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
August 5, 2007
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.
July 18, 2007
Pros:
Didn't work for me. I had hoped it would slow down the oil production. I have extremely oily skin and really thought this might work for me. I can actually watch my oil glands fill up and spill out in my T-zone.
Cons:
I must have tough skin because my aesthetician used a very high setting (14) on me for 3 sessions (!) one month apart, and I felt very little pain. The redness went away within 15 minutes each time. She asked me if I were on Valium! (No!)
My skin has become completely clear and radiant! For me the laser didn't work. But I know that for many people it does--I think I'm an unusual case. However, I HAVE cut out all white stuff and processed food from my diet, now drink 10 glasses of water a day, exercise, take Dr. Sears' pharmateutical grade Omega 3 oil (2 tsp. per day--see his web site) and have started the complete Obagi skin care system, combining the Clenziderm with the Nu-derm products, including tretinoin. I eat well, meditate, and take a high quality multi-vitamin, as well as some other supplements for insulin resistance. I have to say it was worth having the laser treatments to find out about the Obagi skin care system. I found out about the Omega 3 oils and cutting out bad carbs in my diet through my own research. (The price quoted is for 3 sessions of the laser.)
May 11, 2007
Pros:
Completely got rid of acne on back, chest, and shoulders. Skin less oily. Its been almost 2 years since first treatment and the results have not changed.
Cons:
EXTREMELY expensive, still get some breakouts on face.
I got i think about 6 treatments or so on my back/chest/shoulders, approximately 1 month apart consecutively. I did not see results immediately but about a month after my last treatment, my acne was COMPLETELY gone. As for my face i had i think 5 treatments, 1 month apart consecutively, and had seen a big improvement at about the 6 month mark. Less oily skin, smaller pores, but still a few breakouts on my face. I take some meds for it now, which also help. I was told this was a hormonal problem. Overall, i'd say 100% improvement on my back, chest, and shoulders, and about 75% improvement on my face. There was very little pain for me, my doctor used a topical numbing cream and it worked great. Felt like little bee stings after that, except in areas of active acne which were a bit more sensitive. For the red spots afterwards, the doc put some kinda cream on and it took it away immediately. I left the office with no marks, redness, or pain. Was numb for a few hours! haha
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.
April 22, 2007
Pros:
I had very good results. My skin is very smooth and free from malasma. The wrinkles around my eyes and between my brow are virtually gone. I had it done 3 months ago. I hope to see more improvement as time passes.
Cons:
The procedure was very painful toward the end because the pain medication wore off. The first 5 days of recovery was miserable. I felt much better after 2 weeks.
It was worth it. I might have done fraxel instead of co2 lazer because of the awful recovery period.
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.
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!
January 23, 2007
Pros:
dried out some of my acne.
Cons:
assistant who performed treatment was not that helpful and attentive. I went to Private Clinic, Harley Street
I've had one treatment and am going back for a second this week. I did get an initial breakout which is still on my face. My neck has a lot of flaky dry skin on it now. I was shocked after my first visit when I was told I had to buy £90 worth of skincare products to compliment the treatment. I wasn't told this on my initial consultation. The assistant was not very attentive and did not pass the n-lite laser behind my lower ear and neck. (this is where my acne is particularly bad). I was too nervous to say anything, but I will this time! I will write another review after my next treatment. I'm putting down that I don't recommend it, as I am not as yet satisfied with the service or the results. This may change after the next treatment and the third and final one.
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.
January 1, 2007
Pros:
It has reduced the severity of my acne. I'm not on anything internal. The pain is minimal as long as your dermatologist uses ice packs on the area prior to treatment.
Cons:
I still break out. It is expensive. I have not noticed a difference in my scarring.
I paid about $1,200 for six Smoothbeam treatments and six chemical peels. I go in every two weeks and alternate between the two. I've had five of the six Smoothbeam treatments (only on my chin as that is where my problem is). As long as the ice packs are used it is not painful. I can't tell a difference in my scarring and although I still break out I am not getting the deep painful cysts like before. I feel something developing and then a few days later the pimple is gone. Before I would have cysts that would last for weeks. I would only try this if you can afford it. This has not been a miracle cure for me but has helped me some.
Pros:
Remains to be seen