acne is contained it may be necessary to get regular maintenance laser treatments to minimize acne flare-ups. These may be monthly or bi-monthly as recommended by your doctor. You also should check with your medical insurance provider to find out if it covers the treatment you prefer. In the past laser many insurance companies often categorized treatments as "cosmetic" so they were not covered. Depending on the specific laser treatment used you can expect to see results anywhere from one day to one month after starting treatment. You should discuss this with your dermatologist before deciding on the treatment you prefer. Laser treatments are often combined with other topical treatments. Your doctor prescribes these topical medications and their use may be instrumental in the proper application of your acne laser treatment. Always make sure to understand the procedure being done ahead of time so you are prepared for what happens next.
Skin Acne Cleanser
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