Laser Acne Treatment Dubai
laser acne treatment Dubai for acne scars aims to minimise the appearance of scars from old acne outbreaks. Ninety-five percent of people who have acne have some residual scarring.
laser acne treatment Dubai focuses light on the top layers of your skin to break up scar tissue. At the same time, the treatment encourages new, healthy skin cells to grow and replace the scar tissue.
While this treatment doesn’t completely remove acne scars, it can reduce their appearance and also minimize pain caused by them.
If you have active acne, a darker skin tone, or very wrinkled skin, you might not be a good candidate for this treatment. Only a dermatologist can tell you if laser treatment for acne scars is a good course of action for you.
How does blue light therapy treat acne?
Blue light therapy has wavelengths 415–545 nm and penetrates approximately 0.3 mm into the skin. Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes), the main bacterium involved in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris, produces large amounts of intracellular porphyrins, the most abundant of which has a peak absorption at 415 nm. Blue light excites these porphyrins, leading to the production of reactive oxygen species and subsequent bacterial destruction. Blue light also has anti-inflammatory effects through the modulation of cellular inflammatory mediators.
How does red light therapy treat acne?
Red light (600–650 nm) activates porphyrins with less intensity than blue light. However, it penetrates the skin 1–2 mm deeper than blue light [2]. Low-level light therapy using red LED treatments reduces inflammatory mediator expression from macrophages and causes a reduction in neutrophils, interleukins, and matrix metalloproteinase in acne animal models. It may also inhibit keratinisation and reduce skin barrier damage. Red light therapy reduces the activity of acne vulgaris by accelerating wound healing and reducing the inflammatory response.
How does blue–red light treat acne?
Blue–red light uses low-level light therapy in both blue (415 nm) and red (650 nm) wavelengths. Multiple studies have shown it is well tolerated and effective through a reduction in inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions and is superior to blue light alone [3]. The mechanism is thought to be synergistic in applying the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions of both wavelengths of light acting at different depths within the skin. Blue–red light is safe in pregnancy. Some patients may experience a deterioration of their acne with blue–red light therapy, and its side effects can include dryness, itch, a rash, and headaches.
HOW IT WORKS?
Laser acne treatment dubai works in two ways.
First, heat from the laser works to remove the top layer of your skin where a scar has formed. As this top layer of your scar peels off, your skin appears smoother, and the appearance of the scar is less noticeable.
As the scar tissue breaks apart, heat and light from the laser also encourage new, healthy skin cells to grow. Blood flow is drawn to the area by the heat of the laser, and inflammation is reduced as blood vessels in the scar are targeted.
All of this combines to make scars look less raised and red, giving them a smaller appearance. It also promotes the healing of your skin.
PROCEDURE
Some common kinds of lasers used for acne scarring are erbium YAG lasers, carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers, and pulsed-dye lasers. Each of these devices work in a specific way to target the type of scarring that you have.
Ablative laser resurfacing
Ablative resurfacing uses an erbium YAG or carbon dioxide CO2 laser. This kind of laser treatment aims to remove the entire top layer of your skin in the area where you have scarring. It can take 3 to 10 days before the redness from ablative lasers begins to subside.
Non-ablative laser resurfacing
This type of laser treatment for acne scars uses infrared lasers. The heat from these types of lasers is meant to stimulate collagen production and encourage new cell growth to replace damaged, scarred tissue.
Fractionated laser treatment
Fractional lasers (Fraxel) aim to stimulate the tissue underneath your scar to remove cells that are darkly pigmented underneath the top layer of skin. Boxcar and icepick scars sometimes respond well to this kind of laser.
TARGETED AREAS
Lasers for acne scarring tend to target your face. But the treatment can also be applied to other areas where acne scars tend to appear. Typical targeted treatment areas include:
- face
- arms
- back
- upper torso
- neck
RISK AND SIDE EFFECTS
There are some risks and side effects when you use lasers to treat your acne scars. These side effects will vary according to what kind of laser is used, your skin type, and how many treatments you need.
Typical side effects may include:
- swelling
- redness
- pain at the site of treatment
Pain from laser treatment for acne scars is usually gone after an hour or two. Redness may take up to 10 days to subside.
Risks of using laser treatment to lessen the appearance of acne scarring include hyperpigmentation and infection. While these conditions are rare and often preventable, it’s important to speak to your doctor about your risk factors before you decide to go ahead with treatment.
If you notice pus, extensive swelling, or fever after laser treatment for acne scarring, you’ll need to speak to your provider right away.
WHAT TO EXPECT
It’s important to have realistic expectations going into any cosmetic procedure. Remember that laser treatment won’t take away your acne scars completely. In the best-case scenario, your scars will be far less noticeable, but there’s really no way to know how well it’ll work for you.
After laser treatment, you’ll need to be extra vigilant about your skin care in the weeks and months to come. Your skin will be more vulnerable to damage from the sun, so applying sunscreen before you leave the house is a must.
You’ll also need to avoid tanning or other activities that lead to extensive sun exposure for 6 to 8 weeks.
Your doctor may also give you special skin care instructions, such as a using a special toner or moisturizer, to help maximize the effects of your treatment.
You’ll need to keep the treated area clean to prevent infection, and your skin might have residual redness for days or even weeks. You may also need to avoid wearing makeup for a week or more, until the risk of complications has passed.
The results of your laser acne treatment dubai won’t be visible right away. Within 7 to 10 days, you’ll start to see how well the treatment worked to reduce the appearance of acne scars. Results of this treatment are permanent.
PREPARING FOR LASER ACNE TREATMENT DUBAI
You may need to make some lifestyle changes to be eligible for laser treatment for acne scars. Preparation for this treatment often includes:
- no aspirin or blood-thinning supplements for 2 weeks prior to the procedure
- no smoking for at least 2 weeks prior to treatment
- no skin care products that contain retinol for 2 weeks before your treatment
On a case-by-case basis, you may need to temporarily stop your acne treatment medications ahead of laser treatment. You may be prescribed a preventive antibiotic medication if you’re prone to cold sores.
HOW TO FIND A PROVIDER
Laser acne treatment dubai is a simple and effective way to reduce the appearance of acne scars.
Speaking with a board-certified dermatologist is the first step to finding out if this treatment is right for you. If you’re concerned about your acne scars and don’t already have a dermatologist, Fattan Polyclinic’s expert Dermatologist can help you.