by Debbie Ross

Created on: October 25, 2008   Last Updated: October 30, 2008

Refined since their introduction in the 1980's, lasers have become skin surgeons' treatment of choice as an acne scar removal treatment technique. They have proven to be a safe and effective method of acne scar removal without the major side effects associated with other treatments such as long term antibiotic use.

Lasers use powerful bursts of light to remove or burn off skin cells which have been damaged by acne scars. Because laser scar removal is extremely accurate, only the affected skin tissue is targeted.

The laser works in two ways to remove acne scars. Firstly, the laser light kills the acne bacteria which causes the infection. Secondly, it promotes the growth of collagen under the scars, filling them from the inside, to produce healthier looking surface skin.

The type of laser your dermatologist uses will be determined by the type of acne scar removal you require. Different lasers penetrate different depths inside the skin to either remove outer layers of skin or to tighten inner layers.

The "Yag" laser has a very precise wave length. The laser pierces the skin and the skin's moisture absorbs it. The heat produced by the laser then scatters leaving the normal skin unaffected.

The carbon dioxide or "CO2" laser emits short bursts of extremely high energy, highly focused light that vaporizes the scarred skin tissue a layer at a time; thereby exposing a more fresh looking skin layer which heals over time minimizing scar appearance.

The downside of laser acne scar removal is that your face will hurt for about a week. However, your doctor will prescribe medication to help with the pain. The most common side effect of laser acne scar removal is hyperpigmentation or red skin. Again, your doctor will advise you on how to deal with this.

Not everyone is a candidate for laser scar removal. If you have a dark skin type or if you suffer from skin disorders, such as psoriases, you will need to consult a qualified dermatologist to determine whether this procedure is right for you.

Your skin's renewal process depends on the type of laser used, your personal anatomy, and your adherence to your doctor's instructions.

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