Especially, since it is not life threatening in any way, acne turns out to be more of a social condition than a medical one. The myths about acne are hard to dispel and often, people are judged for the acne they have. Everyone wants a quick yet safe method of getting rid of or at least reducing the bane called acne.

Acne laser treatments show quick results and do not require the patient to undergo hospitalization. It can yield a marked reduction in acne lesions in over 90% of cases. Dr. Rox Anderson, practicing dermatologist at Harvard and the lead author of a study on medical applications of free-electron laser at Jefferson Lab, says a selective laser treatment for acne could potentially replace the best acne drug.

What the Doctors Say

Doctors report that a single treatment session reduces the severity of acne by half. Findings indicate that the laser not only treats acne, but also helps renew the skin and prevent future acne outbreaks. There are many laser treatments available in the market. It is however, most important to ascertain that you are going to a doctor who has been recommended as a certified laser surgeon.

Smoothbeam Laser Acne Treatment

Smoothbeam emits a wavelength of light that is strongly absorbed by water in your skin. As the laser penetrates into the skin, heat is generated in and around the sebaceous glands in the upper layers of the skin. The heating creates a mild thermal injury that eventually controls acne. A probe delivers the laser pulses to the skin and a small spray of coolant protects the outer layer of the skin from damage.

Shortly after the first treatment, a reduction in the number of acne lesions will be noticeable. These lesions do not reappear for as long as 6 months. Patients usually describe the pain as mild with little more than a slight snapping or stinging sensation. In occasional cases topical anesthetics are used, should the discomfort level be higher. Many patients are concerned about burning of the skin as the treatment involves heat. There is no burning or scarring as the outer skin is not manipulated. However, some redness is indicated for a few hours.

Laserscope

A laserscope is a device that delivers green laser light through the skin’s surface, which activates the body‘s natural bacteria fighting defenses. The severity of the existing acne, as well as future breakouts are reduced due to these defences. The treatment is done under the consultation of dermatologists. A laser hand piece merely glides over the gel-applied, treatment area. In the course of this brushing motion, the laser light is pulsed through the skin. This is about as painful as a rubber band snapping against the skin. However, areas with active acne can experience more pain and the medical practitioner may advise local anesthetics. The face appears flushed or swollen for a few hours after the treatment, but gradually subsides. The long-term safety record and lack of side effects makes this treatment popular.

With the leap of technology and the massive improvement in cosmetic surgery techniques, laser is pretty much the answer to your prayers!