Acne Laser Treatment Myths and Facts

If you are considering acne laser treatment, you may have heard some rumors about the therapy and its rate of success. In this article, we break down the top 5 most common myths surrounding acne laser treatment and present you with the facts. This will help you make an informed decision about proceeding with this course of treatment.

Myth: Acne Laser Treatment Is Painful

Fact: Lasers are one of the least painful methods for treating acne. The treatment itself is non-invasive and does not harm the top layer of the skin. It is common to experience a slight burning or tingling sensation during the treatment, especially if you are experiencing an active breakout. However, your doctor will apply an analgesic to your skin before the procedure starts to help make it a completely comfortable process. It is common to feel some mild pain shortly after the procedure is complete, but this can be modified using mild painkillers such as ibuprofen.

Myth: Acne Laser Treatment Is an Invasive Therapy

Fact: Acne laser treatment is completely non-invasive. The treatment is effective because it directly targets the two most common ingredients that cause acne: bacteria overgrowth and too much oil production by the sebaceous glands. The laser destroys the bacteria and shrinks the sebaceous glands, but does not harm the top layer of skin.

Myth: Acne Laser Treatment has Many Scary Side Effects

Fact: Acne laser treatment has a few possible side effects that are quite mild. The most common side effects occur shortly after treatment and include redness, mild swelling, and mild pain. All of these will subside on their own, and can be lessened with either OTC or prescription medications. People with darker skin tones are more likely to be prone to hyperpigmentation, which is a darkening of the skin. If you have a dark skin tone, you should check with your dermatologist to see if you are a good candidate for acne laser therapy.

Myth: Acne Laser Treatment Takes a Long Time and Can Be Done in One Session

Fact: Most patients opt to have shorter sessions and return 4-6 times to finish the therapy. This method seems to be the most effective and keeps patients from spending hours in the dermatologist's office.

Myth: Insurance Covers Acne Laser Treatment

Fact: Because acne laser therapy is such a cutting-edge treatment option, most insurance companies do not cover it. However, most dermatologists offer some sort of payment or credit plan. If you feel that acne laser therapy is your best option, talk with the office manager at your dermatologist's clinic for payment options. Acne laser treatment is an effective, long-lasting solution that targets the root causes of acne problems. This treatment is on the vanguard of acne therapy and while it may seem pricey, it is actually far cheaper and more valuable in the long term in treating moderate to severe acne than most medications and ointments on the market. Talk with your dermatologist today to see if acne laser therapy is the right choice for treating your acne problems.