Reviewed by Dr. Chad Gilliam, M.M.S, PA-C
Reading time: seven minutes
Acne can affect people of all ages and skin types. Some people get acne as teens, then it goes away after puberty. Others develop acne as adults, even into their 50s! Regardless of when it develops, acne is a difficult condition to manage, and it brings a lot of emotional stress with it. Active breakouts are distressing but even worse are the scars they leave behind.
If you are struggling with acne scars and have tried all the different lotions and potions out there, it’s time to try something that actually works: laser treatment.
In this blog, we will give you a short rundown of the different types of acne scars, why we scar, and how C02 laser therapy works to improve the appearance of scars.
Key Takeaway
Laser treatment for acne scars is an effective solution that promotes skin regeneration, offering personalized options for various scar types with minimal downtime and long-lasting results. C02 laser therapy, in particular, is an advanced method that targets both the surface and deeper layers of the skin.
Why Do We Scar?
Scarring occurs as part of the body’s natural healing process following skin injuries, including those caused by acne. When a pimple forms, it can damage the surrounding skin tissue. As the body repairs this damaged tissue, it produces collagen – a protein that helps rebuild skin.
The remodelled skin may not match the original texture and appearance due to several factors, such as the severity of the acne, the involvement of deeper layers of skin, and individual healing responses.
In some cases, the inflammation associated with acne can lead to overproduction of collagen, resulting in raised scars, or insufficient collagen production, leading to depressed scars.
The Psychological Impact of Acne Scars
The psychological impact of acne scars should not be overlooked or minimized. They can significantly affect a person’s self-esteem and confidence, leading to social withdrawal and anxiety.
Research highlights the deep impact of acne scarring on mental health, with one study noting that “acne scars play a significant role in triggering and exacerbating negative body image and self-esteem.” The same study found that “patients with acne scars were more likely to express hopelessness and unwilling acceptance of their condition,” emphasizing the long-term emotional burden associated with these scars.*
So if you are struggling with acne scars, know that you are not alone, and there is a solution.
Different Types of Acne Scars
There are primarily three categories of scars:
- Atrophic scars: These are the most common types, characterized by depressions in the skin. They include:
- Ice pick: Deep and narrow, similar to small holes.
- Boxcar: These have a squared shape with well-defined edges.
- Rolling: With a wave-like pattern, these are usually caused by damage to the skin’s underlying structures.
- Hypertrophic scars: These are raised scars that occur when the body produces too much collagen during the healing process.
These different types of acne scars require specific treatment approaches, and that’s where laser therapy comes in.
Traditional Acne Scar Treatments
For many years, traditional acne scar treatments included topical creams, chemical peels, dermabrasion, and microdermabrasion. While these treatments may provide temporary improvements in the appearance of scars, they often have limitations:
- Topical creams: These products can help fade discoloration but do not address the texture of scar tissue.
- Chemical peels: Mild to moderate scarring may improve with chemical peels; however, deeper scars require more aggressive forms of treatment.
- Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion: Both procedures physically remove layers of skin using abrasive tools or crystals, which can be painful and may cause further scarring or pigmentation issues.
While these traditional acne scar treatments may provide some benefits, they often fall short in delivering the desired results.
Laser Treatment: A Solution That Works!
Laser treatment involves using a laser to target and break down scar tissue. By delivering focused light energy to the deeper layers of the skin, lasers stimulate collagen formation. The three main types of laser treatments used for acne scars include:
- Ablative: These lasers remove the outer layers of damaged skin, allowing for deep regeneration.
- Non-ablative: These work deeper in the skin without removing the outer layer, suitable for those looking for minimal downtime.
- Fractional: These combine the benefits of both types, treating smaller sections of the skin for quicker recovery times.
For a detailed comparison of ablative and non-ablative lasers, read Ablative vs Non-Abliative Lasers: Discover The Best Treatment For Your Skin.
Comparison of Laser Treatments for Acne Scars
Treatment Type | Mechanism | Downtime | Best For | Sessions Required |
Ablative Lasers | Remove outer skin layers for deep regeneration.Ie. C02 laser skin resurfacing. | Moderate (1-3 weeks) | Severe scarring and texture issues | 1-3 sessions, spaced appropriately |
Non-Ablative Lasers | Target deeper layers of tissue, do not remove outer layers of skin.Ie, IPL (intense pulsed light) | Minimal (1-3 days) | Mild to moderate scarring | 3-6 sessions, spaced 4-6 weeks apart |
Fractional Lasers | Treats smaller sections, targets specific areas of the skin Ie. Pico laser | Minimal (1-3 days) | Combination of scar types | 3-5 sessions, spaced 4-6 weeks apart |
This table summarizes the key differences between the various types of laser treatments available for acne scars, helping you make an informed decision about which option may best suit your needs.
Our Approach To Treating Acne Scars
One of the methods we use to treat acne scars is C02 ablative laser therapy. This therapy is designed to target both the surface and deeper layers of the skin, promoting collagen production and improving texture and tone.
CO2 lasers emit powerful pulses of light that penetrate the outer layer of the skin, targeting deeper skin cells. This process effectively heats and damages the underlying cells, triggering the body’s natural healing response. As the skin heals, it stimulates the production of new collagen, resulting in clearer, smoother, and tighter skin.
What to Expect During and After Laser Treatment
Before your treatment is started, you will have a consultation with one of our experienced aestheticians. They will assess the condition of your skin and the severity of your scars. If laser treatment is considered the best option for you, they will discuss details of the procedure and answer any questions you may have. If ablative laser is required one of our doctors will perform treatment.
During the laser treatment itself, a numbing cream may be applied to reduce discomfort. The duration of the session depends on the size of the treated area but typically takes less than an hour.
After your treatment, you will be given care instructions to follow for optimal healing and results. You can expect your skin to be red and slightly swollen after the treatment, but this will subside within 24 hours.
Love the Skin You’re In
We know that acne and acne scars can take a toll on your self-confidence and self-esteem. Our goal is to help you feel comfortable and confident in your own skin. Aside from treating acne scars, we also have several effective treatments for active acne, such as Luminox LED Light Therapy. We also carry several skincare lines with products specifically designed for acne-prone skin.
Remember, having acne scars does not define you or determine your worth. You are beautiful just as you are! 💖
If you are searching for ‘laser treatment for acne scars near me’, we can help. To book an appointment at our aesthetic clinic in Madison, call (256) 722-0555 or complete the online booking form. We look forward to meeting you!
FAQs About Laser Treatments for Acne Scars
Both laser and microneedling can improve the appearance of acne scars, but they work differently. Laser therapy targets deeper layers of the skin, while microneedling works by creating tiny punctures on the surface to stimulate collagen production. The best option for you depends on your specific scar type and severity.
Most patients report minimal discomfort during their laser acne scar removal treatment. Numbing cream can be applied before the procedure to reduce any potential pain or discomfort.
The number of sessions required varies depending on the severity of your scars and your skin’s response to treatment. Multiple sessions may be required, but they must be spaced 6 months apart.
Acne scars may fade over time, but they rarely disappear completely without treatment.
*References: National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2024). *Psychosomatic Impacts of Acne Scarring*.[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10053888](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10053888).