Acne & Acne Scarring
Acne is a very common skin disorder that most young people get in early puberty. Acne typically begins during adolescence, when hormonal changes cause the enlargement and obstruction of sebaceous glands by bacteria in the skin, causing acne. These multiply deep in the hair follicle and produce inflamed pus-filled spots. Acne scarring is the response of the skin when it is damaged by infection, inflammation and scar tissue.
The severity of acne increases and, typically, reaches its peak around the ages of 17 to 19. For most people, acne tends to go away by the time they reach their mid-20s; however, very sensitive people may continue to have the disorder until they reach their 40s.
Post-adolescent acne is on the rise. We are now seeing that acne can persist into the late twenties and thirties or even beyond. Some people are now getting acne for the first time as adults.
Laser Treatment for Active Acne & Acne Scarring
Requiring no pre-treatment with local anaesthetics or numbing creams, the laser works by clearing pores and combining the proven therapeutic qualities of light to treat the following types of acne:
- Mild to moderate acne
- Pustular acne
- Comodonal acne (blackheads & whiteheads)
- Mild to moderate inflammatory acne
- Scarring
Your questions answered
- How does it work?
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The lasers work in two ways to treat active acne :
- The laser light kills the acne bacteria that cause infection and which lead to the formation of spots. As the whole face is usually treated the bacteria are killed over a wide area reducing breakout and stopping the infection spreading.
- The formation of large amounts of new collagen below and around the spots gives a huge boost to the healing process, causing spots to disappear with the Acne Scaring
- The laser works by heating up the lower layers of the skin producing collagen that stimulates a healing response. This acts as a new foundation for the skin, reducing scarring and improving skin tone.
- Does it hurt?
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Treatment is essentially painless and there have been no reported incidences of side effects other than a slight redness that lasts a few hours, or rarely mild bruising that lasts a few days.
- How many treatments will I need?
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With repeated treatments you will notice a steady improvement in skin texture and appearance. Improvement is sometimes evident from the first couple of treatments and continues throughout the treatment program. Every individual case is different, your laser therapist will discuss your needs and requirements at your consultation, giving advice on the number of treatments needed.
- How much does it cost?
-
The cost of treatment will be discussed at the initial consultation
which is offered entirely free of charge with no obligation to undergo
treatment.
Contrary to popular opinion, acne is not caused by eating fatty food
or chocolate. It’s a problem that causes a lot of pain and anguish, not
just among adolescents but older people too.
- What are the benefits?
-
Whilst laser treatment is not a 'cure' for inflammatory acne, it can
provide a rapid reduction in the number of active acne spots, with
improvement lasting up to 3 months.
- Is the treatment safe?
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Yes, laser treatment is non-invasive and safe. It also has the
additional benefit of reducing the need for long-term antibiotic
therapy.
- Am I suitable for the treatments?
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Laser treatment is not suitable for scarring, cystic acne. This
condition usually requires aggressive conventional treatment with the
drug Isotretinoin.
To determine whether you would be suitable
for laser treatment, please contact MySpa and we will arrange for a
free consultation with our fully qualified practitioners and therapists.