Laser Treatment Worth To Try?

Acne affects 80% of people between 11 and 30 years old. It is manifested by an obstruction of sebaceous glands (sebum producers) and outbreaks of lesions: comedones, blackheads, infected pimples ... In the most severe cases, imperfections are similar to nodules that can be very painful. Most often located on the face, acne can also affect the back, chest, shoulders and neck. It goes without saying that the basic treatment of acne is not based on laser treatment. However, the latest generation lasers are being used more and more by your dermatologist to help in the treatment of acne. The main goal compared to antibiotic treatments or isotretinoin, is to treat only affected areas, without general side effects. Indeed, some patients are now opposed to taking general treatments or have contraindications to these treatments.

The laser is not intended for mild forms of acne for which local treatments must be sufficient, however, the laser is not a magic wand that will erase acne alone ..., effective and safe. Laser is rather a therapeutic approach against moderate to severe acne and acne scars.

From hope to laser efficiency

Lasers are effective on inflammatory lesions, regulate secretion of sebum and provide a complementary improvement by tightening pores and reducing the most superficial scars by stimulating the collagen they induce. The principle of laser treatment of acne is to reduce the proliferation of bacteria and temporarily alter the sebaceous glands responsible for acne breakouts. At the origin of an original phototherapy experience back in the year 2000 the British researchers reported the first use of a low power pulsed dye laser (LCP) in the treatment of acne. This laser is commonly used in dermatology in the treatment of wine stains, rosacea and other warts but nothing a priori seemed to indicate it in the treatment of acne.

The results of accidental correction of acne by this technique collected in various clinics have yet put the ear of our researchers. Thus, 41 patients were recruited, 31 underwent a session of this new treatment and 10 a "false" treatment. Over three months, the people treated showed a marked improvement in their condition with a reduction in the severity of acne of 50%, a reduction in the number of scars of 53% (against 9% in the other group) and halving inflammatory lesions (49% versus only 10% in the control group). Well tolerated, this approach gives the best results within 4 weeks after laser treatment.

Today photobiomodulation treatment, light emitting diodes (LEDS) is used to treat inflammatory acne and improve skin texture (scars). The advantage of this treatment is that it is well tolerated and avoids the side effects of oral acne treatments. How works? It temporarily alters the sebaceous glands responsible for acne breakouts and decreases the proliferation of bacteria.

Laser therapy in stages

The treatment is done on cleansed skin. The patient wears eye protection in the form of shells, glasses or pads. The laser treatment is not painful (tingling and heat effect).

The consequences of the laser treatment: They are simple. In addition to the feeling of warmth, the skin is red for a few hours. The application 2 times / day of a non-comedogenic and soothing moisturizer for a few days is sufficient.

Risks, side effects and contraindications

Sensation of sunburn (a few hours in general, maximum 2 days). Redness and transient swelling. Transient aggravation of acne (more or less marked according to the types of laser) as at the beginning of all the acne treatments because the deep cysts are eliminated progressively. It is particularly important to work on already treated skin to facilitate the passage of light and reduce transient aggravations and to meet a delay of at least 6 months after stopping isotretinine.

During an obligatory preliminary consultation, your dermatologist will define the possible contraindications. Pregnancy: This is not a contraindication and lasers are often offered in severe cases of acne pregnancy when the patient can not take drugs or apply some dangerous creams.

Laser Acne Scarring Treatment: Transient hyperpigmentations are possible with ablative lasers, especially in the case of dull or tanned skin. Final hypopigmentation is exceptional after a fractional CO2 laser. Annoying reactions may occur with certain medications (isotretinoin). You must inform your dermatologist of any medication or difficulty in healing.