Laser Acne Treatment / Acne Scar Removal

Acne Treatment / Acne Scarring

Acne treatment and acne scar treatment can reduce the appearance of pimples and scars left behind by acne. Acne can affect patients of all ages. However, breakouts are often more common in teenagers and young adults. Symptoms of acne include the formation of whiteheads, blackheads, or blemishes around the face or areas of the body. Over time, frequent breakouts can also lead to acne scars, which present themselves as small divots in the skin or raised bumps. Acne, as well as the stubborn acne scars left behind by breakouts, can take away from a clear complexion and make patients self-conscious about their appearance. At Dermatology, Laser and Surgery of Flatiron, we provide a variety of solutions to treat both acne and acne scars, including specialized laser acne treatments to improve skin tone and texture.

Acne / Acne Scar Treatment

Acne Breakouts	Acne Scarring
Characterized by blackheads, whiteheads, blemishes, and in some cases, inflamed nodules beneath the skin (cystic acne)	Presents itself as a divot, pit, or raised bump on the surface of your skin
Variety of causes, including overactive oil glands and buildups of dead skin or bacteria that become trapped in skin pores	Left behind by previous breakouts
Individual breakouts are usually temporary, though new breakouts may form	Acne scarring is usually long-lasting unless treated
Acne treatments include laser techniques, as well as topical creams and oral medications	Can be treated using laser technology

What Is Acne / Acne Scarring?

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions and is caused by the clogging of your skin’s pores. Bacteria, buildups of dead skin cells, and the formation of excess sebum (oil) can each lead to blockages and pores becoming inflamed. This inflammation can cause pimples, such as whiteheads or blackheads. In more severe cases, acne lesions or nodules may form. Acne breakouts may occur anywhere on the body, but are most common around the face, back, neck, shoulders, and chest. Repeated breakouts, as well as the repeated picking or popping of pimples, may lead to the formation of acne scars (raised bumps, divots, or pits in the skin).

Acne can affect teenagers and adults alike. Many teens suffer from acne during puberty and experience a gradual improvement in skin tone during the transition to adulthood. However, adult acne is also fairly common and may affect patients into their later years.

Acne Treatment At A Glance:

When treating acne, our dermatologists can utilize a variety of different methods, including laser acne treatment, topical creams or ointments, and oral medication. At Dermatology, Laser and Surgery of Flatiron, we specialize in laser-based acne solutions to reduce the effects of acne and acne scars.

Acne Treatments
Laser Acne Treatment	Uses laser and light-based technologies to reduce acne and acne scarring	Laser acne treatment usually requires a series of treatments for optimal results	Can reduce the growth of bacteria and shrink overactive oil (sebaceous) glands, as well as improve acne scarring
Topical Treatments	Utilize topical gels, creams, and ointments to improve breakouts	Applied to the affected area on a regular (usually daily) basis	Can reduce the appearance and length of existing breakouts
Oral Medications	Use oral antibiotics to treat acne	Taken by mouth on a daily basis	Can control acne inflammation and inhibit severe breakouts

How Many Laser Acne Treatments Are Required?

A series of laser acne treatments are usually recommended. Depending on the extent of your acne or acne scarring, anywhere from 2-6 sessions may be performed. These laser acne treatments are spaced out over a specific time period. Our team of NYC dermatologists at Dermatology, Laser and Surgery of Flatiron can further discuss your acne treatment details during your in-office consultation.

Who Is Considered An Ideal Candidate For Laser Acne Treatment?

Teenage and adult patients suffering from acne breakouts or acne scarring are considered candidates for laser acne treatment. Additionally, laser modalities may be ideal alternatives for patients whose breakouts have not responded to oral and topical acne treatments. Our team at Dermatology, Laser and Surgery of Flatiron can help advise whether laser acne treatment is right for you during your consultation at our New York City offices.

Is Anesthesia Recommended For Acne Treatment?

General and local forms of anesthesia are not usually required for laser acne treatment. A topical numbing cream can be applied to minimize any discomfort that may occur during your procedure.

What Should I Expect After Undergoing Treatment For Acne / Acne Scars?

Laser acne patients can resume their day-to-day activities immediately upon completing treatment. There is virtually no downtime required. Some redness or sensitivity may occur after your laser acne procedure, but these effects should subside after a few days. In order to ensure optimal healing, patients are advised to limit exposure to the sun, apply sunscreen, and moisturize the treatment area in the weeks following laser acne treatment.

What Kind Of Acne Treatment Results Can I Expect?

Laser acne treatment can achieve a clearer complexion by addressing the underlying causes of acne. Laser and light-based techniques can restore smoother-looking skin texture and tone by shrinking overactive oil glands and reducing bacterial growth that contributes to the formation of acne.

How Do I Get Started With Acne Treatment?

The doctors and staff at Dermatology, Laser and Surgery of Flatiron would be happy to discuss your acne treatment or acne scar treatment in more detail. Please give us a call at 212-982-8229 or request an appointment online for a personal consultation at our New York offices.