A Review of Fractional Laser Resurfacing for Acne Scar
In order to remove acne scars, laser therapy is an effective and non-invasive option. Fractional Laser treatment uses a device that divides the laser beam into thousands of microscopic treatment zones that each target a fraction of the skin at a time. While this treatment may bring many benefits to your skin, it also comes with risks and side effects. Thus, it is important to know more about the fractional treatment that you are getting to avoid undesirable results.
Whether you want to treat your acne scars or improve your skin texture, here are the benefits and risks of fractional resurfacing:
Benefits
Removes Wrinkles
Facial lines and wrinkles are caused by factors such as aging, sun damage, acne and smoking. Some examples include crow’s feet, wrinkles around the eyes, lines and wrinkles on the forehead and laugh lines around the mouth. The appearance of these wrinkles can be diminished with this treatment efficiently.
Reduces Acne Scars and Dark Spots
This treatment helps to significantly improve the scarring associated with both acne and spots, especially if you have severe acne. This is done by triggering the production of collagen, which aids in the tightening and smoothening of the scars. This also improves your skin’s health over time.
Repairs Skin Damage
Ultraviolet (UV) light may make visible signs of ageing on your skin appear, such as wrinkles, sagging and uneven skin texture. Laser resurfacing can also help to improve your skin’s complexion by repairing sun damage or scarring. This treatment also combats a variety of related conditions, such as rosacea.
Prevents Skin Cancer
Overexposure to Ultraviolet (UV) light, whether from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds, is the most preventable cause of skin cancer. The skin’s tissue can be destroyed and shrunk during the treatment, without causing any bleeding or damage to the surrounding tissue, to treat or prevent skin cancer.
Short Downtime
After treatment, recovery typically takes one to two weeks depending on the type of treatment that you get. The majority of non-ablative lasers require a series of treatments to produce the most satisfying results, although, in some instances, a treatment of single laser will resolve a patient’s issues. You will reduce your risk of complications and heal quicker if you follow the aftercare instructions provided by your dermatologist.
Risks
Pain, Swelling and Redness
Skin that has just been treated may swell, itch, or feel burning, thus causing redness. After an hour or two, treatments typically cause no pain and the redness may last for up to 10 days. However, in severe cases, the redness may last for several months. You should immediately contact your provider if you experience fever, extensive swelling, or pus after your treatment.
Hyperpigmentation
Melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its colour, is produced by skin cells. Fractional treatments can affect these skin cells and make your skin darker or lighter than it was before the treatment (hyperpigmentation). People with dark skin are more likely to experience permanent changes in their skin colour. Thus, you should have a discussion with your doctor about which method of laser resurfacing lowers this risk.
Infection
An infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi may result from fractional treatment. A recurrence of the herpes virus, which causes cold sores, is the infection that occurs most frequently. The majority of the time, the herpes virus is already in the skin but is dormant. Even though these conditions are uncommon and mostly preventable, it is important to discuss your risk factors with your doctor before starting any treatment.
Scarring
Scarring may occur after superficial treatments, as they will leave a new scar over an existing one. The new skin should, however, develop more uniformly. In the weeks and months to come, you will need to take extra care of your skin after your treatment. Thus, applying sunscreen before leaving the house is a must because your skin will be more susceptible to sun damage.
Inflammation of the Skin
Folliculitis is another known side effect of this treatments. The hair follicles are inflamed as a result of the actual procedure, which irritates the skin. Most of the time, folliculitis will look like acne. However, it should go away in a few weeks or months.
Overall, if you improve any skin issues that you are having, it could help to boost your self-esteem and confidence! The most effective method for determining whether this treatment is right for you is to meet with a qualified dermatologist. Our doctors at Gangnam Laser Clinic receive excellent training and are supervised by Korean medical professionals. Using cutting-edge Korean aesthetic technology, we provide treatments for your body, face, and skin that are both safe and effective. For more information about our treatments, contact us right away!
