Acne is the bane of most people’s existence. For most, acne is a temporary experience that they grow out of, but others struggle with it for many years and in different capacities.
Acne can leave behind scars that are more than just cosmetic drawbacks. They leave permanent marks that can affect your self-esteem and social life. These scars result from breakouts that cause the skin to rupture and heal with a different texture and appearance than normal skin.
Luckily there are various treatments available to help eradicate these scars. One such treatment is laser acne scar removal. This procedure helps eliminate red marks left by acne spots and stimulates skin renewal to reduce visible signs of blemishes. Let’s take a look at what you need to know before getting this treatment and how much it costs.
What Are The Different Types Of Acne Scars?
When it comes to acne scars, there are two types you should be aware of: depressed and elevated. The first type of acne scarring, depressed acne scars, happens when the wound is deep enough to break all the way through the skin and create a sunken area. Elevated scars, on the other hand, happen when the wound is shallow enough that it doesn’t go all the way through the skin. Instead, it forms a sort of bump or hill on the skin’s surface.
How Much Is Laser Acne Scar Removal?
The cost of laser scar removal for acne varies depending on a case by case basis. You can expect the dermatology treatment to cost £150 for a single treatment, £220 for two treatments, and £100 for any subsequent treatments you need, depending on the severity of scarring. While the above price range is a good estimate, it’s also important to note that the price of laser acne scar removal can depend on a few different factors. When you’re considering the treatment, and you’re wondering, “how much is laser acne scar removal?” it’s always best to arrange a consultation. For more information on this treatment and expert advice, browse our blog.
How Does Laser Acne Scar Removal Work?
Laser acne scar removal works by targeting blood vessels under the surface of the skin. The laser energy is applied with a small handheld device, which penetrates into and damages the blood vessels. Doing so helps to reduce the appearance of old acne scars by fading the marks and making the skin less visible.
What Are The Risks Or Side Effects?
Like with any form of treatment, there are certain side effects to be aware of. Redness or swelling in the treated area is common, as is mild pain, itching, or burning. You may even experience mild numbness or tingling in the treated area. These side effects usually disappear within a few hours or a few days following the procedure. The risks involved with laser acne scar removal are relatively low. However, you should speak to your medical provider about risks specific to you before having the procedure.
What Results Should You Expect From This Treatment?
The results of laser acne scar removal will depend on various factors such as the severity of your scarring, the type of laser used, and the number of treatments you receive. However, you can expect to see noticeable improvements in the texture and appearance of your skin after a few treatments. You should expect to notice a reduction in redness, an evenness in your skin tone, and a reduction in the appearance of acne marks. While you do not expect to see an entirely scar-free face, you should see a reduction in the severity of scarring and some improvement in the texture of your skin.
Preparations For Laser Acne Scar Removal
Before you have a laser acne scar removal treatment, it’s important to let your doctor know if you have any allergies or are currently taking any medications. In addition to this, you should plan to avoid using facial products, such as moisturisers, before the treatment. Make sure to hydrate yourself before the treatment and drink plenty of water throughout the day. This will help your skin retain the water that it needs for the procedure.
Preventing Future Acne Scars
Although laser acne scar removal is an effective treatment for reducing the appearance of acne scars, it’s important to note that it is not a cure for acne. Once you have acne, it’s important to understand how to prevent further scarring. You can reduce breakouts by following a healthy skincare routine, eating a balanced diet, and getting plenty of sleep. You can also consider adding an acne treatment to your skincare routine.
Don’t Squeeze, Pop, Or Pick At Acne Spots
Squeezing acne spots can cause ruptured blemishes and leave behind scars. You should never squeeze or pick at spots, as this can lead to scarring. Instead, you should use acne-fighting face washes and creams to clear up acne and prevent future scars. You can also talk to your GP about prescription acne treatments.
Speak To Your GP About Breakout Treatments
If you’re having particularly bad breakouts regularly, you may want to look into stronger treatments. Your doctor may recommend using a combination of prescription treatments, such as topical creams to get rid of your acne. However, this will depend on the type of acne you have. They may also suggest taking an antibiotic, which is a good idea if you have cystic acne.
Conclusion
Laser acne scar removal is a great treatment for reducing the appearance of acne scars. This procedure targets a type of pigment in the skin that stimulates new collagen growth, which smooths out the texture of your skin. Before getting this treatment, you should make sure your skin is completely clear of breakouts. You should also hydrate your skin before the treatment to make sure it’s responsive to the laser. To prevent new acne scars, you should follow a healthy skincare routine, eat a balanced diet, and consider adding an acne treatment to your routine.
