Reducing the visibility of blemishes caused by previous acne flare-ups is the objective of laser therapy for acne scars. Almost 95% of those who experience pimples end up with scarring. Laser resurfacing involves the removal of the top layer of skin. This treatment generally has a quicker recovery period than other conventional methods. This article attempts to shed light on all the necessary details about laser resurfacing for acne scars.

Laser resurfacing for acne scars
Inflammation caused by acne can harm the deeper layers of the skin, resulting in scarring. Laser treatment can help get rid of these scars. It involves using an intense beam of laser light to target the skin’s surface and break up damaged tissues. This therapy also stimulates the growth of healthy skin cells, which covers the appearance of scars over time and relieves any discomfort they may cause.

Causes and symptoms of acne scars
When your pores get clogged with oils, dead skin, and bacteria, they become inflamed, leading to acne. Pimples can cause raised scars due to excess collagen production during healing.

When it comes to symptoms, the majority of acne scars appear as skin depressions or pits. These usually manifest on the face and can take the form of different types, such as boxcar scars, icepick scars, and rolling scars.

How laser resurfacing for acne scars works
Dermatologists use laser heat to remove the top layer of scarred skin. This peels away the damaged skin cells and rejuvenates the skin’s surface. This can result in smoother skin and less noticeable scars. The intense beam of laser light stimulates healthy skin cell growth, enhances collagen production to fill the depressions, and reduces inflammation, making scars appear smaller and less raised.

There are two types of laser treatment used to effectively treat acne scarring:

• Ablative lasers: This is an invasive treatment that removes the peripheral layer of the skin. This will cause skin redness.

• Non-ablative lasers: This is a less invasive option where the laser heat stimulates collagen production, causing the layer to become thicker. This improves elasticity and skin tone.

Risks and side effects
When getting laser treatment for acne scars, there are potential risks and adverse effects to consider. These may include the following:

• Swelling: The swelling can last for a day and go away.
• Redness: The intensity of the redness depends on the depth of the resurfacing. It may take up to ten days to fade away.
• Pain on the spot: Mild pain may result from the ablative laser treatment.
• Skin color changes: The ablative laser can cause the treated area to get darker or lighter in some individuals. This may be noticeable after weeks of treatment.
• Infection: Ablative laser treatment can sometimes cause an individual to get a viral or fungal infection.

Cost of laser resurfacing
The normal fee range for laser resurfacing acne scars is approximately $1,500 to $2,500. However, the cost of laser resurfacing depends on several factors, like the type of laser treatment, the number of scars, the size of the targeted area, and the number of treatment sessions required.

Laser resurfacing is the latest and most effective treatment for acne scars. Consult a dermatologist or look for a local specialist online to see if this treatment is right for you.