Those who regularly come and go to the dermatologist and have tried all sorts of acne scar creams and ointments to treat their moderate to heavy acne and acne scars but without any success are the best candidates for acne laser treatments. Acne laser treatments are now considered as the emerging therapies to have clearer and blemish-free skin.
There are several types of lasers used for acne laser treatment. These so-called non-ablative lasers work underneath the skin to stimulate collagen growth and improve the skin beneath the surface, improving the outer skin’s appearance. One such non-ablative laser is the Erbium laser, which uses heat to pass on to water molecules in the skin and is the technique often used for patients with shallow skin blemishes.
This laser treatment will not cause redness or pigmentation, thus is suitable for all skin types and colors. Carbon dioxide or CO2 laser, on the other hand, emits short bursts of amplified high-energy light to the top layer of the skin, allowing new skin to grow. CO2 laser causes redness (similar to mild sunburn) for days up to several months, and so this may not be suitable for all skin types.
Probably the most commonly known type of laser therapy is the Blue light therapy, which has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of acne. High-intensity blue light targets the bacteria that produce acne – Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). Patients undergo blue-light laser treatment in increments of about 8 sessions given in one month, with each session lasting for about 15 minutes. Diode laser, still another laser therapy, destroys sebaceous glands in the thick middle layer of skin, without harming the 
outer layer. This treatment targets the oil-producing glands which also cause acne.
The side effects of these laser treatments are usually related to pigmentation, which may range from mild to moderate, and temporary to permanent. In some cases, swelling of the treated areas may also occur, and some dryness. So it’s best to consult your dermatologist for the laser treatment that is best for you.
The cost of laser treatment is around $200.00 to $500.00 for a 15-minute session, so depending on the type of treatment and the severity of the acne or scar you want to be treated, the total cost may reach up to $4,000. However, there is no guarantee that the acne will not occur anymore, but at least 55% acne clearance may be observed, and higher, with continued medication. For chronic acne on your back, laser treatment may be the best available option. Likewise, for stubborn acne that just won’t away with any other kinds of treatment, laser treatment seems to be the only viable option left.
