Lasers
Results
Side Effects

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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2.9
229
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Compare To Other Treatments
5
15.3%
4
21%
3
19.7%
2
21.8%
1
22.3%

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April 27, 2007

Pros:

I've had two treatments about one month apart. The first treatment worked better than the second. It reduced the acne along my troubled hairline when NOTHING else had worked.

Cons:

It hurts! It has not reduced my oily face, but I have been diagnosed with POS. My acne is hormonal.

It gave me improvements I had not seen with other products/services. I am going to pair it with other things like Proactiv and salicylic peels, but not all at the same time. It's also been helping to wash my hands and hair regularly, change my pillow case and clean my phones.
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March 30, 2007

Pros:

Consistent and predictable results.

Cons:

Costly.

I've been taking N-Lite laser treatment for more than two years now and have enjoyed long-lasting, very positive results. I estimate it's consistently reduced my symptoms by around 60%. On the lowest and presumably least risky power setting, a £200 (lower-face) treatment seemed to give good results for around 11 weeks. Strangely, the positive effects of the treatments seemed to wear off EXACTLY at the 11 week mark. For the past few treatments, though, I've taken the treatment on a slightly higher power setting. This appears to give more sustained effects, although I've generally chosen to go back at around the three month mark just to be on the safe side. I have been using antibiotics and benzoyl peroxide all this time. From experience, I know that these alone reduce, but don't completely stop, my skin problems. N-Lite has 'plugged the gap' very effectively.
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February 28, 2007

Pros:

If it works the pros are obvious

Cons:

It hurts a bit and is quite expensive.

I just had my 1st treatment today. Comb. of Vbeam and smooth beam. It did hurt about a 5 on the pain scale. My dermatologist used an ice pack and that was all. It really wasn't that bad and if this works it will be well worth it. I was a little red afterward but that is gone now 4hrs later. I am very hopeful. Will keep you posted!
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February 16, 2007

Pros:

None.

Cons:

I had four treatments two years ago. They did absolutely nothing to reduce my acne. My skin got burned in a couple of sensitive areas, so for many months afterward I would get a "bubbling up" of my skin in those areas, like little water bubbles.

Totally worthless. I don't recommend this treatment at all. I highly doubt that it's actually working for anyone. There is a placebo effect even with acne treatments. This product was never tested by anyone but the manufacturer, to my knowledge. It was approved by the FDA based solely on the company's claims. Doctors of course want us to believe it works because the machine was very expensive and now they need to try to recoup their investment. But don't bother. Truly a total waste.
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January 9, 2007

Pros:

It does make a long lasting difference. I have had benefits for more than 12 months.

Cons:

Initially it gets worse.

Good treatement, if not a little expensive. I had my first treatment in 2003 with benefits up until summer 06. I decided to have another course in November 06. Just had my final treatment today. Hopefully it will be all good until 2009! Try it. I know people who have been made very depressed with Accutane.
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January 4, 2007

Pros:

none

Cons:

gave me the worst time of my life and my once clear chin has got lots of scars and seem not to be healing properly

am on tertacyclins at the moment seem to be helping a lot, N lite nearly ruined me life so i am no thinging what to do with scars i have left from this treatment NEVER take antibiotics together with N lite leave it go out or its gonna be much worse! NEVER even touch the spots or u surely end up with scars the healing immediately after laser is somehow reduced best luck and always thing twice before doing anything to your face
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March 8, 2009

Pros:

My skin has become smoother and softer and a little less breakouts this is after 1 n lite and 2 microdermabrasion treatments

Cons:

Not fast results but nothing is instant in this world....just had my second n-lite (yesterday) and have some real bad bruising all over my face its smooth bruising though :S

but she did put the laser on MAX level and said we need to traumatize the skin and long term results will be better, but ill keep everyone informed on a weekly basis. But so far from what my skin use to be id recomond looking at the microdermbrasion aswell as the n-lite, now the packages dont come cheap i payed 800 pounds. the microdermbrasion is a little vacuum that lifts off the dead skin and sprays some kind of crystals onto the skin, they said this helps with the n-lite aswell, the microder..... makes the skin softer and smoother the place i went to are also taking pictures to keep track on my improvements so i will be able to see the before and after results.
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November 26, 2008

Pros:

pain, get someone to drive you home so that you can have something to help with the pain during the treatment. I paid 500.00 for the Active FX and had "agressive" treatment.
I was told that it does get better over a year... we will see.

Cons:

downtime, itch and pain for a week, oh and a lot of showers with the water running down my face.

I hope to see the skin color blend a bit better. I may still be 'red' in certain spots that make me look uneven for now. It did pull a lot of sun damage, some of the wrinkles are already smoother... but, I still wait for my face to heal completley. I have a lot more acne and also hope this will go away.
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March 21, 2008

Pros:

smoothbeam helps me get rid of my active acne and reduce my oil.

Cons:

it takes so long to see result.

i am asian, skin type V. I go to my local dem and do the smoothbeam, it is not hurt but it reduce the redness. so i went to do the vbeam after that, still waiting to see result. hope it will be good. Npt cover by insurance.
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February 14, 2008
Ok, I've had acne since grade school and at the ripe age of 48 only get a pimple from time to time. My present condition is some pretty severe scarring. I made the plunge and had my first SB procedure yesterday. Had the numbing cream applied before the procedure and incurred only mild pain. Procedure took about 15-20 minutes. Used some ice afterwards but only mild reddness was seen and went away within an hour or so. I know it will take time to see any real improvement in my scarring but I'm hopefull. Have my second procedure in 4 weeks and I'm planning on doing at least 5. I will reeport on my progress or lack off after each procedure. My goal is to see a 50-75% improvement. I hope that is not reaching for the stars. Hope everyone finds success in whatever procedure they choose and say a good prayer for me. Best of luck to all, I know how painfull acne can be.
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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