Acne breakouts can leave behind scars that affect overall skin texture and tone. While some lesions fade over time, deeper acne scars may require specialised treatments to improve their appearance. The good news is there are a number of treatments you can choose from to reduce the visibility of these marks over time.
One of these treatments uses laser technology. Laser treatment for acne scars is a noninvasive option that targets scar tissue, promoting more even skin by getting rid of damaged outer layers and stimulating collagen production to encourage the growth of new skin cells.
What is Laser Treatment for Acne?
Laser treatment for acne is a medical procedure that uses light energy to reduce the appearance of scars. It works by targeting acne-causing bacteria, regulating oil production and minimising inflammation. This approach can help individuals with persistent and active acne while also serving as an effective treatment for acne scars.
In addition to treating active acne, certain laser therapy breaks down acne tissues and stimulates skin regeneration. Over time, this process helps to improve the overall skin surface, reducing the visibility of scars and uneven skin texture.
How Does Laser Treatment Work for Acne?
Laser treatment for acne works in multiple ways to address breakouts and scars. These devices help:
- Kill acne-causing bacteria. The treatment targets Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria responsible for breakouts, helping to prevent new acne formation.
- Reduce excess oil production. By shrinking sebaceous glands, laser therapy helps control sebum levels, making it beneficial for those with oily skin.
- Minimises inflammation. This treatment calms redness and swelling, improving overall skin condition.
- Promotes skin healing. Laser treatment enhances skin cell turnover by stimulating collagen production and reducing acne scars.
Acne scar laser treatment helps resurface the skin, improving the appearance of rolling scars and hypertrophic scars. The treatment encourages the body to replace damaged tissue with healthier, smoother skin cells.
Who is Laser Acne Treatment For?
Best Candidates
Laser treatment for acne and acne scars is suitable for individuals experiencing:
- Persistent moderate to severe acne that does not improve with skincare alone
- Oily skin
- Inflammatory acne, including red and swollen pimples
- Hormonal acne, such as breakouts along the jawline in adults
- Severe acne scars, including deep acne scars and uneven skin texture
Not Ideal For
Laser treatment may not be suitable for everyone. It is not recommended for:
- Mild acne that can be managed with topical treatments
- Pregnant women, as some laser procedures, are not advisable during pregnancy
- People with very sensitive skin who may be prone to hyperpigmentation
- Those using isotretinoin (Accutane) as laser treatment should be avoided for at least six months after completing the medication
Types of Laser Treatments for Acne
Using controlled light energy, these treatments help regulate overactive sebaceous glands, minimise inflammation and promote skin rejuvenation. Laser treatments can also target scar tissue breaks, encouraging the healing of underlying tissue for a more even skin texture.
The choice of laser treatment depends on individual concerns, including deeper scars, post-inflammatory pigmentation, and overall skin rejuvenation. Some laser therapies resurface the underlying tissue by removing the damaged top layer of the skin, while others work beneath the surface to remodel acne marks with minimal downtime.
Different laser treatments are available depending on the type of acne scars and individual skin needs. Common options include:
- Ablative lasers. These lasers remove the top layer of skin, promoting the growth of new skin cells and improving acne scar removal results. This is commonly used for deep acne scars.
- Non-ablative lasers. These devices stimulate collagen production without damaging the skin surface, helping to improve mild to moderate acne scars.
- Fractional Laser Therapy. This type of laser targets specific areas of acne marks while leaving surrounding skin intact, promoting faster healing and reducing downtime.
- Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL). It helps with redness and inflammation; it is often used for hypertrophic scars and rosacea.
| Laser Type | Best For | How It Works | Downtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ablative Lasers (CO₂, Er:YAG) | Acne scars, hypertrophic scars | Removes the outer layer of skin to stimulate the production of collagen and smooth the skin surface | 7–14 days |
| Non-Ablative Lasers (Nd:YAG, Pulsed Dye Laser) | Mild to moderate acne scars, redness | Heats deeper layers of skin to promote the production of collagen without removing the superficial top layer | No downtime to a few hours of redness |
| Fractional Laser Therapy (Fractional CO₂, Fraxel, Erbium Glass Laser) | Rolling scars, deep acne scars, overall skin texture improvement | Creates micro-injuries in the skin surface to trigger the skin’s natural healing process and remodel acne scar tissues | 3–14 days |
| Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) | Redness, post-inflammatory pigmentation, hypertrophic scars | Targets blood vessels to reduce redness and improve skin tone | Bruising that may last up to 14 days |
Choosing the Right Laser Treatment for Acne and Acne Scars
The effectiveness of laser-based treatment for types of acne scars depends on factors such as skin type, acne severity and the depth of scarring. Different types of lasers have their own advantages. For example, ablative lasers offer significant improvement for deeper scars, while non-ablative and fractional lasers provide gradual results with minimal downtime.
Laser therapy can be an effective option when included in a tailored treatment plan. If you’re considering laser treatment in Singapore, consulting an aesthetic practitioner can help determine the most suitable approach based on your skin condition and aesthetic goals.
What to Expect Before, During and After Acne Laser Treatment
Here’s what to expect before, during, and after your laser treatment:
Pre-Treatment Guidelines
Before undergoing laser therapy, it’s important to prepare your skin properly and avoid factors that may increase sensitivity.
What to Avoid Before Treatment
- Sun exposure. Excessive sun exposure can increase the risk of pigmentation changes in the treated skin. Avoid direct sunlight and use broad-spectrum sunscreen consistently.
- Harsh skincare products. Avoid exfoliants and strong, active ingredients at least a week before treatment. These skincare products can make the skin more sensitive.
- Tanning products. Artificial tanning devices and products should be avoided as they affect skin colour and treatment effectiveness.
- Certain medications. Inform your doctor during the initial consultation if you’re taking blood-thinning medications or acne treatments like isotretinoin, as these may require a waiting period before laser therapy can commence.
How to Prepare for Treatment
- Stay hydrated and maintain a good skincare routine with gentle cleansers and moisturisers.
- Avoid excessive facial treatments like chemical peels before your session.
- Discuss your treatment plan with your doctor, including how many sessions may be required for your skin concerns.
During the Treatment
The laser procedure is designed to be a straightforward process with minimal discomfort. Here’s what happens during a typical session:
1. Cleansing
The skin is thoroughly cleansed to remove any dirt, oil or makeup. This ensures that the laser energy is evenly applied to the skin surface.
2. Numbing Cream Application
To minimise discomfort, a topical numbing cream may be applied to the treatment area. This usually takes 20–30 minutes to take effect.
3. Laser Application
The doctor will use a specific laser device based on your skin type and concerns. Different lasers, such as pulsed dye laser, fractional laser or CO₂ laser, may be used depending on whether the goal is to target active acne, reduce redness or improve skin texture.
4. Cooling Therapy
After the laser session, cooling therapy is applied to soothe the treated skin and minimise redness or discomfort.
Post-Treatment Care & Recovery
After laser treatment, proper aftercare helps to promote healing and prevent complications.
What to Do After Treatment
- Keep your skin moisturised. Use gentle, hydrating products to protect the treated skin and support recovery.
- Apply sunscreen daily. Protect your skin from UV exposure with a high-SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen. This prevents pigmentation issues.
- Follow post-treatment skincare. Stick to a mild skincare routine, avoiding active ingredients for a few days.
What to Avoid After Treatment
- Hot showers, saunas or intense exercise. Exposure to heat and sweating can irritate the treated skin and slow down healing.
- Picking or scratching the skin. Let any redness, flaking or scabbing heal naturally to avoid scarring.
- Harsh skincare products. Avoid retinoids, exfoliants and alcohol-based products for at least a week.
How Many Laser Treatment Sessions Are Needed?
The number of sessions required depends on the severity of acne and the type of acne scars being treated. Here are some considerations when it comes to determining the number of sessions:
- Mild acne and pigmentation scars may require 1–3 sessions with treatments like pulsed dye laser to reduce redness and even out skin colour.
- Moderate acne scars often need 3–5 sessions of fractional laser to improve skin texture and promote collagen production.
- Severe acne scars, including depressed scars, may require five or more sessions, especially for deep scars that need stronger resurfacing treatments.
Laser treatment results are not immediate, as the skin takes time to heal and generate new collagen. Some improvements may be seen within a few weeks, but full results typically develop over several months.
A consultation with an aesthetic professional can help assess how many treatments are needed for your specific skin concerns and create a personalised treatment plan.
Risks and Side Effects of Laser Acne Treatment
Laser therapy is a widely used option for treating acne scars and helping improve skin texture. However, like any aesthetic procedure, there are potential side effects and risks. Understanding these risks and following proper aftercare can help most patients achieve better results while minimising complications.
Common Side Effects
- Redness and swelling. Temporary inflammation is common after an acne scar laser treatment and usually subsides within a few days.
- Dryness and peeling. As the skin heals, mild flaking may occur, especially after resurfacing treatments.
- Sensitivity to sunlight. Laser treatments can make the skin more prone to hyperpigmentation, particularly in individuals with a darker skin tone.
- Temporary darkening or lightening of the skin. This is more common in patients with darker skin tones but can be managed with proper sun protection.
- Breakouts or irritation. Some patients experience temporary acne flare-ups after laser therapy.
Potential Risks
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). This occurs when treated skin produces excess melanin, leading to dark spots. Proper sun protection and choosing the right laser treatment can help prevent this.
- Scarring. While rare, improper aftercare or aggressive laser settings can increase the risk of further scarring.
- Infections. Keeping the skin clean and avoiding touching the face after treatment reduces the risk of bacterial infections.
- Persistent redness. Some patients may experience prolonged redness, especially after multiple treatments with stronger lasers.
How to Minimise Risks After Laser Treatment
- Use sunscreen daily. This helps prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and protects the treated skin.
- Follow post-treatment care. Avoid exfoliants, retinoids and harsh skincare products until the skin fully heals.
- Keep the skin hydrated. Moisturisers support healthy skin cells and help the skin recover faster.
- Consult an aesthetic practitioner. Choosing an experienced and licensed practitioner for your acne scar treatments can help minimise complications.
Alternatives to Laser Treatment for Acne
While laser therapy is an effective treatment for acne scars, not everyone is a suitable candidate. Those with sensitive skin, recent sun exposure, or certain medical conditions may need alternative scar treatments.
1. Topical Treatments
Topical solutions, such as retinoids, hydroquinone and vitamin C serums, help improve pimple scars, even out skin texture and reduce hyperpigmentation. These treatments work gradually and may require multiple treatments over time.
2. Oral Medications
For individuals with active acne, oral medications like antibiotics, hormonal therapy or isotretinoin can help reduce breakouts and prevent further scarring. While these medications do not directly address acne scars, they play a role in preventing new ones from forming.
3. Chemical Peels
Chemical peels help resurface the skin by removing dead cells and stimulating collagen production. They are particularly useful for improving boxcar scars and mild pimple scars, offering a less invasive option than lasers.
4. Dermal Fillers
For deep scars like ice pick scars and boxcar scars, dermal fillers can help restore lost volume and smooth the skin’s surface. Fillers provide temporary improvement, often lasting several months to a year, and may be combined with other acne scar treatments for enhanced results.
Conclusion
Acne scar laser treatment is a popular option for improving acne scars, enhancing skin texture, and reducing pimple scars. It works by stimulating collagen production and encouraging healthy skin cells to replace damaged tissue. However, results take time, and most patients need multiple treatments for optimal improvement.
While laser therapy is effective, alternative scar treatments such as peel treatment, dermal fillers, and topical solutions can also help in treating acne scars. For individuals with boxcar scars, ice-pick scars, or enlarged pores, a customised approach is essential to achieving smoother skin.
Consulting a qualified aesthetic professional can help determine the most suitable acne scar treatments based on your skin type, severity of scarring, and treatment goals. Whether choosing laser therapy or other options, the right treatment plan can support long-term skin health and confidence.
