Essentially, LASER (I keep writing this in all caps because LASER stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) therapy for acne involves the use of a ‘yellow light’ to kill the acne-causing bacteria. What this yellow light does is react to a chemical called porphorine found in the bacteria to produce oxygen, which destroys the critters. Best of all, LASER therapy helps produce collagen, which prevents scarring from acute acne.

So far so good, but the catch is that researchers around the world have been reporting mixed findings on using LASER therapy for acne. The process was initially used as an anti-ageing treatment in the USA, until doctors discovered that it also acted as an effective cure for acne. In the UK, too, the initial reports were positive. But doctors from the University of Michigan Medical School, who have conducted recent research on the subject, have said that there is need for more research into the therapy.

I think this statement from a representative of the UK Acne Support Group sums it up best: “We would advise patients and their families to explore the options fully before having this treatment.”

The bottom line seems to be that though LASER therapy could be a powerful new weapon in the war against acne, we simply do not know too much about it. No one seems to have an answer to a basic question like ‘If the light is strong enough to kill bacteria, does it harm my body as well?’

Besides, it is far more expensive than other options, which is perhaps justified by the results, but I feel the jury is still out.

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First up, for those who have relatively light scarring, try some of the branded creams and ointments for acne scar removal available at druggists’. Most of them work fairly well for all skin types, but if you are absolutely not sure, you should consult a skincare specialist before buying. And to be doubly sure, perform the old elbow test. You know, the one in which you rub some cream on your elbow to see how your skin reacts to it.

 
For those with heavy scarring, the outlook is a little gloomier, sadly. To begin with, you’ll definitely have to see a dermatologist. The good doctor will then prescribe some heavy-duty medication – oral or topical – and ask you to come back a month later. For really heavy scarring, such as my friend Jacob had, you need to undergo laser therapy or peeling therapy, and the jury’s still out on whether these cause any lasting damage to the skin.

 
Jacob, though, underwent laser therapy and is pleased witless about it. His scars – which made him look like Quasimodo from certain angles – have completely disappeared, and his gloating has been hard to take. From what I have seen, and read, laser therapy is fine if applied within certain parameters. Once again, ask the doc what these should be for you.

Latest Methods Of Acne Scar Removal

1. Laser Skin Resurfacing:

Also referred to as laser peeling, laser resurfacing is a procedure wherein a laser is used to remove damaged layers of skin. Depending on how severe and deep the acne scarring is, one or more layers of skin are removed using the laser. The new layers of skin thus revealed are smoother, tighter, and less scarred. Laser resurfacing for acne scar removal can last anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours. Local or general anesthesia has to be administered before the procedure.

2. Chemical Peeling:

A chemical solution of different chemicals such as Phenol, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) is prepared and applied to the skin where acne scarring has occurred. Once this is peeled off, the scarred outer layers of the skin are also peeled away, thus revealing softer and finer skin underneath. This is one of the easiest and most cost effective methods for acne scar removal.

3. Dermabrasion:

Dermabrasion is also an effective method of acne scar removal. A rotating wire brush or a spinning diamond device is used to peel away the top surface of your skin where acne scarring has occurred. As healing takes place, the damaged skin that has been abraded is replaced with smoother, scar free skin. Microdermabrasion is a milder form of dermabrasion and is used to treat lightly scarred skin. This procedure is done within minutes, but healing time is longer than that of laser resurfacing.

4. Fractional Laser Treatments:

This is the latest treatment for acne scar removal. Fractional laser therapy is done using a laser. The laser beam does not wound the outer layer of skin but passes through it and removes acne scars by healing the inside layers of skin. As there are no wounds on the surface of the skin, there is hardly any healing time required after fractional laser therapy. The top 4 lasers used in fractional laser treatments are:

•    Pulsed light lasers. Example PhotoSilk Laser
•    CoolTouch Lasers
•    Diode lasears. Example Smoothbeam Lasers
•    Erbium-doped fiber laser. Example Fraxel Laser

As much as 75% improvement in acne scars can be achieved through this treatment. However, this therapy is quite expensive and is usually not covered under medical insurance plans.

In addition to the above treatments for acne scar removal, recent medical studies have also shown that botox may also be an effective tool for acne scar treatments. However, such acne scar removal is not permanent and the scars may reappear over time. Thus, it may be better to go in for one of the above mentioned acne scar removal methods.