Acne Laser Therapy
CYSTIC ACNE & SCAR TREATMENT IN SINGAPORE
Acne is a very common skin condition and can be successfully treated or controlled in the majority of cases. Inflamed acne needs to be treated early and aggressively to prevent scarring. Acne typically occurs on the face and, in some cases, the neck and back. The latter is sometimes referred to as bacne.
What Causes Acne?
Underneath the skin surface lies small sebaceous (oil) glands. These glands are responsible for producing oil (sebum) which keeps your skin supple and smooth. The pores on our skin allow the sebum to escape onto the skin's surface. For many reasons, be it congenital, familial or due to hormonal changes (during puberty), your glands make more oil. This will make the skin feel greasy, and acne is likely to become worse.
In other instances, the pores on our skin can become plugged (blocked). This is due to the skin thickening at the top of the pores or when dead skin cells block these openings. The plugs at the top of the pores are known as comedones (blackheads and whiteheads). When oil continues to collect under these comedones, you can see small swellings called pimples or papules. In the majority of cases, the condition does not progress, and this is considered mild-to-moderate acne, with small numbers of pimples, blackheads and whiteheads.
Pores that are congested offer an ideal environment for bacterial growth. The bacteria involved in acne is called Propionibacterium Acnes. They live on normal skin and usually do not cause problems. However, if there is increased growth of them, the immune system may react to it, resulting in inflammation. The surrounding skin then becomes red and filled with pus (pustules). If the condition worsens, these pustules become larger to form cysts and nodular keloids. The removal of these can be tricky. Professional treatments may be necessary.
What are the different types of acne?
Acne can take several forms. They include:
- Blackheads: Open bumps on the skin that fill with excess oil and dead skin. They look as if dirt has deposited in the bump, but the dark spots are actually caused by an irregular light reflection off the clogged follicle.
- Whiteheads: Bumps that remain closed by oil and dead skin.
- Papules: Small red or pink bumps that become inflamed.
- Pustules: Pimples containing pus. They look like whiteheads surrounded by red rings. They can cause scarring if picked or scratched.
- Fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis): This type occurs when an excess of yeast develops in the hair follicles. They can become itchy and inflamed.
- Nodules: Solid pimples that are deep in your skin. They are large and painful.
- Cysts: Pus-filled pimples. These can cause scars.
All of these forms of acne can affect your self-esteem. It’s best to seek help from your healthcare provider early so they can help determine the best treatment option(s) for you.
What Happens After Acne
Any inflamed spot tend to eventually heal. However, the area of the skin that was affected may remain discoloured for weeks to months after the initial acne has subsided (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). Occasionally, a depressed scar may be left on the skin, which was initially inflamed. These scars do not fade completely and may accompany you for a long time to come, without treatment.
Aesthetic Treatments For Acne
Topical and oral treatments, information which you can readily find online, can help address your acne condition. However, doctors also recommended aesthetic alternatives such as:
1. Chemical Peels
Various chemical peels can help with acne treatments as well. Some examples are salicylic acid peels and Jessner's peels (equal parts salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol, an antiseptic exfoliant). These peels penetrate deep into the skin to unclog pores while also skimming the surface to erode blackheads and fade post-pimple marks. Salicylic acid also lingers in the pores, where it continues to keep them clear over time.
2. Lasers
Lasers are a treatment option performed by a doctor, and it is aimed at preventing light-to-moderate acne, although it has shown some promise in the treatment of severe cystic acne and keloids. Lasers work primarily on the premise of exciting compounds that bacteria produce called porphyrins. When the laser light excites the porphyrins, this damages the bacterial wall, effectively killing the bacteria. Fewer acne bacteria should help reduce symptoms of acne. Laser treatment may also reduce sebum (skin oil) levels. Lower sebum levels are associated with lower incidence and severity of acne. Lastly, lasers may have anti-inflammatory properties. Since acne is, at its root, an inflammatory disease, reducing inflammation can help reduce acne as well.
Laser Treatments At VIDASKIN To Treat Acne
We understand the different needs of our customers and offer targeted solutions accordingly. Below, we share 7 different laser treatments that are all FDA-cleared to help address acne and scars on all skin types. Upon consultation, a customised plan will be designed by Dr. Vicki to meet your skin care needs.
1. Pico Laser
Pico Laser works in “pico-seconds” (one trillionth of a second!), hence the name. It is effective for removing stubborn pigmentations such as acne scars, melasma, freckles, solar lentigo, Hori’s Nevus, Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) and even tattoos.
Pico Laser is also used for skin brightening to even out dull skin or lighten dark skin areas such as underarms or inner thighs. This laser technology also helps to stimulate collagen growth which helps to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, fine lines and wrinkles.
2. Pico Toning
Pico Toning eliminates melanin, the cell that causes skin pigmentation. This is done through a shock wave technique instead of intense heat, as it has a high melanin absorbance and reacts with the pigments easily. The treatment can remove mainly blemishes like acne scars, dullness, uneven skin tone, and freckles while offering a unique whitening effect compared to the usual skin toning devices. This laser treatment is gentle on the skin, with almost zero downtime needed.
3. Laser Genesis
Laser Genesis is a non-invasive and comfortable procedure that uses a laser to gently heat the skin. It can help smooth the skin and reduce the look of fine lines, dark spots and pigmentation caused by acne scars and wrinkles. Typically, its primary use is to fade scarring, redness, and broken blood vessels, and improve the look of rosacea.
Laser genesis works for people of all ages and skin tones who want to reduce the appearance of fine lines or redness.
4. Carbon Laser Peel
The carbon laser peel is effective for treating acne. The whole process works to eliminate oil, debris, and bacteria in the pores, which are often causes of acne. It has been clinically proven to clear up existing acne and prevent new breakouts from occurring for weeks or months.
You may need multiple treatments to see the effects on acne. The treatment is non-irritating, so it doesn’t make inflamed skin feel worse during treatment. You can repeat carbon laser peels as necessary without negative side effects.
In addition to treating acne, carbon laser peels may also improve signs of premature ageing, dull complexion, tone, and texture, fine lines and wrinkles, oily skin, dark spots and mild acne scars.
5. Laser Toning With Spectra
Spectra laser toning is a gentle yet effective treatment for blemishes and pigmented lesions on the face and body that are difficult to treat with over-the-counter and topical creams. This laser treatment is ideal for those suffering from pigmented skin conditions like acne, melasma and rosacea.
6. Gold Toning With Spectra
Anti-Redness Gold Toning laser targets and dissipates red areas on your skin with a gentle gold beam of light. This latest innovation in laser therapy has paved the way to effectively treating active acne, as well as erasing red scars, including the red marks left behind by acne – often a cause of distress and embarrassment for teenagers.
This 15-minute treatment is comfortable and without downtime – you can go back to work or resume your social activities immediately after.
7. Ellipse IPL
The treatment with the Ellipse IPL works in 2 ways:
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The light targets the porphyrins produced by the P. acnes bacteria in the skin. A photodynamic reaction occurs and produces the free radical single oxygen, which performs selective destruction of the P. acnes themselves. With successive treatments, the rate of acne destruction can become greater than the growth of the bacteria leading to a reduction in the inflamed lesions and can prevent further traumatic scarring.
Light is absorbed into the blood vessels, which supply the sebaceous glands. Heating the capillaries will reduce the blood flow to the sebaceous glands and decrease the overproduction of oil in the skin.
How Long Is Acne & Scar Treatment Required For?
Regardless of which treatment is used, it is normal to take up from 4 to 6 weeks for there to be any improvement that you can see. There is often a good response to acne and scar treatment by 6 to 8 weeks. However, it can take up to 4 months (sometimes longer) for maximum response to a treatment and for the skin to be generally free of pigmentation.
Quantitative Analysis & Visual Assessment With VISIA
Before your acne or scar removal treatment, you’ll have an in-depth consultation to help create a personalised plan for you. This is based on your VISIA results and an assessment of the treatment area, as well as your medical history. Client safety and care are of the utmost importance to all of us, and therefore this will ensure your happiness and well-being, and that you receive the results you deserve.
The VISIA's multi-point positioning system and live image overlay make it easy to capture perfectly registered images to document progress over time. The rotating capture module easily captures left, right and frontal facial views. You will be able to see your skin for its true condition, which may not be visible to the naked eye.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Vicki to learn more about our acne and scar removal treatments. Feel free to send us some photos instead if you are unable to find the time for a consultation. Our qualified staff and doctor here at VIDASKIN are here to help you achieve your aesthetic goals so you can look and feel your best.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Acne & Scar Treatments
1. Does laser treatment work for acne scars?
Yes, laser treatments can work for acne scars as long as you continue for at least 8 weeks. If there are no improvements after 7 weeks, you may consult your doctor for an alternative or more powerful treatment. It’s important to note that although treatment can usually clear most spots, there is no treatment that will make your skin perfect, and the odd spot may remain.
2. Is laser for acne scar permanent?
Laser for acne scar is not permanent. Once the spots have cleared, acne commonly flares up again if you stop treatment. Therefore, after the spots have gone or are much reduced, it is common to carry on with a maintenance treatment for 4 to 5 years to prevent acne from flaring up again.
Maintenance treatment is usually with either benzoyl peroxide or a topical retinoid. These can both be used indefinitely. The dose used to prevent spots from returning is often lower than that used to treat acne.
3. How much is laser acne scar removal?
Laser acne scar removal may require a considerable budget and vary across treatments. When you engage our aesthetic doctor in Singapore, we’ll waive the consultation fees – you will only have to pay once you begin treatment.