While puberty was already hard enough, the aftermath of acne can plague us with the scars to prove we endured it. Acne scars affect the majority of those who experienced acne. There are numerous treatments on the market to treat acne scars. However, the most effective treatment to reduce the appearance of acne scars is laser skin resurfacing. Below you will find some helpful information about the treatment to help you decide if it is right for you.

For more information on acne scar treatment, skincare, and plastic surgery in Seattle, reach out to Cole Aesthetic Center!

What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing is a treatment to reduce the appearance of scars from prior acne outbreaks. The treatment uses laser light technology on the top layers of your skin to break up the scar tissue. It also stimulates the growth of new skin cells to replace the scar tissue. The treatment cannot fully remove acne scars, but it minimizes their appearance making your skin look smoother and brighter than before.

Am I a Good Candidate for Laser Skin Resurfacing?

While this treatment is great for minimizing acne scars, it is not right for everyone. You need to talk with a dermatologist to see if this is the correct treatment for your skin type. Below you will find some factors that will determine if you are a good candidate.

• Skin Condition: If your skin is clear and you are no longer actively experiencing acne, this treatment may be right for you. However, those with active acne should probably wait until their acne is under control.
• Skin Tone: This treatment is best for light to medium skin tones. If you have a darker skin tone, talk with your dermatologist about other treatments that will work for you.
• Skin Health: If your skin is very wrinkly and dry, this may not be right for you. The laser is meant for skin that is suppler.

Before self-determining that this treatment isn’t right for you, talk with a dermatologist about your concerns. They will be able to provide you with their expert opinion on treatment options that are best for your skin type.

What Kind of Results Can I Expect?

This treatment can drastically minimize your acne scars, but it cannot completely get rid of them. With that, it’s important to have realistic expectations when it comes to treatment. The dermatologist will not be able to give you any definitive outcomes in terms of how your skin will look. However, most people who get the treatment see a reduction in the size of their acne scars. The results of your treatment won’t be visible immediately. You may experience some redness for a few days or weeks after treatment. It will take between one week, and ten does before you will start to see any impact on your scars. One of the major bonuses of this treatment is that the results that you do have are permanent.

For the most effective results, you will need to take very good care of your skin after the treatment. You will need to avoid the sun and to use makeup for weeks after treatment. You will also need to keep your skin clean, moisturized, and protected from the sun using SPF.

How Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Work?

The procedure has a twofold effect on your skin. First, the heat from the laser will remove the top layer of your skin, where the scarring has formed (and is visible). Pulling off that top layer allows the skin underneath to shine through. This skin is healthy, bright, and smoother than the removed top layer.

After the removal of the top layer, the laser heat and light promote skin renewal. The fresh and healthy skin cells are able to flourish as the scar tissue on the top layer has been broken up. The new skin makes your skin look brighter and smoother.

The two steps help minimize the rigidity of your scars. Effective treatment can help your scars look less pronounced and smooth out your skin tone and remove redness. The new skin is fresher, smoother, and brighter. This will give you newfound confidence in your skin.

There are multiple types of laser skin resurfacing treatment options. When you go to your consultation with the dermatologist, they will be able to advise you on which treatment is right for your skin type. You will also want to discuss treatment areas at your consultation. While many people experience acne on their face, other parts of your body may have been affected as well. This treatment can work on multiple areas of your body, including your arms, back, upper chest, and neck.

Laser Skin Resurfacing in Seattle

Laser skin resurfacing is a great way to minimize the look of your old acne scars. The experts at Cole Aesthetic Center are experienced in treating acne scars and laser skin resurfacing. They are primarily focused on making sure that you leave their office looking and feeling your best. Contact their office today for an appointment!