Acne Laser Treatment NYC

Active acne breakouts and acne scars on the face can damage one’s self-confidence and self-esteem. Up to 50 million Americans are affected annually by acne, and one in five individuals with breakouts is estimated to develop acne scars. Fortunately, advancements in cosmetic dermatology have created laser treatments that use varying forms of light or energy to eliminate acne lesions and minimize the appearance of acne scars. With so many laser treatment options available, it can feel overwhelming to determine which are best suited to your particular skin condition. With the help of expert NYC board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green, it is possible to eliminate acne and acne scars from the skin to achieve a smooth, healthy, and radiant complexion.

Acne laser treatments can be used to treat active acne lesions and acne scars for patients of all skin types and skin tones. Laser treatments offer incredibly safe, long-lasting results with little to no downtime or adverse side effects. For optimal cosmetic results, it is always best to treat the active acne lesions first to ensure no further scarring on the skin. The Acleara, Photodynamic therapy, and VBeam lasers are all excellent for reducing acne-causing bacteria and oil production to clear acne breakouts from the skin. Afterward, lasers such as Fraxel, Clear + Brilliant, eMatrix, VBeam, or Vivace RF Microneedling can be used to treat the remaining acne scars. Dr. Green often uses a combination approach to treating acne and acne scars and will assess your skin to create an individualized plan, choosing the best acne laser treatments that will leave you with clear, radiant skin that lasts.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over 25 years of experience providing some of the world’s most discerning individuals with the best non-invasive acne and acne scarring laser treatment options. As an expert cosmetic board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Michele Green uses the most cutting-edge modalities to treat acne scars and breakouts, including laser treatments such as the VBeam, Fraxel, eMatrix, and Vivace microneedling. She is consistently identified as one of New York’s best dermatologists by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors for her dedication to her patients and expertise. When you consult with Dr. Green to eliminate breakouts and reduce the appearance of acne scars, she will work with you to create a customized treatment plan best suited to your unique skin condition, personal aesthetic goals, and skin type.

What is acne? What causes it?

Acne vulgaris, commonly called acne, is a skin condition caused when oil glands in the skin’s pores become clogged with dead skin cells, excess sebum, and other debris. When bacteria are trapped in the pores, a pimple can occur, leading to redness, swelling, and irritation. Acne is common during adolescence but can occur during any stage of life. Acne is most common around the forehead, chin, nose, upper back, and shoulders, although it can occur anywhere that oil glands are present. Many different factors, such as genetics, overactive oil glands, bacterial infection, hormones, diet, stress, and certain medications can cause pimples. Untreated or poorly treated acne can lead to permanent scarring or hyperpigmentation. If you are experiencing active acne breakouts, it is important to consult with a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green as soon as possible to treat the acne before any scars form.

Is laser treatment good for acne?

Yes! Laser treatment has also been clinically proven to reduce active acne, and various laser technologies are suited to patients of different skin tones and skin types. Acne laser treatments such as Vbeam and Photodynamic therapy have been shown to reduce up to 90% of acne lesions in a treatment area with long-lasting results. An expert board-certified dermatologist, like Dr. Green in NYC, has the experience to recommend the laser treatments that are best suited to you and your particular skin condition so that you avoid unwanted side effects and achieve optimal rejuvenation results.

3 eMatrix treatments and 3 vbeam laser treatments

What is the best laser treatment for acne breakouts?

Laser treatments target active acne breakouts by inhibiting the growth of acne-causing bacteria on the skin’s surface or reducing the activity of the sebaceous glands. Two effective treatments for acne breakouts include photodynamic therapy and the Vbeam laser. The best laser treatment for your acne will depend on the type and severity of your acne and your skin type. When you consult with Dr. Green in her private NYC dermatology office, she will work with you to create a customized treatment plan to clear your acne breakouts.

Acleara Laser for acne

The Acleara laser is a new cosmetic procedure that uses intense pulsed light (IPL) and vacuum technology to treat acne breakouts. The filtered broadband light eliminates acne-causing bacteria and reduces oil production from the skin’s surface, while the vacuum extracts the buildup of dead skin cells, bacteria, debris, and excess oils from pores. Additionally, Acleara’s light technology reduces inflammation and redness. Treatment with the Acleara laser is not painful and has no associated downtime. Although the Acleara laser is excellent for treating mild to moderate acne lesions, treatment is expensive and not permanent, and multiple treatments are required to obtain and maintain optimal results.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) acne laser treatment

Photodynamic therapy is a non-invasive treatment option for various concerns, including active acne, skin cancer cells, precancerous lesions, psoriasis, and age-related macular degeneration. Photodynamic therapy, also known as PDT, photo radiation therapy, phototherapy, and photochemotherapy, is an effective acne treatment for acne because it reduces the size of the sebaceous glands, limits sebum production, and kills acne-causing bacteria. PDT treatment is a two-step process: first, a topical photosensitizer sensitive to a specific wavelength of light is applied to the treatment area. During the second part of PDT, a light source is targeted at the treatment area to activate the topical photosensitizer. Once the photosensitizing agent is activated with the light exposure, oxygen radicals are produced to kill the targeted cells that have absorbed the agent. There are many different PDT light sources, including laser, intense pulsed, blue, red, and visible light, including natural sunlight. Avoiding direct light or sunlight in your treatment area for 24-72 hours after your Photodynamic Therapy procedure is highly recommended. A series of three to five Photodynamic therapy treatments are typically performed in four-week intervals. The number of treatment sessions required will be determined by Dr. Green during your consultation and based on the severity of your acne.

Vbeam Laser acne treatment

The Vbeam laser is clinically proven to help treat inflammatory acne lesions and reduce the appearance of acne scars. This laser treatment operates on a wavelength of light, 595 nm, that kills acne-causing bacteria, reduces inflammation, and eliminates red pigment from the skin. This laser therapy can also target skin conditions such as rosacea, stretch marks, broken capillaries, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a type of skin discoloration often left behind after acne lesions heal. Most patients require four to six Vbeam laser treatments to achieve optimal results. The Vbeam laser is equipped with a patented Dynamic Cooling Device that emits a burst of cool air before each pulse of the laser beam, which maximizes patient comfort during the laser treatment. Additionally, the procedure involves zero downtime, meaning that patients can easily schedule their treatment sessions.

What are the side effects of laser acne treatment?

The most common side effects of acne laser treatment include temporary redness, swelling, and tenderness in the treatment area. Side effects are typically mild and resolve on their own shortly following treatment. Some patients with a history of cold sores may experience a breakout following laser treatment, as any trauma to the skin may induce a flare-up. If you have a history of Herpes Simplex Virus, Dr. Green will prescribe you a prophylactic dose of Valtrex to prevent a breakout. After the procedure, the treatment area may be more photosensitive, and protecting the treatment area from sun exposure is important to achieve and maintain optimal results and protect against UV damage. When you have laser treatment with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, you will receive all the pertinent aftercare information required to guarantee the best results.

How long does acne laser take to heal?

The length of time it takes to heal from acne laser treatment depends on the exact laser treatment used. Patients may experience slight redness, swelling, and tenderness that resolve on their own within a few days of treatment. After Photodynamic Therapy, patients are instructed to avoid direct light or sunlight for one to three days to avoid re-activating the photosensitizing drug. The Vbeam laser has no downtime, and patients can resume their daily activities immediately following the procedure.

Does acne come back after laser treatment?

Yes, acne can come back after laser treatment. Laser treatments work to decrease oil production, reduce bacterial growth, and minimize redness from active acne; however, they cannot target other causes of acne, such as fluctuations in hormones, genetics, medications, stress, and poor hygiene. Dr. Green may prescribe topical or oral medications in addition to laser treatments in order to fully treat and prevent acne breakouts.

How many laser treatments do I need for acne?

Typically, multiple laser treatment sessions are needed to treat acne lesions. Anywhere between three and six treatments may be required depending on the type of laser and severity and type of acne. Laser treatment sessions are spaced four weeks apart to allow the skin to heal between each treatment.

How painful is laser acne removal?

Laser acne removal is not painful at all! Lasers such as the Acleara, Photodynamic Therapy, and VBeam can be used without local anesthesia or numbing cream. Additionally, the VBeam laser comes with built-in cooling devices for maximum comfort during the procedure.

Is laser a permanent treatment for acne?

Some types of light therapy and laser treatment can be effective against active acne breakouts. Blue light and red light treatments are FDA-approved for the treatment of acne. Visible light treatments are ineffective against acne cysts, blackheads, whiteheads, and nodules. Photodynamic therapy can be used to treat moderate to severe acne. When you consult with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green, she will collect a thorough medical history, including a family history of acne, review your skincare protocol with you, and discuss any previous acne treatments you’ve undergone. Blood tests may be ordered from the laboratory to determine any underlying factors contributing to the presence of your breakouts. Dr. Green will then work with you to develop a personalized acne treatment plan, including any beneficial laser treatments so that you can best prevent acne scars from forming and achieve a smooth, clear, healthy complexion that lasts.

Can laser treatment cause acne?

Sometimes, patients may experience breakouts following laser treatment. Laser treatments can disrupt the skin’s natural protective barrier, and often, using occlusive ointments in the treatment area, such as Aquaphor, is recommended as part of the aftercare protocol. In addition, the heat associated with many laser treatments may cause heat-related skin irritation and swelling, resulting in red, acne-like lesions on the skin’s surface. If you have acne-prone skin and are receiving laser treatment for cosmetic purposes, let Dr. Green know. Dr. Green will work with you to design a customized protocol that limits breakouts while providing optimal rejuvenation results.

Acne treatment before acne scar treatment

According to Dr. Green, one of the most important principles in treating acne scars is ensuring that your acne breakouts are first under control. Commencing laser treatments while experiencing active acne may improve the appearance of existing acne scars; however, there is still the potential for new acne scars to form. Additionally, undergoing some acne scar treatments with active blemishes in the treatment area may exacerbate the breakouts. If you have tried many topical and oral medications or are still experiencing active acne breakouts or acne scarring, Dr. Green may suggest Accutane therapy. Accutane (Isotretinoin) treatment for acne is the gold standard for treating recalcitrant acne and preventing acne scars and hyperpigmentation. Once your active acne is permanently resolved, you can begin successfully treating your acne scars with laser treatment. One important consideration with Isotretinoin therapy is that it will delay your laser treatments for acne scarring by six to twelve months, depending on the modality selected. Ideally, the active acne is resolved before beginning treatment for acne scars to optimize the cosmetic results from your acne scar treatments and prevent the formation of new acne scars.

Is acne laser treatment worth it?

Absolutely! For many who struggle with pimples and acne scars, their appearance may induce low self-esteem or self-consciousness. Laser treatment can significantly diminish the appearance of active acne breakouts and residual acne scars, resulting in a smooth, clear, healthy appearance and boosting self-confidence. Many of the laser treatment options available at Dr. Green’s private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood are associated with little downtime, meaning the laser treatment sessions can be scheduled easily. With minimal discomfort and downtime, the ability to completely customize one’s personal treatment plan, and consistently stunning results, most patients agree that laser treatment for active acne and acne scars is worth it!

Can acne scars be removed?

There are many types of acne scars, including atrophic scars, such as boxcar, rolling, and icepick scars, and hypertrophic scars, such as keloids or raised scars. The treatment for atrophic scars involves reducing the scar’s depth and resurfacing the skin’s texture. Strict volume replacement is done with either a hyaluronic acid filler, such as Juvederm® or Restylane®, or a collagen-stimulating injection, such as Sculptra®. Laser technology can stimulate neocollagenesis, or new collagen formation, to reduce the appearance of acne scars. The following sections detail some of the laser treatments often suggested by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green for treating acne scars:

Fraxel Laser Treatment

The Fraxel laser is the gold standard for fractionated laser resurfacing. Dr. Green often calls it the ‘magic eraser’ for its unique ability to target various skin conditions. The Fraxel laser treatment operates on two distinct wavelengths: the 1927 nm wavelength addresses sunspots, hyperpigmentation, and other forms of skin discoloration, and the 1550 nm wavelength evens out skin texture, reduces the appearance of fine lines, and eliminates acne scars. This non-ablative fractionated laser uses microscopic laser columns that penetrate deep into the skin while leaving the surrounding skin intact to increase the body’s collagen remodeling and minimize downtime. Most patients require a series of three to five Fraxel laser treatment sessions, each spaced approximately one month apart, to achieve ideal results for acne scar reduction. Patients will experience redness and mild swelling after treatment, which will resolve on their own within 48 hours. It is important to practice proper sun protection after treatment, using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50 and avoiding the sun, as the Fraxel laser makes the skin more sensitive to the sun.

eMatrix Sublative Rejuvenation

The eMatrix laser utilizes bipolar radiofrequency energy to heat the skin below the surface to stimulate collagen production, reduce acne scars, and form younger, healthier-looking new skin cells. The eMatrix laser is able to deliver heat straight to the deeper layers of the dermis, bypassing the dermis and leaving the top layer of skin unharmed; this allows for accelerated healing, minimal downtime, and decreased risk of adverse side effects typically seen with more ablative lasers, such as scarring or hyperpigmentation. The eMatrix laser is safe and effective for all skin types and is the gold standard for treating acne scars in Asian patients and those with darker skin tones. A series of four to six monthly treatments of eMatrix is generally required for the best cosmetic results. Typical side effects from eMatrix laser treatment include mild redness and peeling that dissipate on their own 48 hours after the procedure. In the months following eMatrix treatment, collagen will continue to be produced to smooth and firm the skin for a reduced appearance of depressed acne scars.

Clear and Brilliant Laser

The Clear and Brilliant laser, also known as the “mini-Fraxel,” is a great solution for patients wanting skin rejuvenation benefits from a fractionated laser treatment without downtime. This gentle fractional laser technology allows treatment of targeted areas of your face to achieve smooth and even results without any redness or recovery. It is the ideal treatment for enlarged pores and rejuvenating the skin’s texture, with just 5 to 6 sessions spaced two weeks apart. Dr. Green utilizes the Clear and Brilliant laser and the Permea handpiece, designed for sun damage and areas of pigment, sun damage, and melasma. Patients with deeper acne scars may benefit from another laser treatment, such as Fraxel or eMatrix, that can penetrate into the dermal layer of the skin.

Vbeam laser treatment for acne and acne scars

The Vbeam® laser is the “gold standard” for treating facial redness, broken blood vessels, and rosacea. The Vbeam is a pulsed dye laser that sends concentrated light energy directly into the target area without damage to surrounding tissue. Ideally, treatments are scheduled monthly, and 4 to 5 treatments will reduce redness from acne and acne scars. Dr. Green utilizes the Vbeam Perfecta, the latest Vbeam laser, to treat sun spots and unwanted redness. The Vbeam laser is also especially good at treating keloid or raised scars. There is no downtime associated with the Vbeam laser treatment, which can be done in 15 minutes during your lunch break. In addition, the laser is equipped with a patented Dynamic Cooling Device, which emits a burst of cool air before each laser pulse to enhance patient comfort during treatment. The V-Beam is also highly effective at treating hemangiomas, leg veins, stretch marks, leg veins, angiomas, inflammatory acne lesions, and surgical scars.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, also known as a photo facial, is a way to improve the redness, pigmentation, and texture of your skin. Unlike lasers, which use a single wavelength of light, the IPL can use more than one wavelength of pulsating light to treat many different skin conditions simultaneously. It can treat redness, hyperpigmentation, and discoloration from acne scars and stimulate collagen production for smoother-looking skin. Photopneumatic therapy is a unique treatment modality that combines IPL with a suctioning vacuum technology to treat active acne. The light therapy aspect of IPL kills acne-causing bacteria, while the suctioning aspect extracts debris, sebum, and dead skin cells from the pores.

CO2 laser resurfacing for acne scars

Ablative skin resurfacing laser treatments, such as carbon dioxide CO2 lasers, remove the entire top layer of the skin in the treatment area. At the same time, the laser heats up the underlying dermal layer of the skin, stimulating new collagen production in the treated area. CO2 lasers promote collagen remodeling, improve skin tone and texture, and tighten skin, and are commonly used for treating deeper lines and wrinkles. This laser treatment is more aggressive than a non-ablative laser, such as the Fraxel laser, and requires significantly more downtime. With non-ablative skin resurfacing lasers like Fraxel, the laser beam creates precise and controlled micro-injuries to a targeted treatment area while leaving the surrounding skin untouched and does not remove the top layer of skin as ablative lasers do. Significantly more downtime is associated with CO2 laser treatment and other ablative skin resurfacing lasers compared to non-ablative skin resurfacing laser treatments such as Fraxel, which is why many patients prefer Fraxel to CO2.

Microneedling for acne scars

Microneedling, or collagen induction therapy, is an alternative to laser treatment for acne scarring. Microneedling creates micro-perforations in the skin, which triggers the body’s wound-healing response to produce new collagen. Microneedling smooths the skin to reduce the appearance of acne scars, fine lines, and wrinkles and improve skin tone and texture. Microneedling also allows for greater penetration of topical products to the skin and is often paired with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to enhance results. PRP is comprised of growth factors and proteins that accelerate healing, promote tissue repair, and increase collagen synthesis. As PRP is taken from a patient’s blood sample, it is 100% natural and maximizes the cosmetic effects of the microneedling procedure to erase acne scars and create healthy, glowing skin.

Vivace microneedling acne laser treatment

Vivace microneedline is a non-invasive treatment option that combines two modalities: microneedling and radio frequency (RF) energy. Microneedling involves the application of a handheld device containing tiny, sterile needles to the skin’s surface. As the device is passed along the skin, small microchannels are created, jump-starting the body’s natural healing process and increasing collagen synthesis. At the same time, Vivace delivers radiofrequency energy that is converted into heat to induce collagen synthesis. Vivace is an excellent acne scar treatment option, as microneedling stimulates new collagen production in the epidermis, and radiofrequency energy simultaneously stimulates collagen production in the dermis, maximizing the cosmetic results seen after the procedure. By replenishing collagen levels in the treated area, Vivace is able to create a smoother skin texture and reduce the appearance of acne scars. The exact number of treatments an individual needs will ultimately depend upon their specific needs and goals. For optimal results, Dr. Green recommends patients engage in at least three Vivace treatments, each spaced four weeks apart. There is zero downtime associated with Vivace microneedling treatment, allowing patients to resume their daily activities afterward.

Can you do a CO2 laser on active acne?

No, the CO2 laser should not be used on active acne. The CO2 laser is an ablative laser treatment that involves removing the top layer of skin while heating the deeper layers of skin. The procedure’s invasiveness can cause active acne breakouts to worsen and increase pain and discomfort. It is always best to resolve the acne breakouts first before trying to treat acne scars to minimize the risk of irritating or exacerbating active acne.

Which areas of the body can be treated with a laser for acne scars?

Acne breakouts can occur anywhere on the body where there are sebaceous glands. They are commonly found on the face, chest, arms, neck, buttocks, and back. Some individuals only experience acne on their buttocks or back, while others experience acne all over their bodies. Since inflammatory acne can affect several different body areas, an acne scar can develop anywhere. Any laser treatments Dr. Green utilizes to diminish the appearance of acne scars on the face can also be used to treat acne scars that may affect other areas of the body. If the acne scar is red in color, the VBeam laser can be used to reduce this redness. If the acne scar is also depressed, a combination approach of VBeam and Fraxel may be necessary for the best cosmetic results. As there is no downtime for the VBeam laser, it can be combined with the Fraxel laser or another type of laser during the same treatment session to treat the redness and depression simultaneously.

What is the best laser for acne scars?

Acne breakouts are not all the same, nor are the scars they leave behind. The best type of laser for removing your acne scars will ultimately depend upon your scars and skin type. The most effective and efficient way to determine which laser resurfacing treatment is most appropriate for managing your acne scars is to consult a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, like Dr. Michele Green in NYC. Dr. Green has over 25 years of experience providing some of the most discerning men and women from around the globe with acne and acne scar treatment, leaving them with smooth, clear, healthy, beautiful skin that lasts. It’s important to select a provider that you trust to perform your laser skin resurfacing treatment for acne scar removal since treatment with the wrong laser type or setting can result in unwanted or undesirable cosmetic effects. Whether your acne scar removal treatment consists of sessions with Fraxel Dual laser, V-Beam, eMatrix, Clear and Brilliant, or another type of non-invasive laser resurfacing treatment, Dr. Green is your expert guide to finding the right combination of treatments for you.

Does laser hair removal help acne? Can laser hair removal help acne scars?

Laser hair removal can be a helpful solution for those who experience recurring breakouts of folliculitis. Folliculitis is a skin condition characterized by acne-like lesions that are often itchy and painful, occurring when the skin’s hair follicles become inflamed. The inflammation associated with folliculitis is typically due to an infection of the hair follicles, which ingrown hairs and shaving can cause. By undergoing laser hair removal, it may be possible to prevent future breakouts of folliculitis that can easily be confused with traditional acne vulgaris. However, treating acne scars typically requires a different laser treatment. The laser technology used for hair removal works by targeting the pigment in the hair follicle, leaving the dermal layers of the skin unaffected. Laser treatments for reducing the appearance of acne scars typically work by inducing collagen production in the treatment area. Dr. Green’s private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood offers the Gentle Lase and Gentle Yag lasers for hair removal and several skin resurfacing laser treatments for targeting acne scars. The type of laser selected depends upon the patient’s skin condition, aesthetic goals, and skin tone. When you consult with Dr. Green, she will help you determine the combination of non-invasive treatments that will eliminate your unwanted hair, active acne, or acne scars and leave you with a smooth, clear, healthy complexion that lasts.

What are the side effects of laser treatment for acne scars?

Some of the most common side effects of laser treatment for acne scars include mild redness, swelling, and discomfort. These effects typically resolve on their own within 48 hours of the laser treatment, depending on the exact laser used. After laser treatment, the skin is more sensitive to sunlight, and it is important to use sunscreen and minimize sun exposure to prevent hyperpigmentation and redness. Other possible side effects include hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation (white spots), skin infection, and scarring. While it may be cheaper to have your acne scar laser treatment at a MedSpa, it is always best to have your treatment performed by a board-certified dermatologist such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC to avoid any unwanted or adverse side effects.

How painful is laser acne scar removal?

Reducing the appearance of scars with laser treatment, whether on the face or body, is relatively painless with the right preparation. Dr. Green prescribes a topical numbing cream to her patients that should be applied to the entire treatment area one hour before your laser treatment. Once you arrive at Dr. Green’s private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, the numbing cream will be removed, and your skin will be prepared for treatment.

How do I prepare for laser treatment?

Ahead of an appointment for acne scar or acne laser treatment, Dr. Green recommends that her patients adhere to the following guidelines:

• Avoid tanning or self-tanners for several weeks before treatment.
• Refrain from smoking for at least two weeks before treatment.
• Discontinue chemical peels or topicals that could increase skin sensitivity, such as Retin-A or Retinols, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid, for at least one week before treatment.
• Discontinue using any medications that act as blood thinners, and stop using aspirin, vitamins, and supplements that may increase the propensity for developing bruises for at least two weeks before having a laser treatment for acne scar removal.
• Pre-treat with Valtrex if you have a history of oral herpes or cold sores.

Does acne laser treatment work?

Yes! Having cosmetic treatment with lasers effectively diminishes the appearance of scars, including acne scars. By stimulating new collagen production in the skin, treatment of acne scars with lasers can lead to a smoother, firmer texture and an overall minimization of acne scars and other textural and tonal irregularities in complexion. When you consult with Dr. Green in New York City, she will work with you to develop a personalized laser skin resurfacing treatment plan that addresses your skin concerns and leaves you with clear, smooth, beautiful skin that lasts. Dr. Michele Green is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in NYC with the experience and expertise required to customize your laser acne scar treatment to work best for you. She will ensure that lasers will treat your specific skin concerns, acne, and acne scars effectively and efficiently. To ensure that your treatment is performed safely and achieve the best cosmetic results, schedule your laser treatment for acne and acne scar removal with Dr. Green in New York City.

How does laser acne scar treatment work?

Laser resurfacing treatment for acne scar removal primarily works by stimulating new collagen production in the skin through the induction of the natural wound healing process. Collagen is a protein naturally found in the skin and contributes to a smooth, firm texture. By creating new collagen, laser resurfacing treatment effectively improves the skin’s texture and reduces the appearance of acne scars.

Do all laser treatments work on different skin types?

Despite significant advancements that have been made when it comes to cosmetic laser skin resurfacing technology, not all laser treatments are equally safe and effective for use on every skin type. Patients with skin types four or greater on the Fitzpatrick scale, with darker skin tones, have increased sensitivity to lasers, and special caution must be applied when treating these patients. Dr. Green is an expert in treating darker skin tones, especially Asian patients, with laser treatments. Lasers that utilize radiofrequency heat, such as eMatrix and Vivace, are “color blind” lasers, as the epidermal layer is bypassed and protected from discoloration with these laser treatments and are generally safer with most skin tones. Other laser skin resurfacing treatments, such as carbon dioxide or fractionated carbon dioxide lasers, must be used in lower settings with patients with darker skin types. There is no “one size fits all” treatment for acne scars, and different laser treatments or modalities may be more appropriate depending on the type of scar, the severity of the damage, skin type, and acceptable recovery time. During your consultation with Dr. Green, she will assess your skin concerns and acne scar types and severity to create a customized treatment plan for you, incorporating laser treatments as well as other non-invasive cosmetic procedures to leave you with healthy, clear skin.

How much does acne scar and acne laser treatment cost?

Several factors will impact the total cost of your non-ablative laser resurfacing treatment for acne scars. One of the first considerations to determine the total cost of acne scar removal is the type of laser therapy used for treatment. Laser treatments with fractionated technology typically cost, on average, around $1,500 per treatment. Radiofrequency laser treatments are usually similar in price to fractionated laser treatments. Vascular laser treatment sessions with devices such as the Vbeam laser and Intense Pulsed Light technology typically fall within the price range of $800 to $2,000, depending on the scope of the treatment area. The number of treatment sessions required to achieve the desired cosmetic results is another factor influencing the total cost of laser acne scar removal. Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to determine how many sessions a particular individual will require to get the desired results since every patient has a unique response to laser treatment. Some individuals observe phenomenal results after a single treatment session. In contrast, others may need up to five sessions of laser treatment for acne scars to get the skin texture they are after. The severity of the acne scarring can contribute to how many total treatment sessions are needed and ultimately greatly influence the final cost of treatment.

Something else to consider when determining your budget for acne scar removal is the benefit of a combination treatment approach. Dr. Green often suggests that her patients with acne scars have intermittent subcision treatment sessions with dermal fillers to break up scar tissue and restore lost volume deep within the skin. The price for a treatment session of subcision with dermal filler typically depends on the type of dermal filler used and the number of syringes used. Dr. Green frequently utilizes dermal filler products such as Restylane, Juvederm, and Sculptra to replace lost volume in tissue associated with acne scars. Since it can take a combination of several different modalities and treatments to improve the appearance of acne scars, it is crucial to consult an expert in treating acne scars, like Dr. Michele Green, to have the best cosmetic results.

Can acne scars come back after laser treatment?

While the cosmetic results of laser treatment will depend on the scars’ severity and the skin response to the laser, the effects of laser treatment for acne scars should be permanent. If the laser treatments are performed effectively by an experienced provider like Dr. Green, the acne scars should not come back. Dr. Green always emphasizes to her patients the importance of treating acne breakouts before treating the appearance of acne scars to prevent the development of any new acne scars. Controlling active acne breakouts before beginning treatment for acne scars will greatly reduce the likelihood of observing any scars after laser treatment. As the natural aging process occurs and collagen in the skin is broken down over time, existing acne scars may once again become more noticeable. Many patients engage in maintenance treatment sessions to achieve the best results. When you work with Dr. Green in NYC for your acne scar treatments, she will help you develop a treatment plan and timeline that best suits your needs and skin condition.

How long does acne scar laser treatment take?

An acne scar laser treatment session typically takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. However, this can vary depending on the laser treatment option selected for your plan and whether treatment options are being combined. For example, many patients with textural acne scars and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation choose to undergo Vbeam and Clear + Brilliant laser treatments within the same appointment. Patients who have chosen to combine treatment modalities may require a longer appointment. Additionally, the total number of treatment sessions that are required to produce the desired cosmetic results may impact the amount of time needed to achieve final results. Some contributing factors include the severity of the acne scarring and the type of laser being performed. Many patients can achieve the results that they are looking for after having between three and five laser treatments for acne scars. The process of completely improving the appearance of acne scars can take up to two years, and expectations should be practicable when planning your treatment with laser for acne scars.

How do you choose the best acne scar removal treatment?

The world of cosmetic dermatology is constantly evolving. With so many different treatment modalities available for reducing the appearance of acne scars, it may feel overwhelming to try and determine which are best suited to you and your unique skin condition. When treating acne scars, it is critical to consult an experienced board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green, in New York City. Working with an expert to treat acne scars helps prevent encountering unwanted potential side effects and guarantees optimal cosmetic results. Dr. Green has the expertise required to select the acne scar treatment options that will safely and effectively minimize the appearance of your acne scars with long-lasting results.

Is acne scar and acne laser treatment worth it?

Yes! Acne laser treatment can be an excellent complementary treatment option for those struggling with breakouts. Often, it is recommended to engage with other treatment modalities, such as topical treatments or oral medication, simultaneously to attain optimal results. In addition, for the many patients who have struggled with acne breakouts, diminishing the appearance of their acne scars with laser treatment is absolutely worth it. The appearance of breakouts and acne scars can significantly contribute to feelings of self-consciousness and low self-esteem. Having laser treatment for acne breakouts and scars is an investment in self-care that many patients deem incredibly valuable, as it restores their confidence and helps them look and feel their best. Since no patient develops acne scars in the same way and no two acne scars are identical to each other, the total number of laser treatments necessary to completely diminish the appearance of the acne scars will vary from person to person. When you consult with Dr. Green for your laser treatments, she will work with you to develop a personalized plan that best suits your specific concerns and goals.

How do I get started with acne scar and acne laser treatment?

While acne breakouts and acne scars are common skin conditions, their appearance can lead to feelings of self-consciousness and low self-esteem for many. It is possible, however, to permanently eliminate pimples and significantly reduce the appearance of acne scars with laser treatments. Laser treatments employ various types of light and laser energy to treat breakouts and acne scars with little to no downtime or side effects. At her private dermatology office in NYC, Dr. Green offers many non-invasive treatment options, including lasers such as Fraxel, eMatrix, and Vbeam and Photodynamic therapy, to create healthy, radiant, clear skin.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified cosmetic dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience offering non-invasive treatment options for active breakouts and acne scars in her boutique dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Super Doctors, Castle Connolly, and New York Magazine consistently identify Dr. Green as one of New York’s best physicians for her dedication to her patients and expertise. Utilizing the most cutting-edge laser treatments and innovative techniques for skin resurfacing, Dr. Green also provides her patients with superlative medical advice and recommends the best specially formulated skincare products to give her patients the best all-around care. When you choose to work with Dr. Green to eliminate your active acne or acne scars, she will help you design a customized treatment approach that is catered to your unique skin condition to optimal results. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Green, call 212-535-3088 or contact us online today to start your journey to achieving a clear, smooth, beautiful complexion that lasts.