At deRMA Skin Institute, we can minimize scarring caused by teenage or adult acne with laser resurfacing treatments. Our dermatologists have the expertise to customize acne scar treatments at our Guelph and Burlington clinics to the unique needs of our patients, choosing from our wide suite of laser options.
How Do Laser Treatments Reduce Scarring?
Laser skin resurfacing for acne scars works much like it works to minimize wrinkles and reduce sun damage. A laser delivers thermal energy, which vaporizes the skin’s upper layer of scarred skin. As scar tissue is destroyed, the controlled injury caused by the heat and light encourages the growth of new skin cells and attracts blood flow to the treatment area.
The result is smoother, healthier skin with scars that appear less raised and red.
What Types Of Lasers Are Used For Acne Scarring?
Dr. Dusan Sajic, our lead dermatologist, is highly regarded as an expert in aesthetic laser treatments and uses that expertise to recommend specific types of laser treatments for patients, depending on their skin type, condition, and goals.
Historically, the two primary types of lasers used to treat acne scars were ablative and non-ablative. Ablative means the laser strips away the entire top layer of skin. Non-ablative is a type of laser that heats the tissue below the skin without damaging the surface. In the past, ablative lasers required fairly significant downtime.
Fractional ablative lasers—which create thousands of pinpoint micro-injuries to the skin’s surface but leave adjacent tissue unharmed—reduce recovery time while still getting dramatic results. So-called “boxcar” and “icepick” acne scars often respond well to this approach.
The specific laser devices offered at our clinic include to treat acne scars include:
Erbium YAG: This is a fractional ablative laser that vaporizes skin cells in a way that leaves treated skin intermixed with healthy skin for reduced downtime and faster healing. The laser creates a pattern of micro-channels that stimulate the body’s natural healing response to generate new cells and produce more collagen.
eCO2 (carbon dioxide): This laser represents an advance in fractional ablative laser technology. It targets scars with precision and is a more aggressive approach than the Erbium YAG laser. CO2 laser treatments also stimulate collagen production within the dermis (middle layer) of the skin, resulting in skin tightening and improved elasticity.
What Happens During Acne Scar Resurfacing?
Fractional laser resurfacing patients usually choose to numb the area with local anesthesia along with light sedation to ensure they remain comfortable throughout the treatment, which usually lasts between 20 and 30 minutes. We provide special eye protection to wear as we pass the laser device over your skin.
After the procedure, a crust forms on the treatment area that lasts for a few days before turning red, similar to a sunburn. Redness following CO2 acne scar resurfacing can last from 1 to 3 weeks, but patients can return to their normal activities about 3 to 5 days after the procedure. It’s important to be vigilant about skincare for several weeks after getting laser skin resurfacing because the skin is more vulnerable to sun damage. Apply sunscreen every time you leave your house.
How Long Does It Take To See Results?
Results emerge gradually as the dead skin sloughs off, and refreshed, smoother skin replaces it. Within about 10 days, you’ll get an idea of how much the appearance of acne scars has diminished. It’s important from the outset to have realistic expectations. Laser treatments are effective and produce long-lasting outcomes but won’t completely erase acne scars.
What Areas Can Be Treated With Acne Scar Resurfacing?
In addition to the face, we can treat the chest, back, and shoulders.
How Much Does Acne Scar Resurfacing Cost?
The cost of laser skin resurfacing to minimize acne scarring can vary quite a bit, depending on the nature of the scars and the size of the treatment area. The price will also depend on the laser technology used and the number of treatment sessions required to achieve your desired results.
Schedule A Consultation
Women and men interested in acne scar treatment in Kitchener, Cambridge, and surrounding areas in Southwestern Ontario choose deRMA Skin Institute for their treatments. Request a consultation using the online form or call us at (888) 803-3762 to schedule an appointment with one of our dermatologists.
Dusan Sajic, MD, PhD
Richard Backstein, MD
Sonja Sajic, CCPA
With more than 20 years of experience, deRMA Skin Institute strive to offer patients the most advanced treatments available to keep their skin healthy and looking its best. Board Certified Dermatologist, Dusan Sajic, MD, PhD, board-certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Richard Backstein, MD, FRCSC, and Sonja Sajic, CCPA are committed to providing state-of-the-art medical, surgical and cosmetic treatments to all patients in Guelp, Burlington, Cambridge, Kitchener, Hamilton, Milton, and surrounding areas.
