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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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February 17, 2009

Pros:

I am starting to see results after my third session. YEAH!!!!!

Cons:

Painful, even with numbing cream. Somewhat expensive but i m getting a deal.

I have or had a pretty bad inflated acne. I have been taking meds and creams for about four or five months and three sessions of smoothbeam. After not seeing resulst (actually got worst first) with the creams, pills, and laser treatment, i started to doubt my doctor and my self about actually getting rid of my acne in the forehead. Thankfully, finally i see a light at the end of the tunnel. My acne is getting better. I still have a bad case of blemishes ( red pigmentation) that my doctor said will go away in three to six months (lase helping too). Slow and painful (mentally and physically) process. Be very very patient and soon you will see a light at the end of the tunnel. P.S. My doctor (chicago) gave me a deal on the treatment of my acne, he charges me $85.00 for consultation, smooth beam and cortisone shots on only my forehead.
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February 4, 2009

Pros:

It works!!!! Also helps old scars fade a bit faster.... starts working after the first session...No down time..

Cons:

Laser feels like a rubber band snapping against your face. It hurts most across the forehead and at $500 per session, it can get pricey depending on how many treatments are needed

I HAD cystic acne. It was painful and unsightly. I only went for one smoothbeam treatment and my skin has cleared up. I typically get one pimple a month now...im sure if i went back and paid another $500 i would never break out again but it seems unnecessary. I had bad acne for 6 yrs .....$500 and 30 mins out of my schedule is worth the results....if u have bad scarring u may want to consider chemical peels...
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January 6, 2009

Pros:

Very Quick, Minimal Pain, No downtime Real potential for shrinking oil glands, reducing acne and helping improve/correct acne scars

Cons:

None so far. Do not let price be a deterrent for you.

Like others, I have suffered with acne for over 17 years. From the time I was 13 till present, I have been to at least 10 different dermatologists over the years, and have taken every type of acne medication ever offered. Many years of oral antibiotics, dozens of prescription face creams and face washes, two courses of accutane with no improvement. I thought that I was just an unfortunate person that would have to deal with severe acne and terrible scars my whole life. Two weeks ago I decided to have smoothbeam laser treatment and I must say that I can see the difference after the first treatment. Where nothing has worked in the past, this seems like a potential miracle for someone like me. I am very excited and anxious to have the 2nd treatment done and I will most certainly post a follow up message. Skin alot less oily, and my scars just look different to me already. I would urge all to try Smoothbeam and not wait.
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December 16, 2008

Pros:

No side effects

Cons:

Costly but worth it, uncomfortable treatment

I've had acne since 13, now 23, like most of you I tried everything short of accutane. Antibiotics were the only success story for me until now. First couple of treatments I was disappointed and started to worry if I wasted my money (again!), broke out mildly before the third treatment. I would say I'm now 80% clear, I still get spots but they're far smaller and heal quicker. I had my treatments at the skin health spa in selfridges, the staff are perfectly pleasant but bottom line is they are selling you a product, and you get that feeling. But if you've done your research and want to try it who cares! Had initial 3 treatments for £400 (this includes a glycolic peel and extractions before each laser) and I'm having a 4th done at reduced price of £100. After 4th I will have the top ups. I also bought the products to go with, they're Jan Marini and I think they help with pigmentation. So far it's worth it, as long as the maintenence treatments that follow
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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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November 6, 2008

Pros:

I have only had two treatments but seems to works well. Just got off my aldactone pills and my skin is still clear. Normally if I skip even one day of those pills I get that cystic acne back.

Cons:

It's expensive and sometimes leaves red scale marks on your face for a few days if they administer the laser wrong.

So far I love it. And yeah, the price is expensive, but were talking about your face! I have also heard that it can be safely done while pregnant. They just dont want you using the numbing cream.
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October 8, 2008

Pros:

Had a series of 5 treatments in 2005, my acne was essentially cured after 15 years - and my scarring improved significanlty.

Cons:

Not cheap and a bit painful if you don't use a topical anesthetic (Simple solution: USE NUMBING CREAM!)

I had a series of 5 treatments, each spaced a month apart, back in 2005. I had moderate acne with some cystic acne on my temples and cheeks. My acne broke out worse for the first two months, which was my skin clearing everything out. The acne persisted, but gradually improved, for the 6 months following the first treatment (through the other five treatments). Within 6 months of the last treatment my face was acne free, which it hadn't been for 15 years! I was told by my derm that I would need to come in about every six months for a maintainence treatment, but my skin remained clear until around august of 2008 - three and a half years! My acne has not returned at anywhere near the old level, but over the last couple of months I have had very light breakouts - a level of acne that I would have killed for before the smoothbeam treatments. Nevertheless I will be going in for my first maintainence treatment (or two or whatever's necessary) to keep my skin perfect.
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March 25, 2008

Pros:

Helped clear skin for me and has mostly stopped new spots forming.

Cons:

Quite expensive (but worth it) and takes a while to see any results.

Had the treatment as well as using 2.5% BP once a day. 2 weeks after 1st treatment and any new spots stopped forming. After about 2 months started getting a couple of new spots and had another visit. Now still get spots but they arent bad ones and go pretty quickly. I think that its a good treatment to use along with the BP regimen just as long as you be patient and believe that it is going to work for you and dont read all of the negative reviews.
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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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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.
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