Laser Acne Treatment, Frequently Asked Questions

Laser Acne treatment FAQs

The treatment of inflammatory acne is constantly gaining popularity among patients seeking a drug-free alternative to treat this chronic, common skin disease that affects up to 80% of individuals at some time in their life. IPL systems provide very satisfactory results in the treatment of mild and moderate inflammatory acne, by reducing the number of papules and pustules by 60-65%. This is achieved using three effective, safe and reliable clinical mechanisms: visible blue light absorption to destroy the bacteria, yellow light to coagulate the feeding blood vessels and infrared light to dry the lesions.

This gentle blue light laser is specifically designed to treat the uppermost layers of skin without causing further damage to its delicate structure. For this reason, it's called a non-ablative (non-wounding) laser.

When this laser is applied to the skin, the scar is exposed to IPL laser energy that penetrate the affected skin to stimulate the creation of fresh tissue. In the time following a series of sessions, the scar gradually improves. Treatment with this device is virtually painless, and requires no anesthesia and no downtime afterward.

How laser treats Inflammatory Acne?

Acne arises from an inflammatory process induced by bacteria. These bacteria live in Sebaceous glands (hair and sweat glands) in the skin. Blue light hand piece utilizes Acne Photo-Clearing wavelength to precisely target and destroy surface and ductal propionibacterium acnes (P.acnes) fast and easy. This process is very quick and easy, and the intense, 415mm wave length light goes down deep into the tissue to target the bacterium and signal the production of endogenous Porphyrins that attack and destroy the bacterium.

Whenever acne bacteria are irradiated by a 415 nm blue light hand piece, free radicals (Porphyrin) are produced in the sebaceous gland that destroys the bacteria on the acne lesions.

The hand piece also emits yellow light that shrinks the blood vessels supplying the lesion, improving healing.

What are the Advantages of using laser?

• A non-drug acne treatment alternative • Fast results • No secondary effects • No down time

What is the Treatment Like?

The treatment is not painful because it is completely non-invasive, and a full-face treatment takes only about 25 minutes. During treatment, you will lie down comfortably while the treatment light is administered to the treatment area. You can even relax by listening to music during the treatment. Afterwards, you can return to your normal routine, since downtime is not required. This is especially important for people with important daily activities and for teenagers and young adults.

When will I see results from laser acne treatment?

Results are not immediate. You will notice a gradual reduction in acne breakouts in the time following a session.

How many sessions will I need?

On average, 8 to 12 sessions are needed, occurring two times per week. If you are a minor, you will require parental/guardian consent.

How will I look after the treatment?

You may be slightly red for up to one hour post-treatment, and will have hardly any downtime.

What areas can be treated?

Any area where acne appears on the body can be treated. However, the face is generally the most common area treated.

Who can be treated?

This treatment is designed for men and women who want to get rid of acne and acne scars. If you are a minor, you will require parental/guardian consent.

How is laser acne treatment better than creams or ointments?

Traditionally, acne and acne scarring removal was treated with harsh chemicals or medications that often affected the healthy surrounding skin as well. With laser acne treatment side effects, if any are few. Many patients experience no downtime. The procedure itself is also virtually painless, and can achieve results more quickly than other methods.

How will I look after acne scar treatment?

You may be pink for a few days post-treatment. This varies from patient to patient.

What areas can be treated for acne scarring?

Any area where acne scars appear on the body can be treated. However, the face is generally the most common area treated.

What Can I Expect From Treatment?

The Blue Light procedure eliminates the majority of acne inflammation in just a few visits. There are almost no possible side effects, and no downtime is required. The use of antibiotics is also not necessary with the APC™ technology.