Acne Scar Treatments

What is Acne?

Acne vulgaris is the most common skin disease in that it affects 85-100% of people at some time during their lives.  It can occur at any age but is most common during adolescence.  It is more common with females in adulthood.  It is characterized by noninflammatory follicular papules or comedones and by inflammatory papules, pustules, and nodules in its more severe forms. Acne vulgaris affects the areas of skin with the densest population of sebaceous follicles; these areas include the face, the upper part of the chest, and the back.  It is easily treated but should be treated by a dermatologist because of the risk factors associated with some of the stronger medication used such as Accutane.

Acne Scarring Types

There are numerous ways the Fractional Co2 Laser can help patients achieve the skin they desire.  One the most common and most effective procedures the Co2 laser is used for is in the treatment of acne scarring.  Acne scars can present themselves in patients of all ages.  Many people have suffered the reduced self esteem of Acne Scars for many years with little to no viable treatment options.

• Ice Pick Acne Scars

Ice pick scars are deep, narrow scars which form pits in the skin. They are among the most common.

• Rolling Acne Scars

Rolling scars create a wave-like appearance on the skin’s surface due to their wide and shallow depth.

• Boxcar Acne Scars

As one might expect from their name, boxcar scars have angular, well-defined edges usually on the temples or cheeks. Their appearance is similar to chickenpox scars.

• Hypertrophic and Keloid Acne Scars

Hypertrophic scars are raised scars which stay within the boundary of the original wound. Hypertrophic scars can reduce in size with the passage of time. Keloid scars, on the other hand, are overgrowths of tissue which expand beyond the original wound site. The scar is rubbery and firm and may itch. Often they form to be much larger than the original wound.

Acne Scarring Laser Treatments

Acne scars are one of the most devastating things to a persons self esteem and for a long time there has been little that could be done for it.  Fraxel laser gave patients a viable alternative to just suffering with acne scars.  Of course, there are peels and things of that nature but for lasers, the Fraxel laser really pushed technology to the edge.  The problem that most patients had with the Fraxel is that the 5-7 treatments were needed to really see the desired benefit.  With the cost of each procedure ranging from 600-1500 dollars per treatment, it is difficult for many patients to afford this laser acne treatment.  Another factor that has limited the results of the Fraxel laser treatment is that there are so many people who claim to be laser experts that patients see these laser specialists and experience less than adequate results.

• Acne Scars with Fractional Co2 Laser resurfacing

With the new technology in the Fractional Co2 lasers, you combine the intensity of the Co2 Laser resurfacing with the downtime and pain of a fractional laser.  The traditional co2 laser provides patients with incredible resurfacing results but the downtime and risk involved in the treatment are more than most patients are able to stand.  The fractional co2 laser in the right hands provides patients with incredible results for acne scarring.  With the Fractional co2 laser patients will experience dramatic results after just one treatment.  Very deep scars may require two treatments but you will notice a change after just one treatment.  The fractional co2 is more expensive than the fraxel but the results and number of treatments required make it more than worth it.  Remember that the laser is only as good as the person operating it, so be sure and see a qualified cosmetic laser specialist.

Treatment Pricing