5 expert-recommended laser treatments to get rid of acne scars

New York Dermatologist Dr Kiran Lohia, MD, explains the different treatment options available for acne scars.

By: Dr Kiran Lohia | | Published: January 21, 2015 1:14 pm

Finally your pimples have disappeared. However, they have left unsightly craters all over your face. How do you finally get that smooth and clear skin back? Luckily, acne scars are now treatable with the advent of laser science. Prior to lasers, us dermatologists managed to get very mild results with peels and microdermabrasion. Now that technology has advanced and everyone can get clear skin. Read on to know the different laser treatments for acne scars. Also Read - Lighten your acne scars naturally

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There are many different kinds of lasers for acne scars. The oldest type is Fractional CO2 laser. This method is the strongest way to get rid of acne scars. Unfortunately, ther are some risks. After the process, you have scabs that can last up to 14 days, after which they fall off, leaving you with clearer skin. And, with Fractional CO2 laser, there is an almost 50% chance of getting PIH, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially in Indian skin. Luckily, many new technologies have come up now. Also read these other treatments for acne scar removal.

Fractionated Erbium: Yag or the Pixel Perfect

The most important and most effective laser treatment for acne scars that is safe for Indian skin is the Fractionated Erbium: Yag or the Pixel Perfect. Offering the same results as the CO2, without the risk, Pixel Perfect has become exceedingly popular, particularly in darker skin tones. Requiring 4-6 sittings, done every 3 weeks, you can see your skin get smoother after each session. However, there is a mild downtime, albeit less than Fractional CO2. With Pixel Perfect, you can see tiny dots on your skin that will be imperceptable to your friends and you can cover them up with make-up. These dots will disappear on their own after about 5 days. Here’s how to get rid of acne scars.

Fractional Microneedle or Sublative Radiofrequency

The next technology for acne scars is Fractional Microneedle or Sublative Radiofrequency. Using radiofrequency technology, the skin is fractionally ablated either through tiny needles or through energy. Afterwards, the skin rejuvenates itself while also increasing collagen synthesis. This science is quite safe, although slightly more painful than the Pixel Perfect. And again, you may see those tiny dots, but they can fall off in anywhere from 1-5 days as well. This technology is almost as effective as Pixel Perfect, especially because it will hit the deeper scars. Also try these home remedies for acne scars.

Fraxel or Fraser

Then there is Fraxel or Fraser, a non-ablative based therapy for acne scars. Offering less downtime than the Pixel Perfect or Fractional RF, Fraxel is much less effective as well. While more ablative technologies will give you results in around 4-6 sittings, a Fraxel or Fraser can only give you half the result. And, it cannot touch the deep scars, so those craters may be there even after multiple treatments. Fraxel or Fraser has its side-effects too. Many patients get a bronzed or tanned look that can last weeks, and some even get persistent redness lasting months. Read tips to choose skincare products for acne-prone skin.

Clearlift

Finally, Clearlift is the latest therapy for acne scars. Offering a gentle lifting of the pits, Clearlift has no downtime and no side-effects. You literally walk out of the centre looking like you were photoshopped. However, Clearlift is ideal for more shallow scars or undulations. And, you will need more sittings, but your overall skin tone, texture, lines and pigmentation will also improve, so if you need a 360 degree skin rejuvenation, then Clearlift may be the solution.

Image source: Getty Images

Published : January 21, 2015 1:14 pm

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