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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December 16, 2007

Pros:

none

Cons:

-expensive
-painful
-ineffective

I only went for two treatments before deciding to stop. For one, the treatments are extremely painful. The procedure feels like someone is snapping a rubber band on your face (repeatedly) and in my case, didn't yield results worth $250 per treatment. There are newer technologies available to dermatologists which are more effective. I went for these treatments about four years ago. Save your money.
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October 29, 2007

Pros:

Quick procedure, bruising gone within 2 days

Cons:

Very expensive

I've had acne since i was 10 and im now 21, i've tried every cream and antibiotic the dermatologist could prescribe and even took 2 courses of roaccutane. Im doing a course of 4 salicylic peels and 3 N Lite treatments alternating each every 2 weeks. So far i've had one peel and one N Lite treatment. Although i've had an outbreak since my first N Lite i've been told this is normal and i can already see my scaring has dramatically gone down. Apart from a couple of days of not wanting to go out after each treatment i definitely recommend this treatment - i've neevr seen results so quickly!
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October 2, 2007

Pros:

I am having my third session this week,each 3 weeks apart. I have noticed a big difference. It seems that I am still breaking out a little, but they breakout will last about one or two days, instead of a week. My cysts have decrease tremendously

Cons:

It hurts like hell. It was a lot more painfull than I imagined. They last time they left the numbing cream on longer and it helped. But it slightly felt like I was getting a tattoo on my face!

I can't say how long it will last, but I am very excited I started treatments and am upset I waited so long!I can't wait to see it get better and better as it has been. People are already noticing and my sister with the same problems with her skin went right away and signed up herself!
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September 10, 2007

Pros:

helps to reduce the number of breakouts, eliminate red marks and held your skin become permantly clearer.

Cons:

may be considered pricy for some people.

I went to the skin health spar in london for this treatment after seeing it advertised in numerous places. I was intrigued as it claimed to be as effective as antibiotics and would take a fraction of the time for you to get clear skin. I must say that the laser is wonderful; if you do get this done, then go to the skin health spar, as the nurses are all wonderful and very competent with applying the treatment. It takes about 4 treatment to see results, spread over a period of 16wks (4wks in between each treatment). I have heard some people suffered bruising after the laser, but I experienced none of these side-effects; apparently because I have fair skin and blonde hair which the laser was designed for. So I would definitely recomment giving this a shot- I wish I had taken the treatment earlier on, but just glad I did it.
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August 8, 2007

Pros:

Good results

Cons:

I don't think there are any cons, but it takes a couple of treatments to see results

Hi- I've finished my course of treatment for nlite which i undertook at the Private Clinic to improve my acne. I saw a significant improvement after only my third treatment (which The Clinic explained is usually how many it takes to see results. My acne has now cleared completely and I'm very happy with the results.
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August 5, 2007

Pros:

Remains to be seen

Cons:

Slight breakout after first treatment

I had my first treatment 4 days ago at the Private Clinic in London, like many other people on this board. Was not particularly impressed with the staff (it's not encouraging when the clinic loses the notes from your consultation), but have paid for the three treatments, and so am going to see what happens. The treatment itself was fine and I had no bruising or redness. Today my skin is a little worse than it was before the treatment, but I was assured that this is normal, and it's nothing I can't hide with make-up. I will post after the next treatment to report on how the process is working for me, good or bad. After reading the remarks on here, I'm a bit nervous that I've been conned, but I will give it a fair chance first! Not sure about the products I've been given - they seem a bit harsh for my sensitive skin, so may stop using them and go back to my normal routine.
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August 2, 2007

Pros:

None

Cons:

Expensive Dosnt Work

dont bother trying it had two sessions a month apart and only made my skin worse now elevn weeks later its only gettin back to the way it was before the treatment please dont waste your money
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July 14, 2007

Pros:

reduced the look of some scars

Cons:

MADE MY ACNE WORSE BIG TIME!

smoothbeam did, in fact, make my acne much worse than what is was pre-smoothbeam. i've had three total smoothbeams done by an excellent, well-known dermatologist in my area. very disappointed. i am now looking forward to starting accutane and seeing some real results. my advice, if you want to get rid of active acne, is to go straight to accutane and ditch the smoothbeam, which is an experimental piece of crap. also, i wouldn't have another treatment done if they paid me to have one.
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July 5, 2007

Pros:

Smoothed My Skin.. Got Rid Of Scars.. Reduced Break-Outs!

Cons:

Really Expensive.. =[

Well I'm 16. I've Suffered From Acne Since I Was About 10.. We At That Time Thought It Was Just A Phase And It Would Fade, 6 Years On It Was Just As Bad. Went Through Almost Every Bit Of Medication On The Market & That The Doctor Could Give Me. I Had REALLY Low Self-Estime =[ We Were Reading The Newspaper On Wednesday When Me And Mum Where Waiting In The Doctors Waiting Room. There Was An Add For The Laser Clinic! Instantly, We Thought This Was Something Different & That The Results They Showed Were Amazing! Now 2 Treatments And About 6 Months On, My Skin Is Greatly Improved And Getting better Everyday. Its Costly, But Can You Really Put A Price On Confidence?!!
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June 27, 2007

Pros:

None Really

Cons:

Expensive,Not Sure it works, gives false hope

i had pretty bad acne on my chin i have had two sessions and its bin about 6 weeks since my first i am still getting breakouts and my skin is no clearer than i can see. but maybe it will get better with time
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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