Are you frustrated by the lack of improvement in your acne? Do you feel disappointed by over-the-counter treatments? Do you wish to stop using harsh chemical cleansers on your skin? If topical acne treatments are not solving your acne problems, you have safe, effective options that will also treat your skin gently. One option you have available is laser acne treatment, and it might be the right solution for your stubborn acne problems. VITAHL Chicago now offers this new and innovative technology to help our clients look and feel their best and come another step closer to achieving their aesthetic goals.
Laser acne treatment uses lasers to target acne lesions and improve skin tone and skin texture, issues created by acne breakouts. There are many different lasers used to treat acne, but they are generally used in one of two primary ways.
One way lasers help in treating acne is by heating the sebaceous (oil) glands in the dermis. This technique does not affect the outer layers of skin. When heated, your oil-producing glands will shrink and produce less oil which will help reduce your acne.
Another way lasers help in treating acne is by reducing acne-causing bacteria. When bacteria become trapped in hair follicles without oxygen, they can cause inflammation. Laser treatment returns oxygen to your pores which helps destroy bacteria and relieve the inflammation.
Laser acne treatment provides patients many benefits over other available acne treatments, especially for stubborn or acute acne. Some of these benefits include:
Potential side effects include mild redness immediately following the procedure. This side effect typically subsides within an hour of treatment. If your treatment requires a photosensitive medication like Levulan, you may notice a sunburned appearance to the treated area that can last a couple of days following the procedure. This side effect is usually followed by peeling of the skin, which is natural and will not harm your results.
Laser acne treatment is most commonly used to treat acne found on the face, neck, chest and back, the places where acne problems are most common. Talk to your VITAHL cosmetic medicine specialist if you have other concern areas.
Anyone who suffers from acne is a candidate for laser acne treatment. If you are already using other photo-sensitive medications to treat your acne, such as Accutane, you may need to wait to schedule your laser acne treatment until a few months after you’ve stopped using the medication, as certain medications may interfere with your laser treatment results. Other contraindications for laser treatments generally include skin infection, skin cancer, autoimmune disorders affecting the skin and, in women, pregnancy or current lactation. Your doctor can recommend alternative treatments if you have any of these conditions.
You will not have any preparations to make before having your laser acne treatment. However, if you were taking other acne medications to treat your acne, your doctor may ask you to stop taking them before your laser acne treatment to ensure maximum results.
You will have your laser acne treatment in your doctor’s offices on an outpatient basis. Your doctor will set you up comfortably in the procedure room, cleanse the treatment area and also provide you with safety goggles if your treatment area is near your eyes.
Laser acne treatments are not painful, but topical anesthetics can be applied to minimize discomfort during the treatment sessions, especially if you have highly sensitive skin or are generally concerned about pain or discomfort. Your doctor will then pass the appropriate, calibrated laser over your affected areas.
Your procedure may take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours depending on the extent of the concern areas being treated. Afterward, your doctor may ask you to avoid direct sunlight for up to 48 hours after your treatment, but you will have no other aftercare instructions to follow or downtime for recovery.
Results vary depending on the patient, treated area and recommended laser treatment. Results are usually noticeable anywhere from three weeks to two months after beginning treatments.
Effectiveness and longevity of results can vary from patient to patient, but results are generally long-lasting. Most patients will enjoy improved acne symptoms for six months to one year after their treatment sessions. However, some patients may require occasional follow-up treatments one to two times a year to maintain their results.
Interested in learning more about laser acne treatment? Set up your complimentary consultation with VITAHL Chicago today!
VITAHL Chicago, a physician-owned and operated practice, focuses on offering physician-regulated, non-invasive treatments for the benefit of its patients. With over 30 years of combined aesthetic and over 50 years of combined medical experience, you can trust our physicians to offer you high-quality care and long-lasting results when you visit VITAHL. We make patient safety and satisfaction our highest priorities.
Call VITAHL at 312-634-6100 today to schedule a comprehensive, in-person consultation with a VITAHL cosmetic medicine specialist and to learn more about laser acne treatments and other non-invasive treatments to show your best face to the world. Look your best with VITAHL!