Acne laser skin resurfacing?

Laser Skin Resurfacing for Acne

• Answer:

  Acne is one of the most pervasive skin conditions in America, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. There is no consensus on the exact causes of acne, and there is no cure that works on all people. Severe cases of acne may involve inflammation, infection and scarring. Dermatologists use a variety of methods for treating acne scars, including dermabrasion, surgery, chemical peels, skin fillers and laser skin resurfacing. Significance Severe acne is not a life-threatening disease, but it can produce serious consequences to the patient's quality of life, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Acne breakouts and their resulting scars may have a detrimental effect on a patient's self-esteem. It may diminish their self-confidence. In some cases it can even lead to depression. Severe acne is linked to anxiety, social withdrawal, poor body image, and feelings of anger, embarrassment and frustration. People with severe acne have a higher rate of unemployment than the general population, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Function There are two basic methods of laser skin resurfacing. Ablative laser skin resurfacing functions by applying precise laser light energy to the affected skin surface. The laser vaporizes the surface layer of the skin in tiny increments, which allows the fresh, new skin beneath to appear. Nonablative laser skin resurfacing functions by applying the laser energy to the skin cells below the surface layer. This process stimulates the production of collagen, which gives the skin a more youthful appearance. Features Ablative laser skin resurfacing procedures may produce significant results after only one treatment while nonablative laser skin resurfacing may require repeated treatments to achieve similar results, according to the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery. Both types of laser skin resurfacing procedures are typically performed in the physician's office on an outpatient basis, and utilize a local or general anesthetic. Time Frame Laser skin resurfacing procedures may take from 30 minutes to two hours, depending upon the location of the body being treated and the surface area being treated. A full-face treatment typically takes from one and one-half to two hours, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Recovery time following ablative laser skin resurfacing typically takes at least two weeks. Nonablative laser skin resurfacing has a significantly shorter recovery period. Warning As with all medical procedures, laser skin resurfacing involves some risk. Some patients may experience a lightening (hypopigmentation) or darkening (hyperpigmentation) of the skin in the treated area. Patients who suffer from cold sores due to the herpes simplex may experience new outbreaks. Laser skin resurfacing typically causes swelling in the treated area. There is also a minimal risk of burning or scarring, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Patients who smoke may experience a delay in the healing process.