5 Steps for Successful Laser Acne Treatment

Laser acne treatment has gained a considerable amount of popularity among teenagers and adults who suffer from moderate to severe acne and acne scarring. There are a number of reasons why it has become popular, but before you rush into making a decision to use laser acne treatment, learn as much as you can about the procedure first. There are steps you ought to take prior to receiving laser treatments if you choose to use them, as well as steps you ought to take afterwards. This will increase the likelihood that laser acne treatment will be as effective as you had hoped.

Step 1: Learn as much as you can about laser acne treatment. There is nothing wrong with educating yourself about a particular medical procedure prior to making a decision whether or not it is right for you. Laser acne treatment is a relatively simple, commonly performed outpatient procedure and there is a lot of existing information available to you. There are a large number of informative web sites with good descriptions of the types of laser treatments available, the types of acne and acne scars best suited for laser acne treatment, and what to expect during a laser acne treatment procedure. If you do not have access to the Internet, or your Internet access is occasional, you will also be able to find information about the different aspects of laser acne treatment at your local library.

Step 2: Find the right dermatologist. A dermatologist, or skin doctor, is a specialist who treats a variety of common and uncommon skin diseases. To find a qualified provider in your area, you can look up websites that contain a list of board-certified dermatologists. Once you have identified one or more dermatologists, you may want to call your state's medical board to find out if anyone has filed any complaints against them. If you have friends who see a dermatologist, you may want to ask their opinion and if they would recommend him or her. Once you have made an initial consultation appointment with a provider who offers laser acne treatment, you will want to make sure you feel you can communicate with him or her comfortably and easily. You will also want to make sure your provider takes you seriously and answers all of your questions.

Step 3: Keep all of your appointments and follow your dermatologist's instructions. Laser acne treatment generally involves multiple appointments, not just one. Your dermatologist may want you to come in for three, four, or five treatments, spaced two to three weeks apart. In addition, he or she may instruct you to limit your sun exposure for two weeks prior to your treatments, as well as limit your sun exposure during the course of your treatments and for two weeks after your treatments are done.

Step 4: Continue to take of your skin as you are undergoing treatment. Also, do not hesitate to speak up for yourself during your treatment. Your dermatologist may prescribe additional medications for you while you are undergoing laser acne treatment. If you have any questions about these medications, do speak up. In addition, if the procedure is uncomfortable, let your dermatologist know. Laser acne treatment is not supposed to be painful. However, some have compared the laser's sensation to a rubber band snapping on their skin. Others have described it as a tingling sensation. You can ask your dermatologist to apply a topical anesthetic before the procedure.

Step 5: Continue taking care of your skin once the laser acne treatment is over. If your dermatologist has prescribed other medications for you, keep taking them. In addition, continue to follow a good skin care regiment at home. It is important to remember that laser acne treatment is not a cure-all, and does not get rid of acne forever.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only, and is not meant to serve as medical advice. For medical advice, please consult your doctor.