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What is Laser Acne Therapy?

Pamela Pleasant
Pamela Pleasant

Laser acne therapy is a procedure used to eliminate acne. It can also help to remove permanent scarring associated with acne. This medical procedure is typically used when other types of treatments are not effective. There are several different kinds of laser acne therapy, all of which address specific problems. These problems can vary for each individual patient.

There are two types of acne, each with specific symptoms. Inflamed acne causes inflammation in the infected area and can produce larger, painful pustules. It is typically responsible for damaging the skin and causing permanent scars. Non-inflamed acne usually is not painful, but it can change the texture of the skin, even if no pustules are present. Severe acne can produce blackheads, pustules, or hardened and painful cysts that appear on the face or back.

Laser therapy can be a more expensive way of eliminating acne than traditional methods.
Laser therapy can be a more expensive way of eliminating acne than traditional methods.

Laser acne therapy can be more expensive than most traditional methods of controlling acne. It is known to be more effective than these traditional treatments. Moisturizers and topical ointments may have to be applied to the skin for several weeks after a laser procedure is done.

The various other treatments for acne are not always used in the same way. For example, a patient suffering with non-inflamed acne may only need a resurfacing treatment to improve the skin’s appearance. In other cases, the laser acne therapy can shrink the sebaceous gland, which is responsible for producing oil within the skin. Propionibacterium acnes are caused by an excessive amount of bacteria in the skin. Laser acne therapy can eradicate the bacteria, which can help to stop severe breakouts.

Lasers can be used to reduce acne scarring.
Lasers can be used to reduce acne scarring.

Laser light therapies are commonly used for propionibacterium acnes. Although they may be effective when eliminating bacteria, several sessions may be necessary before any results are seen. This type of therapy can also produce temporary symptoms such as swollen and reddened skin. Light therapies are normally not painful, but they can considerably dry the skin. Topical ointments and lotions can be used to reduce these side effects.

Blue light therapy can help clear up acne.
Blue light therapy can help clear up acne.

Diode laser treatments can be painful acne treatments. This is because the laser is used on the middle layers of the skin and does not affect the surface layers. It addresses problems associated with an over production of oil and helps to slow down this natural process. Before this procedure is done, a dermatologist may use a skin-numbing analgesic to lessen the pain. Diode laser treatments typically do not change the appearance of the surface skin but can cause temporary swelling and redness until the skin starts to heal.

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    • Laser therapy can be a more expensive way of eliminating acne than traditional methods.
      By: Ocskay Bence
      Laser therapy can be a more expensive way of eliminating acne than traditional methods.
    • Lasers can be used to reduce acne scarring.
      By: Budimir Jevtic
      Lasers can be used to reduce acne scarring.
    • Blue light therapy can help clear up acne.
      By: Gordana Sermek
      Blue light therapy can help clear up acne.