Acne is a very common skin condition, which tends to affect teenagers as a result of hormonal changes taking place in the body, but can affect older people as well. Most people will experience acne at some stage of their life, although for many it lasts only a short period of time and is very mild. Acne is characterised by spots, which develop on the face and other parts of the body, most commonly: the back, chest and neck.

There is no cure for acne but there are many treatments, which can be used to control and ease the symptoms. In very severe cases, medication, such as antibiotics and strong topical creams, can be prescribed.

Acne Scarring

One of the possible complications of acne is acne scarring. This occurs when the skin becomes scarred and is most common in those who have suffered from severe acne and developed spots and cysts, for example. Acne scars occur when the cysts burst and cause damage to the surrounding skin. Scars are not painful but they affect the aesthetic of the skin and this can have implications for self-confidence and self-esteem. Many of those who have acne scars feel unattractive and uncomfortable in social situations.

There are different types of scar and scarring, which affects people in different ways.  Very mild scars may be barely visible, while severe scarring will be highly visible.

Laser Treatment for Acne Scarring

Laser therapy is an effective treatment for acne scarring. It is generally recommended for patients with minor or moderate scarring. There are two main types of laser therapy, known as ablative laser treatment and non-ablative laser treatment.

Ablative laser therapy involves using lasers to remove a small area of the skin around the scarring. This is designed to produce a new patch of smooth, attractive and healthy looking skin.

Non-ablative laser therapy involves using lasers to stimulate the production of collagen, a protein, which has a number of important roles in the body. The production of collagen helps to repair the skin, creating smooth, healthy-looking skin and reducing the appearance of the scarring.

Microdermabrasion can be used in tandem with laser therapy. This treatment involves passing a small hand-held device over the skin to remove dead skin cells and exfoliate the skin. After this laser therapy is used and the treatment is repeated in a number of sessions. The result is a smoother, clearer complexion. The success of treatment depends heavily on the depth and severity of scarring.

What Are The Benefits of Laser Therapy for Acne Scarring?

Acne scarring is not a health problem and it does not cause any pain or unpleasant symptoms. However, it can have a real impact on self-esteem and affect the way people live their lives. Laser therapy is a means of reducing scarring, which can entirely transform the way you look, by giving you more confidence and increasing your self-esteem. Laser therapy is carried out over a number of sessions, but the results should start to become visible after just a few sessions. The exact number of sessions needed depends on the severity of scarring.

Laser treatment is considered to be very safe when administered by a trained professional and it is a painless treatment. There are no incisions or injections to worry about.