Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing is a non-surgical procedure that replenishes and rejuvenates the complexion.

You made it through those awkward teenage years alive. Congratulations! But acne scars may have followed you into adulthood.

The only thing worse than acute acne is the lingering evidence it leaves behind. It can be difficult to face up to the remaining scars acne creates, knowing that they aren’t likely to go anywhere on their own. For those who suffer from acne scarring, there is still hope in the realm of laser treatments.

Laser resurfacing is a delicate yet thorough procedure that can help reduce the appearance of acne scars and even eliminate them completely in some cases. If you want to learn more about how laser resurfacing can help treat your acne scars, please contact Allen Aesthetic Surgery in Raleigh, North Carolina. Under the esteemed leadership of Dr. Amber L. Allen, our team can strategize the best approach to addressing fine lines, age spots, and other discolorations. Laser treatments can help bring balance back to skin that has struggled with sun exposure and acne scars, illuminating your best self in the process.

What Are Acne Scars?

The skin is lined with sebaceous glands. The function of these glands is to excrete an oily residue called sebum to facilitate proper hydration and follicular support.^[1] Sebum can be triggered by an increase in the hormones androgen and estrogen, which swell during adolescence.^[2] When sebum and dead cells collude to block skin pores, acne develops that can lead to inflammation and lesions. 

While most acne will pass without scarring, sometimes the severity is more than your body can manage cleanly. To respond to an acne formation, the body forms more collagen to repair the damage, which can produce scarring. Most people don’t develop acne severe enough for scar tissue to be a concern, but for those patients who have acute acne, the scarring can actually get to be quite visible.

Acne scars vary in type based on the underlying conditions of the skin when they formed and healed. These three different types are known as atrophic, keloidal, and hypertrophic scars. In order to properly address acne scars, first, we must explain their differences and what can be done to help them.

Atrophic Scars

Atrophic scars result when there is a loss of tissue during the healing process, leading to the skin having depressions.^[3] Three common types of atrophic scars are boxcar scars (a scar with a U-shape and a wide base), icepick scars (scars that are deep and indented), and rolling scars (typically an M-shaped scar).

Keloid and Hypertrophic Scars

Hypertrophic scars are the result of the healing process producing too much collagen, leading to ridges and other raised areas on the surface of the skin.^[4] Keloids have a deep color to them, appearing as papules of red-purple and being able to spread beyond the initial source of the scar. These types of scars are common in those with dark skin.

About Laser Treatment

There are a few techniques that Dr. Allen employs to help the appearance of acne scars using laser resurfacing. The two most common techniques involve the use of ablative or non-ablative lasers. Ablative lasers remove damaged tissue while non-ablative lasers do not. Non-ablative lasers function by stimulating collagen development to help restore tautness to your skin.

Benefits of Skin Resurfacing

Many of the benefits you gain from laser treatment play out on your face for all the world to see. Fine lines are reduced, photoaging (damage from sun exposure) is reversed, and acne scars are sent packing. But there are also a host of psychological rewards that accompany skin rejuvenation. When you face the day, you can be confident knowing that people are seeing you, not your acne scars. Your skin will speak for itself once blemishes and discoloration spots get out of your way.

Benefits of Laser Skin Treatment

• Non-surgical
• Little downtime
• Even skin tone
• Textural improvement

To enjoy the benefits of laser resurfacing for yourself, call (919) 676-5052 and connect with our friendly, attentive team. 

Eligible Candidates

If you struggle with acne scars or aging skin, then laser resurfacing may be the perfect solution for you. Ideal candidates have realistic expectations and a healthy outlook. Clients who are experiencing active breakouts of acne or other skin infections may need to postpone their laser treatment session until the condition has cleared up. Dr. Allen can assess your eligibility for laser skin resurfacing during your thorough consultation. 

Preparation and Procedure

During your comprehensive consultation, you will receive detailed instructions to prepare you for laser skin resurfacing. These directions will be tailored to your skin tone and cosmetic goals, so please follow them carefully.

In general, you must avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight in the three weeks leading up to your procedure. The skin must be hydrated and healthy, and ultraviolet rays are detrimental to proper skin maintenance. 

Dr. Allen will review the steps of your procedure before proceeding. A clinician will cleanse the skin and apply any topical numbing creams, if necessary. As the procedure begins, Dr. Allen will slowly pass the laser device over the affected area, gently targeting imperfections, fine lines, and persistent scar tissue. The duration of your laser session will depend on the extent of your treatment area.

Healthy Recovery

Immediately following a laser resurfacing session, a trained medical professional will monitor your progress. You may be given ice packs or soothing gels to minimize any discomfort you might feel. 

The entire recovery process takes between three days and three weeks, depending on the nature of your laser treatment. Ablative sessions require longer recuperation times, so please plan accordingly.

Results

As redness and tenderness gradually subside, your brilliant new complexion will emerge. Scar tissue will give way to a healthy surge of collagen, giving your skin a youthful sheen. Ablative laser resurfacing results can last for years, but the non-ablative method may require follow-up sessions.

To get a preview of your future self, read through our rave reviews. Our patients’ kind words shimmer as brightly as your skin will, courtesy of Dr. Allen.

Complementary Procedures 

Lasers offer an innovative way to keep the skin thriving, but it is just one of many options you have at your disposal here at Allen Aesthetic Surgery. To remove surface impurities, consider the benefits of dermaplaning or chemical peels. 

Some wrinkles are caused by deflation due to a decrease in collagen production. To restore volume to facial features, ask Dr. Allen about Juvéderm. Or perhaps your bothersome creases are a result of repetitive muscular contractions. Turn those frown lines upside down – or better yet, smooth them away altogether with the help of Botox Cosmetic.

Regardless of which procedure(s) work best for you, Dr. Allen is the ideal copilot on your quest to be the best. Schedule an appointment and head down the road to rejuvenation.

FAQ

References

1. Thody, A. J., & Shuster, S. (1989). Control and function of sebaceous glands. Physiological Reviews. 69 (2) 383-416. https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.1989.69.2.383
2. Strauss, J. S., Kligman, A. M., & Pochi, P. E. (1962). The effect of androgens and estrogens on human sebaceous glands. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 39 (2) 139-155. https://doi.org/10.1038/jid.1962.94 
3. Walia, S., & Alster, T. S. (1999). Prolonged clinical and histologic effects from CO2 laser resurfacing of atrophic acne scars. Dermatologic Surgery. 25 (12) 926-930. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1524-4725.1999.99115.x
4. Alster, T. S., Tanzi, E. L. (2003). Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 4, 235–243. https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200304040-00003