The universal standard of beauty is a clear, clean complexion. Both women and men may have acne scars which indeed they consider to be disfiguring. Dark pigment spots, especially on the face, may be thought of as something to be ashamed of, as if it were a matter of not being clean or well-groomed. Others, not knowing, may view acne, acne scars and dark pigment spots as something to fear, as if these imperfections were contagious. The newest laser treatment can enhance self-esteem by removing acne scars and dark pigmentation.
The fractionated laser is divided into many tiny micro-beams, so it treats only a part of the skin, but leaves the surrounding tissue intact – the many tiny points of light actually punch microscopic tunnels into the top layers of the skin. This allows pigmentation and scar tissue to be replaced by the body’s own collagen, the dead skin cells rise to the surface and are sloughed off over a short period of time.
Consult With a Dermatologist Before Proceeding with Laser Treatments
After an initial consultation to determine whether or not a patient is a good candidate for this type of laser treatment, the number of procedures likely to be needed, probable outcome, and, of course, cost, appointments for laser treatment may proceed.
In the hands of a well-trained specialist, preferably a dermatologist, fractionated lasers are a Godsend to people suffering from adult acne, scars or hyper pigmentation.
The usual procedure is for the patient to be comfortably seated in a chair similar to a dentist’s recliner. A topical anesthetic gel is applied and a mild sedative given to help make the patient comfortable. Once these are effective in about an hour, the doctor begins treatment. The laser appears similar to an electric razor attached to a cord with an overhead arm to support it and allow for movement back and forth over the patient’s skin. The laser head is passed gently back and forth over the skin until the entire face has been covered, with special attention to trouble spots.
The procedure lasts for approximately half an hour. Not unlike sunburn, there is likely to be a stinging sensation as the anesthetic wears off. The skin may be rosy and slightly puffy right after the procedure. A nurse or attendant gently will clean the patient’s face, apply a moisturizer and sun block and give both verbal and written instructions for home care. Generally, the patient is advised to briefly apply ice packs to relieve the burning feeling and wash with a small amount of vinegar in tepid water, then apply moisturizer, avoid sun exposure and wear sun block when out-of-doors.
New Laser Treatments are Effective for Acne, Scars and Skin Mottled With Hyperpigmentation
Recent innovations such as fractional laser skin resurfacing and skin rejuvenation has greatly improved healing time because it causes a much smaller amount of injury to the skin than do older types of laser treatments. The microscopic tunnels in the skin made by fractional or fractionated laser beams cause just enough injury to trigger production of new collagen, which fills in and plumps underlying tissues.
Many of the pigment cells are left undamaged, so unlike older laser treatments, there is no risk of hypo-pigmentation or de-pigmentation of the skin that leaves white patches or mottling of the skin. Also the healing process is only three or four days rather than two or three weeks with laser treatments that vaporize entire areas of skin.
The only downside of fractionated laser treatment for acne scars and dark pigment spots is that it is gentler than and not as aggressive as ablative laser treatments. It therefore may require a greater number of treatments. Treatments cost an average of one thousand dollars each but for many, are worth every penny. A clear, clean-looking complexion is most attractive in and for both sexes.
References:
Medscape.com, Fractional Laser Treatment for Pigmentation and Texture Improvement, accessed June 25, 2010
The Patient’s Guide, Costs & Pricing for Removing Acne Scars, accessed June 25, 2010
Pacific Dermaesthetics, vancouverskin.com, COSMETIC LASER AND DERMATOLOGY TREATMENTS, accessed June 25, 2010
Denise Knabe - After having raised my family, I returned to college to find a niche for my yearnings – I needed to do something for myself, ...
