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Laser Treatment For Acne Scar

Get rid of acne scars and reveal a luminous complexion

If active acne isn’t distressing enough, those with acne scars suffer twice. Acne scars are the result of acne that has healed poorly. With laser skin treatments, acne scarring can be significantly faded to reveal a smooth, even complexion.

What is Laser Treatment for Acne Scars?

Laser treatment for scars works on the basis of what’s called the “heat and heal” phenomenon. The skin’s cells are heated by the laser energy to the point that those areas of skin are “damaged” by the heat. During the process of healing these treated areas, the body produces collagen. The collagen creates healthy new tissue.

Who is a Candidate for Laser Treatment for Acne Scars?

Those who suffer from bothersome acne scars after acne has cleared up can benefit from laser treatment. There are two types of acne scars: Hypertrophic and Atrophic. Hypertrophic acne scars, similar to keloid scars from other causes, are raised scars. These scars can feel rubbery or firm and can itch. Hypertrophic scars often expand beyond the edges of the injury that caused the scar (in this case, a pimple). Atrophic scars, also called depressed scars, are what they sound like: depressions in the skin. They most often appear as small, round pockmarks or what are known as “icepick” scars.

Most people believe that acne scars are a result of picking at acne. While picking at acne can create an infection that leads to a scar, a scar can develop even if the blemish isn’t touched at all. Pimples are, essentially, infected pores. When the pore swells up with dead skin cells, bacteria, and oil, a break occurs in the wall of the pore. If the break is shallow, the lesion will usually heal normally. However, if there is a deep break in the pore wall, the infectious material can invade the surrounding tissue and cause a deeper tear in the skin. The body attempts to heal these tears in the skin’s pores by sending collagen to the wound. Unfortunately, the enzymes that co-exist in the skin fight against the collagen. If the enzymes successfully destroy the collagen, the tissues do not heal normally. The result of this disorganized healing is a scar.

How is Laser Treatment for Acne Scars Performed?

Boca Raton plastic surgeon Dr. Jonathan Berman believes that the Fractional CO2 laser is the best for acne scarring because it delivers improvement in the skin over time with little to no downtime.

When you arrive at our Boca Raton plastic surgery office, you will be given medications to relax you, followed by the application of a cream anesthetic. Both you and Dr. Berman will wear special glasses to protect your eyes from the laser light. The laser handpiece makes a noise each time it treats a section of skin, followed by cooling. When the treatment is complete, you will feel as if you have a sunburn. Depending on the size of the area to be treated, your session may take from 20-45 minutes.

Recovery and Results

Discomfort after a Fractional CO2 laser treatment is fairly minimal, other than a feeling of sunburn and skin tightness that increase for a day or two before resolving. The skin will peel for a couple of days but other than peeling there is no dramatic crusting or oozing. Patients find it completely workable to have a Fractional CO2 laser treatment on Thursday or Friday and return to work or social activities the following Monday. Dr. Berman may give you a prescription for antibiotics and/or fungal medication as a precaution prior to a laser treatment for acne scarring. He will recommend the kind of post-laser skincare products for cleansing and toning the skin, as well as recommendations for sun exposure following laser treatments.

Acne scarring doesn’t have to ruin your life. Double board certified Boca Raton plastic surgeon Dr. Jonathan Berman has affordable laser treatments for acne that can literally change your life. If you’d like to evaluate the potential for lasers to minimize or eliminate your acne scars, call Dr. Berman’s office at 561-417-0171 today to schedule your private consultation, or complete our online consultation form.

Dr. Jonathan Ross Berman is a Boca Raton plastic surgeon who has been certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery with over 30 years of service experience specializing in Breast Augmentation, Rhinoplasty, Face Lift, Liposuction, and many other types of plastic surgery in Boca Raton, FL.

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