Acne on its own can be frustrating and embarrassing but to have scarring left behind is a whole different story. Once active acne is eliminated and controlled, the real healing can begin for acne scars. Treatment options include alpha hydroxy acids, lactic acid, retinoids, salicylic acid, dermabrasion, chemical peels, fillers, micro needling and corticosteroid injections. For mild to moderate acne scars, many of these options will go a long way to renewing and clearing the skin. For deeper or more indented scars, known as atrophic scarring, dermatologists use a variety of light and laser therapy options since scars that form below the upper layer of skin are harder to treat. Severe acne results in scarring that prevents the skin from being able to regenerate tissue properly causing uneven texture in the skin. For these skin types, laser skin resurfacing for acne scars is the ideal solution. 

Skin resurfacing refers to laser technology that uses short, concentrated, pulsated beams of light to target irregular or damaged skin. The goal is to precisely remove skin layer by layer as necessary to stimulate collagen growth to provide smoother and firmer skin. During treatment the laser beam removes the epidermis (top layer of skin) while simultaneously heating the dermis, the underlying skin. Common types of laser skin resurfacing for acne scars include erbium YAG lasers, carbon dioxide (CO₂) lasers, radio-frequency micro-needling with blue-light technology and pulsed-dye lasers. Fractional CO₂ lasers and pulse-dye lasers are recommended most often for deep acne scars as well as for patients who also want to clear up broken blood vessels or capillaries while reducing redness on the face. 

The short-term discomfort of skin resurfacing for acne scars has been described as a small rubber band snapping against the skin with a feeling of a mild sunburn for a few days after the procedure. For many people, the desire to have a clear complexion free of any lingering signs of acne is worth the investment. 

If you would like to learn more about skin resurfacing for acne scars and what laser treatment is right for you, THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology offers consultations with any one of our board-certified dermatologists to help choose the treatment that will get you closer to loving your skin. Scheduling is easy by calling 602-867-7546 or submitting your appointment request online here at WEBSITE.