After experiencing moderate to severe acne, acne scars can appear and remain long after the skin has cleared. Among the variety of scar treatments available, laser acne scar treatment is a particularly effective option that can achieve noticeable results.
If you’re thinking about undergoing laser treatment to reduce the appearance of acne scars, read on to learn more about what you can expect from the treatment. For more personalised advice, you are welcome to contact our team and book a consultation at Infinity Skin Clinic in Sydney.
How laser treatment works for acne scars
Laser acne scar treatment uses concentrated beams of light to target the scarred skin, gradually improving acne scars.
Deeply reaching the skin’s underlying layers, the treatment essentially works by promoting collagen production, which slowly improves the treated skin. Collagen production is triggered in the body when our natural healing process begins, which the laser helps to prompt.
Over time, the result is the production of new collagen in the area causing a reduction in the appearance of scarring. The treatment usually requires multiple sessions, as the skin’s healing process is gradual, and it will depend on the depth and severity of your acne scars.
How to know if you are a suitable candidate for laser
Generally, suitable candidates for laser acne scar treatment will be those who do not have any active acne, active skin infections or open wounds in the area – the treatment can target scarring that remains after the acne has disappeared but is not ideal for current acne breakouts.
Candidates will also need to meet other important requirements, such as knowing the importance of following aftercare instructions, and being committed to their treatment plan to be able to see effective results.
At Infinity Skin Clinic, we will conduct a detailed assessment of your skin during a consultation to help evaluate whether or not our laser scar treatment will be right for you. We will assess your skin type, the severity of the scars, and discuss any important details that we may need to know about your medical history.
For those who may not be suitable candidates for laser treatment, either due to skin type, medical conditions, or other reasons, there are some alternative treatments available. Having a consultation allows us to assess your needs and recommend the right treatment.
The personalised nature of laser acne scar treatments
Thanks to highly advanced laser treatment technology, our team can ensure that your treatment is tailored to your skin’s needs.
Once we assess your skin during your initial consultation, we will create a personalised treatment plan, designed to accommodate the specific type of acne scarring you have.
The laser device’s settings can be tailored to suit your skin type, accommodate skin sensitivity and reduce the risk of complications occurring during your treatment. Your treatment plan will also include the ideal number of sessions that you may need to achieve the results you want.
Preparing for laser: What to do before your first treatment session
Before you have your first laser treatment session, you’ll need to follow some steps to make sure that your skin is ready and that the chance of encountering complications can be minimised.
Most importantly, you’ll need to avoid excessive sun exposure, shielding your skin from UV rays before your treatment. Laser uses concentrated light to treat your skin, which can involve heat, so it is important that your skin is free from sunburn and other changes that can occur in the skin due to UV ray exposure.
As the skin can become sensitive after laser treatment, you will also need to take some steps beforehand to help reduce this sensitivity. Certain skincare products and medications can increase your skin’s sensitivity, so you’ll need to stop using these before undergoing laser. We can discuss the types of products and medications during your first consultation with us.
Your laser treatment session: How your treatment will be performed
At the beginning of your laser treatment, we will thoroughly cleanse your skin to remove any bacteria. We can also apply a topical anaesthetic, if you prefer, which can help minimise any discomfort during the treatment.
We will then carefully pass the laser on your skin to precisely deliver focused beams of light to the scarred area. The depth of the laser can be adjusted to suit your individual needs.
As the laser treats your skin, you may feel a sensation of warmth and a series of quick, sharp pricks. However, the treatment is usually described as tolerable overall, especially with a topical anaesthetic.
The details of your laser treatment, such as how long it will take, will depend on the type and the extent of your scarring. Depending on the extent of the treatment area, your treatment session can last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. We’ll do our best to explain what you can expect during your consultation so that you feel prepared on the day of your treatment.
Aftercare: How to care for your skin after laser
The skin in the treated area can be quite sensitive after laser treatment. That’s why it’s important to care for your skin correctly and avoid any irritants or actions that could cause issues while your skin heals.
After your treatment, the treated skin can appear red and slightly swollen, similar to sunburn. It’s generally normal for your skin to appear this way after laser. Your skin can also feel warm. The severity will depend on your individual skin response and the intensity of the treatment.
The most important aftercare steps that you will need to follow after your treatment include keeping your skin clean with a gentle cleanser, avoiding scratching or picking at the skin, and avoiding sun exposure. Like preparing your skin for the treatment, helping your skin heal will also require you to avoid using strong skincare products. You can usually apply a soothing and cooling ointment or cream while the skin heals, which can also help with any discomfort.
When you don’t correctly care for your skin after the laser, you put your skin at risk of prolonged healing or even hyperpigmentation. Essentially, not following your aftercare instructions can make the treatment counterproductive, so recovery steps are a key part of your entire acne scar treatment process.
During your consultation, we will give you personalised aftercare instructions based on your skin’s needs and the details of your laser treatment. Your aftercare instructions will be part of your personalised treatment plan to reduce the appearance of acne scars.
Laser acne scar treatment at Infinity Skin Clinic in Sydney
For a personalised, effective and comprehensive acne scar treatment plan, you may be suitable for our laser treatment options at Infinity Skin Clinic.
Your consultation will provide you with more information on laser acne scar treatment, including how it works and the results it may achieve for you.
Please contact our team to organise a consultation!