Phototherapy
Acne.org’s Real World Take
Laser therapy works by harming skin oil glands. That can lead to some improvement in acne, and perhaps even long-term relief of some acne symptoms. However, evolution gave us skin oil glands for a reason and what happens long term when you permanently disable them is still unknown. Proceed with caution.
Phototherapy
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this procedure done. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one.
Used Lasers? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
November 15, 2009
Cons:
My mom thought I was weird when I beat egg whites and put them on my face, she thought I was going to cook them...haha
I would definitly recommend this to my friends, it worked wonders in such a short time!
October 1, 2009
Pros:
It did clear up my breakouts, but who knows what it will do in a couple months from now.
Cons:
Told me the redness would only be a couple hours after treatment.Its been 3 days & Im BEYOND red,burnt&bruised.I called them today,& they want to see me as soon as I get out of work.I cant believe I worked for the past 3 days looking like this!!!
I wouldn't recommend this to anyone who doesn't have severe acne because their face may turn out like mine. All of this redness, bruising, burntness......I don't even know if it's going to go away. It looks the same as when the treatment was finished, except much worse. Hopefully they will figure out something for my face tonight.
September 29, 2009
Pros:
After suffering for 6 years i had 6 months of treatment and have no acne and much smaller scars
Cons:
you have to be preparred to perservere with treatment, dont expect to have one treatment and be clear. I have had about 10 treatments over a year to see such good results although it began to clear after about 4
Im not trying to sell this so will say it how it is...If you dont mind spending the money and are prepared to continue with this for at least 6 months then it worked for me. For the first 2 or 3 treatments i didnt notice much difference but after that each treatment helped a little more. After about 10 treatments over a year i have clear skin apart from the odd small pimple once or twice a month and it has been 9 months since my last treatment.
September 22, 2009
Pros:
Only thing that has truly worked for me (in combination with topical treatments and Spiro)
Cons:
Expensive
I've had acne since I was in my early teens and I'm now almost 30. I've tried everything from antibiotics to accutane to lotions etc etc. N lite is the only thing that has worked for me. I now wash with Cetaphil morning and night followed by Zindaclin in the morning and Retina in the evening. I go for regular N lite laser treatments (every 2-3months) and also take low doses of Spiro. This has cleared up my acne (which was very severe), reduced redness and improved texture of my skin. It's reduced the look/colour of red scars. I use mineral make up which I think works really well for acne prone skin.
September 16, 2009
Pros:
I am a 50 year old person with adult acne. After about 4 treatments, I started seeing results. By the sixth treatment I was not getting breakout.
Cons:
It is a bit painful, but well worth it.
I have moved to Montgomery, AL and can not find anyone that has the lazer. I am very bummed out and would sell the lazer myself if I knew who to get a hold of to be a sales person. They need to get on board down here in the South.
September 10, 2009
Pros:
Amazing results. Had it done to remove fine lines, some wrinkles, some sun freckles and sun damage. I got all of that and more.
Skin is so smooth and fresh.
Cons:
It was a solid 9 days of down time and at 4 weeks of healing, I am still a bit red. All of this is exactly what I expected.
Erbium laser is extremely technique sensitive and if you have an excellent doctor perform the procedure and do the pre and post treatment instructions exactly as they suggest, it should go well. I had a fabulous doctor who continue to do a lot of follow up to make sure I am healing the way I should be. Do your homework and be an informed patient.
September 5, 2009
Pros:
Clear beautiful skin with no long term side effects
Diminshed lines and wrinkles
Not covered under my medical insurance but an eligible expense under a FSA or Medical Saving Account with letter of medical necessity from your doctor
Cons:
Cost ($300.00/treatment)
Pain and swelling , increasing as intensity is increased.
Can cause hyperpigmentation on darker skin tones - I am a fair skinned blonde so I haven't experienced that side effect
I LOVE this treatment! I am 46 years old & had severe acne as long as I can remember. I went to an old school derm that had me on various antibiotics for around 5 years with mixed results - one would stop working & then it was on to the next. I finally changed doctor. I started with Accutane, but I only got thru 50% of the treatment & had to stop due to severe dry eyes. My doctor then suggested Smoothbeam. I have had 6 treatments so far & have not had a breakout in months! The first treatment was a walk in the park - used a mild numbing cream & didn't feel anything - no big deal I thought. However, as the strength was increased I experienced increased redness & swelling. The tech ices my face during the treatment & I now ice it for a day or 2. Yes, it's extremely painful - I am now using superstrength numbing cream.But I am off medication for the 1st time in years and my skin has never ever been better. I will continue this on a maintenance basis - every 3 mths.
August 27, 2009
Pros:
I can't see any. Had three treatments 2 weeks apart at the Private Clinic at Manchester and atm nothing brilliant.
Cons:
No noticeable changes. Acne hasn't changed. Skin still red. People say that changes appear at the second or even third treatment but at the second, skin was indifferent and third lots more spots in new places. Its expensive! Lots of cheaper places!
I have to wait until November when they look back at my face to see if there are any changes. I'm hoping there is but considering others have said they saw instant changes I'm guessing it hasn't worked for me. Then they'll recommended other treatments such as chemical peels and micro-dermabrasion which surprise surprise COST. For something that has cost over £650, I dont think its a risk people should take unless you have the money to gamble. I hasnt done anything for my scars. Will have to wait for this collagen crap to kick in.
July 30, 2009
Product used: V-Beam (Laser Acne Treatment)
Pros:
Cleared my skin after several sessions, and reduced red marks left by acne.
Cons:
a tiny bit painful (not as painful as smoothbeam), expensive
I had this in conjunction with Smoothbeam treatments, so I can't say for sure if the V-Beam alone would be helpful. The doctor first did a Smoothbeam treatment and then about 10 minutes later did a V-Beam treatment on the areas that were red. I do believe it helped with the hyperpigmentation left by acne.
July 30, 2009
Pros:
After 5 sessions of of Smoothbeam (immediately followed by V-Beam) laser my face was totally clear! I only needed minimal skin care to keep it looking great. I had clear skin for 2 years.
Cons:
Very expensive (about $350 per session for full face), can be painful, I couldn't go anywhere the rest of the day after having a treatment because of redness (which was gone the next day). It's not permanent (lasts about 1-2 years).
I'm 30, and while I had acne as a teenager it didn't get very bad until my mid 20s. This was the first treatment I had that really worked (after trying many treatments, prescriptions, etc.). I went to the Baylaser Clinic in Toronto. The doctor who administered treatment told me it wasn't permanent, and I'd need maintenance treatments about every 1.5 yrs. In the last 2 months (2 years after the last session) my acne has returned full force. I've started another round of treatments with the same doctor and laser clinic. I've recently realized that my acne is a symptom of an underlying hormonal disorder (with which I'm in the process of being diagnosed - possibly PCOS). So while I'm treating the acne again with the laser treatment, I will also be actively trying to get to the root cause and treating that. So, if you can afford this treatment I do recommend it. You must stick with it for all the sessions. Find a clinic that has a medical doctor administer the treatment.
Pros:
It really tightened my skin and shrunk my pores.