Laser Treatment for Acne Scars

Acne scars can be frustrating to live with. The texture of your skin can be rough, and you may feel uncomfortable with the blemishes that are in visible areas. Acne scarring doesn’t have to be permanent. With laser treatment for acne scars, it’s possible to remove dark spots and give yourself clear, healthy-looking skin again. At Schweiger Dermatology Group, our experts take the time to evaluate your acne scarring and determine the best laser for the type and severity.

Understanding Acne Scars

Acne scars occur because of damage to the pores and tissues around them. Some acne scars are small and quickly heal with time. Others are deeper and may leave lasting pits, textural variances on the skin, or discoloration. There are three types of acne scars: atrophic, hypertrophic, and keloid scars.

Atrophic scars are the most common and include rolling scars, boxcar scars, and ice-pick scars. Hypertrophic scars are caused by excess collagen from the skin’s surface when the injury attempts to heal. Hypertrophic scars are raised within the bounds of the original damage. Keloid scars spread out beyond the original injury to the skin and are raised. They can be itchy and irritating.

How Laser Acne Scar Removal Works

Laser acne scar removal is an advanced dermatological treatment that uses light to target and improve the appearance of acne scars. The procedure works through two primary mechanisms:

1. Ablative lasers, such as CO2 or Erbium YAG lasers, remove the top layer of damaged skin in the scarred area, promoting the growth of new, healthier skin cells.
2. Non-ablative lasers use heat to stimulate collagen production and encourage new cell growth beneath the skin’s surface, which helps to fill in and smooth out pitted scars.

Some treatments, like fractional laser therapy, combine both approaches by creating microscopic wounds in the skin to trigger the body’s natural healing process. The laser’s heat also helps improve blood flow to the treated area, reduce inflammation, and break apart scar tissue.

Recovery Time

The recovery time for laser acne scar removal depends on the kind of laser used. Ablative lasers and those that remove the skin will require more time to heal. These treatments may cause some pain, but downtime is generally limited to around a week (depending on how extensive the treatment is).

With other kinds of treatments, such as red light therapy, you won’t have any downtime. If you have a busy schedule, you may prefer only non- or minimally invasive treatments to make your skin blemish-free.

Common Laser Treatments for Acne Scars

Many different kinds of laser treatments can effectively remove acne scarring. This is why it’s important to seek the guidance of an acne scar dermatologist to determine the right laser for your needs, lifestyle, and preferences.

Fractional CO2 Laser

The fractional CO2 laser can treat acne and acne scars. It is an aggressive treatment that requires up to six days of downtime after each procedure. However, this laser therapy is very effective, often providing noticeable results after a single treatment.

It works by poking microscopic holes into the skin, which encourages the creation of healthy collagen that gets rid of acne scarring. Improvements are visible within a week and continue to get better over the following months. Due to the intensity of this treatment, it is only recommended for those with severe, deep scars.

IPL

IPL, also known as intense pulsed light, is a photo facial and nonsurgical option that can improve the appearance of the skin. It addresses the skin’s texture and color by using light energy to treat a range of conditions (including scarring). This is an excellent treatment for those with shallow acne scars, brown spots, and hyperpigmentation.

KTP

The KTP laser reduces redness around the face caused by rosacea, blood vessels, and post-inflammatory erythema (redness from acne). This treatment takes between one and three sessions to significantly improve the appearance of red acne scars, but you may notice slight improvement immediately. Over several weeks, results will become more apparent.

Fraxel®  Laser

Fraxel laser treatment is a non-ablative fractional laser that helps with the resurfacing of acne-scarred skin. The treatment improves the texture and tone of the skin, helping your skin look younger without extended downtime. One major benefit of Fraxel is that it is non-invasive, meaning no cutting or needling is involved. And it works in as little as a single treatment.

Red Light Therapy for Acne Scars

Red light therapy for acne scars is a noninvasive option that helps reduce skin inflammation that can lead to permanent acne marks. It is pain-free, making it a great choice for pediatric patients and those with sensitive skin. There is no downtime with this procedure.

Benefits of Laser Treatment for Acne Scars

There are many benefits of laser treatment for acne scars. First, it can smooth out the texture of the skin and help reduce or remove the pitting and depth caused by deep acne scars. Another key benefit is the stimulation of collagen.

This vital protein can also improve the skin’s elasticity and firmness, helping fill in scars for a more youthful, healthy appearance. Lastly, laser treatments are targeted so the surrounding healthy skin won’t be impacted. This is the reason behind shorter downtimes and pain related to dark spot removal.

Is Laser Acne Scar Removal Painful?

Laser acne scar removal isn’t entirely pain-free. During the procedure, patients can expect to experience some mild discomfort, typically described as a sensation of heat and slight stinging as the laser targets the scarred areas. To minimize pain, dermatology specialists apply a topical anesthetic before the treatment, effectively numbing the area.

After the procedure, some patients may experience temporary side effects such as swelling, itching, redness, and mild bleeding. These effects are usually mild and tend to improve within a few days. Over-the-counter pain medication can effectively manage any post-treatment discomfort.

How Many Laser Sessions Does It Take to Remove Acne Scars?

On average, most individuals need between 3 to 6 laser acne scar treatments for best results. The exact number of sessions needed is influenced by several factors, including the severity of the scars, the type of laser being used, the individual’s skin type and response to treatment, and whether the laser therapy is combined with other treatments.

For instance, stronger ablative lasers might only require a single session, but these treatments often come with more downtime and potential side effects. In contrast, less invasive laser treatments like Clear + Brilliant, typically involve 30-minute sessions spaced weeks apart. When multiple sessions are required, they are usually scheduled 3 to 4 weeks apart to allow adequate time for skin healing between treatments.

Keep in mind that everyone’s skin is different and some may require more laser sessions or longer healing periods between sessions.

Laser Acne Scarring Treatment at Schweiger Dermatology Group

At Schweiger Dermatology Group, we’re ready to help you get the clear skin you want without signs of previous blemishes. We offer many of the best acne scar treatments, ranging from the F.A.S.T. technique (Focal Acne Scar Treatment) to photodynamic therapy, which kills the bacteria that causes breakouts and reduces the likelihood of developing future scars. Contact us today or find a location to schedule a consultation with one of our acne scar specialists.

Reviewed by Dr. Jason Miller.