Laser Acne Treatment: Is It Right For You?
If you have tried numerous over-the-counter and prescription acne treatments but still suffer from regular breakouts, then there's another treatment you may be interested in trying: laser acne treatment. This therapy involves using lasers to kill the bacteria that cause acne, resulting in much clearer skin for many patients. Read on to learn a bit more about laser acne treatment and determine if it is right for you.
What types of acne does laser therapy treat?
Laser acne treatment is most effective for blackheads, whiteheads, and other surface-level acne. It is not as effective at treating deep, cystic acne, since the laser cannot reach deep enough beneath the skin's surface to kill the bacteria in this case. A dermatologist can evaluate your acne type and tell you how likely it is that laser therapy will work for you.
Does laser therapy hurt?
When the laser is applied to your skin, you may feel a very slight burning sensation, but you should not feel pain. A numbing cream is applied before the laser is used, and this keeps you pretty comfortable. Once the numbing cream wears off, you will feel some burning, but in most patients, this is not a major concern.
Are there any side effects to worry about?
There are no serious side effects associated with laser acne treatment. However, some patients do experience minor side effects like blistering and excessive redness of the skin. These side effects are temporary, and if you do experience them, your dermatologist can prescribe medications to help heal them. A small number of patients find that the treatments darken some areas of their skin. All of these side effects can be minimized by staying out of the sun following treatment and by using only mild skincare products.
Will insurance cover the cost of laser acne treatment?
Every policy is different, but since laser acne treatment is generally considered a cosmetic treatment, many policies won't cover it or will only cover a small portion of the costs. Talk to your insurance company to determine what they will cover before committing to this treatment. Costs can vary widely based on the severity of your acne, how many treatments you need, and the economy in your region.
If you're looking for a more effective treatment for your acne, talk to a cosmetic dermatologist about laser treatment. It does not work for everyone, but it is a safe, low-risk treatment that's worth a try if you're unhappy with your skin.