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 25, 2008
Product used: V-Beam (Laser Acne Treatment)
Cons:
- Face red for first few hours after treatment
- Expensive and requires multiple treatment
- Do not expect a clear face
It is worth to try because each people have different reaction to the laser. My results were okay but not as expected. Some parts of my face are still red but not as red before the treatment. Some red spots just dissapear. Looking forward to doing my second treatment.
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.
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.
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.
November 10, 2007
Pros:
cleared up acne, skin is softer and smoother.
much better than antibiotics and dianette.
Cons:
expensive! products they gave me has caused dry skin around mouth area - minor!!!
I went to the private clinic in manchester. The staff were very helpful and sympathetic. I have had 3 n-lite treatments - 2 weeks apart. After the 1st treatment I had an outbreak. I've just had my 3rd treatment today and I am very pleased with the results. My skin is soft, - a bit dry around my mouth due to the products they gave me - thinking of going back in a few months for a chemical peel to get rid of scarring.I am very happy with the results so far! definately worth the price
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!
October 27, 2007
Pros:
Don't know yet
Cons:
Expensive. £250 per session - no reduction for multiple bookings
In response to Karen, Manchester query, I also had my first session 2 weeks ago and I was worried that it only took 4 minutes. I rang another clinic to enquire how long the actual laser treatment takes and they told me that they can only pass the laser over the skin once, so I suppose this will be right. No difference in my skin so far, but I didn't expect any so early on.
October 26, 2007
Pros:
It really was the only thing that worked for me, without too much of a side affect.
Cons:
It's a little bit costly, but well worth it
I had 3 treatments of N-lite and not only did my acne clear up but my skin looked glowing, the best it's ever looked ;)
October 19, 2007
Pros:
It calms that acne considerably!!!
Cons:
Depending on how bad your acne is it may take more sessions.
It is really good but it seems that some people are paying way over the odds for the N Lite laser. They do it in selfridges in London for about £400 for 3 sessions so i would recommend that. Don't get ripped off in Harley street.
October 6, 2007
Product used: V-Beam (Laser Acne Treatment)
Pros:
Great for removing redness.
Cons:
May require multiple treatments.
Sometimes temporary results depending on treated area - the body will often fight/reverse the effects of this laser.
This is a great laser for removing redness (plush) from acne breakouts - but don't confuse redness (from blood) with hyper-pigmentation (darker, more browny spots), which aren't treated with this laser. Depending on area used, multiple treatments may be required, and effects can be mixed/temporary. For example, around the nose is a tricky area to fight as the body constantly tries to repair the blood vessels killed by this laser. However, repeated treatments will show better results each time. Talk to the doctor about expected results for each area treated so you aren't disappointed when you have to go back a few times.
Pros:
- Removes 20% of redness
- Does not hurt
- Take very little time