To give you a better understanding of laser acne therapy using Fraxel technology, we’ve compiled a list of brief facts about laser acne therapy to give you a better understanding of what it is, how it can benefit you, and whether it’s the right acne removal treatment for you.
Tell me more about Laser Acne Therapy
Originally, laser acne therapy was developed as a way of removing skin imperfections like wrinkles and general scarring. However, it was soon discovered that it could be equally effective at removing and preventing acne.
Contrary to common beliefs about laser therapy, it doesn’t damage the skin unlike other procedures; although people often experience a certain degree of discomfort during and after the procedure – including redness and swelling – these effects are temporary.
I’ve heard of Light Therapy, is that the same thing?
Light therapy works in a very similar way to laser acne therapy, though it is administered over a few sessions spread out over a number of weeks.
Instead of lasers, light therapy uses UV lights, destroying bacteria that cause acne inflammation. Similarly to laser acne therapy, light therapy is virtually harmless, and the only effects that most people experience are swelling, redness, dryness and peeling of the skin following therapy. However, all of these side effects are temporary, and long term problems are highly uncommon.
Which one is better, laser or light therapy?
Statistics show that laser acne therapy is a more effective way of removing both acne and scarring when compared to light therapy. For light therapy treatments, statistics show that patients on average reduce their acne by up to 60 per cent. This is below the success rate of laser acne therapy, where acne reduction was present in up to 70 per cent of people. It should be noted that both treatments are capable of entirely removing acne in patients; conversely, they can also prove to be ineffective for sufferers.
How long do the results last?
Laser acne therapy – and light therapy – can last for an extended period of time, though its length and effectiveness varies from patient to patient. For instance, laser therapy can reduce and remove acne for anywhere up to 2 years, however it may require follow-up sessions to maintain the effectiveness of the treatment. It is important to note that laser acne therapy should not be considered a permanent solution for acne treatment. While results can appear permanent, further sessions will be required to stay acne-free.
How much does laser therapy cost?
Laser acne therapy and its associated costs will depend on the clinic and the number of sessions you may be required to undertake to rid yourself of acne or scarring. While laser therapy is a more expensive option for acne removal, it is also far more effective than antibiotic or cream-based treatments, which have long term costs associated with spending on products that accumulates over time.
With laser acne therapy, you are likely to see significant, long lasting results, far in excess of what you might with traditional medication. Feel free to inquire within at Collins Cosmetic Clinic by contacting us to find out more about associated costs.
Is laser therapy right for me?
Despite the successes that sufferers of acne have achieved using laser therapy, it should nonetheless be an option of last resort for most people. We recommend that laser treatments be sought only in situations where traditional preventative medication has failed. The reason for this is simple: ultimately, laser therapy isn’t guaranteed to remove your acne. While statistics and studies show that it has been extremely helpful to a large percentage of people who have undertaken the procedure, it does not work effectively for everyone. As a result, it should be approached only if no other methods have been effective; not least because it is more expensive than non-laser based procedures.
If you are confident that laser acne therapy can help you manage and remove your acne or scarring, we recommend that you speak to one of our consultants at Collins Cosmetic Clinic for further advice.
