Lasers
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Laser therapy is thought to work by inhibiting the activity of skin oil (sebaceous) glands, killing acne bacteria, and reducing inflammation.

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Laser therapy is thought to work by inhibiting the activity of skin oil (sebaceous) glands, killing acne bacteria, and reducing inflammation.

It is usually performed about 5 times in 2 to 4-week intervals.

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5
16.3%
4
21.1%
3
19.6%
2
21.5%
1
21.5%

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December 11, 2007

Pros:

Um.....Um......nope

Cons:

The cost. The dashed hopes!

I can't speak for everyone but I think as with any acne treatment some things work for some people and not for others. I had to travel 2 hours each way to my nearest provider of NLite. It cost £150.00 a session. (A non refundable cost is also the £25.00 pre consultation - at your 1st session) The 'nurses' at the place I went to in Exeter were not particularly friendly either. Any way I had 1 treatment and was told to expect a breakout followed by improvement at 2 weeks. I had a breakout but no improvement. My 2nd session was at that 2 week mark. I was treated by a different girl who told me after the 2nd I could REALLY start to see improvement...my 3rd session was booked in for 4 weeks later. 3 days before, I cancelled as my skin had only become progressively worse! As I say I think for some it probably does work. I wasn't one of the luck ones though....NEXT? P.S. That 2nd treatment was about 2 months ago.
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December 9, 2007
It was my second intensive treatment, the machine kept cutting out and I wonder if this was a factor or had the machine been put on the wrong frequency because a few days later I ended up with the most awful eruptions - I had never had acne this bad before - pustules upon painful pustules and I remained like this for three months of the summer of 2005 - working with a bandaged chin and no social life! Two years down the line I am now experiencing another bout of terrible eruptions in one of those very sites - I am on 2000mg of antibiotics presently, bandaged chin again. I know this laser damaged my skin and intend to get it checked out. If the pain and the unsightly looking afflicted area bad enough I have concerns that there could be more sinister effects of this treatment. Whatever you do - stay away from the N-light laser treatment - please!
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November 29, 2007

Pros:

got rid of ALL the acne on my back/ shoulders/ chest & face (except my chin..which has gotten worse, but ive been told its unrelated/strictly hormonal)

Cons:

so much $$$$$$$$$..painful, my eyes teared up every time..takes a while to see results.

as pissed off as i was with the $/pain/time to see results..i NEVER break out any of those places i got it done except my chin. it's expensive..seems like theres a lot of mixed results..but if it works, it really works. ALSO..after recieving 5 treatments and my chin wasnt cleared up, i can go back anytime i want and have him do another treatment free of charge. which is nice. if it eventually works on m hormonal acne.
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November 21, 2007

Pros:

None after first treatment. I also had some cortisone injections into the cystic acne, so perhaps they are slightly less inflamed.

Cons:

Skin is red and tender from treatment and some breakout. The emotional stress of cystic acne probably doesn't help the cure.

No acne treatment has ever worked for me longterm. I am now in my mid 30s and have had acne on and off for years. It is now worse than ever with cystic acne on my jawline. This was my last resort as I started a treatment of accutane and was half way through the course when I went to another Dr who said that I shouldn't be on the Accutane for at least 6 months prior to having a baby. Therefore, fingers crossed this works, but I am skeptical.
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November 20, 2007

Pros:

It has kept my skin clear about 90%. I now only get about 1-2 breakouts during the time of the month compared to consistent breakouts before when i would get about 10-20 pimples on my face at one time.

Cons:

It is painful and don't expect this to work for red marks or scars.

It has worked for me with 3 treatments. My last treatment was a little over 2 months ago. However, I must point out that when I got my first treatment, I decided to begin taking b5 pills again to help with the clearing up of my skin and I felt it would speed up results from my smoothbeam treatments(No, b5 pills did not clear up my skin when taking it alone without smoothbeam). In addition to the 3 smoothbeam treatments I've had, I still take b5 pills at a smaller dose per day and my face is still clear. My doctor charged $150.00 per treatment and do feel it was worth it. My next goal is to get the Vbeam treatments for my red marks from the same doctor at the same price per treatment.
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November 10, 2007
It was very effective treatments. I had 4 sessions, and my acne and the scarring have cleared up. I only have a few deeper old scars left. The nurses at the private clinic gave me some great advice on, not just the treament itself but products as well (which I can't live without now!) but all round good experience that has filled me with confidence.
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November 10, 2007

Pros:

cleared up acne, skin is softer and smoother.
much better than antibiotics and dianette.

Cons:

expensive! products they gave me has caused dry skin around mouth area - minor!!!

I went to the private clinic in manchester. The staff were very helpful and sympathetic. I have had 3 n-lite treatments - 2 weeks apart. After the 1st treatment I had an outbreak. I've just had my 3rd treatment today and I am very pleased with the results. My skin is soft, - a bit dry around my mouth due to the products they gave me - thinking of going back in a few months for a chemical peel to get rid of scarring.I am very happy with the results so far! definately worth the price
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October 31, 2007

Pros:

pain free, soothing treatment

Cons:

expensive, results may take months to be seen

i had my first set of 2 nite session about 5 months ago and now my skin is clear of spots but i have alot of scarring left. ive just had another n lite 3 days ago. apparently after each treatment it takes about 3 months to notice a different so if you have 3 treatments it will take 9 months in total to see an improvement. also my treatments are always about 45 minutes long....3-5 mins seems to less. i have a glycolic peel too which is included in the price and the laser takes about 15 minutes. im going to wait about a month and see if theres a difference and then i will book in for another one!
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October 30, 2007

Pros:

Very good results

Cons:

No cons

I can strongly recommended NLite as it cured my acne. It got worse before it got better as expected, but the final results were excellent. I had my treatment at The Private Clinic, Harley Street. The nurse was very professional.
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October 27, 2007

Pros:

Don't know yet

Cons:

Expensive. £250 per session - no reduction for multiple bookings

In response to Karen, Manchester query, I also had my first session 2 weeks ago and I was worried that it only took 4 minutes. I rang another clinic to enquire how long the actual laser treatment takes and they told me that they can only pass the laser over the skin once, so I suppose this will be right. No difference in my skin so far, but I didn't expect any so early on.
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Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website