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
December 30, 2006
Cons:
Can take months to see if there is a benefit, after you have spent quite a bit of money. It's a gamble, an expensive and emotional one as well.
I have just had my third treatment. The first time the technician used the cooling jets and I felt absolutely no pain at all. However, for my 2nd treatment, I was informed they were no longer allowed to use the cooler as it decrease the efficacy of the laser. This 2nd visit was beyond painful, literally I cried; & I have a very high pain tolerance! Third time, I applied tons of numbing cream earlier so that it was on for a little more than an hour and took 3 advil an hour before. This made a HUGE difference; it was completely tolerable this time. I have NOT seen any improvement in my acne, in fact I experience a flare-up along my jawline following treatment, this is very frustrating. You really want to see an improvement, but none visible as of yet. The tech says it usually take 5 or 6 visits before you see a difference. I am hoping so, nothing else has worked so far. I have always had nice skin, my doc says it is hormones. I am a 37 yr.old female. I'll re-post after 6th visit.
December 4, 2006
I had my second treatment of SB 3 days ago. After my first treatment I noticed a difference in my acne and acne scarring although it was only a slight difference. This is my 7th laser treatment overall. I had 5 treatments with a diff. kind of laser before I did the SB. I have noticed that with both types that the days after treatment my face was much clearer. This last SB treatment that I had actually resulted in what looks like small oval blisters which seem to have turned into scabs. I also developed small whiteheads around my lower lip. I had my treatment on Friday afternoon and live 2 hours from where I get my treatments at so as a result I am unable to contact my dermatoligist in regards to this matter since it is the weekend. As far as pain goes my derm puts a topical pain reliever on my skin 1 hour before treatment and also offers patients the option of oral pain relievers. So I find the pain very tolerable.
October 10, 2006
Pros:
Clearer skin, less oil, no more special/expensive/high-maintenance prescriptions.
Cons:
Even with the cream they apply before, the actual process is painful. But, you got to suck it up. It is just 15 minutes. It just like working out--the process sucks but the results are worth it.
An occassional small pimple.
Here's my experience: 1st Treatment: I was very frustrated with results. My skin was immediately red and blotchy for a day following the treatment. Overall, I saw little difference in my skin. I didn't want to go back. 2nd Treatment: One month later, I went for the second treatment. Days after, I noticed a difference in my skin. I was less oily and my breakouts were less frequent and the pimples much smaller. 3rd/4th Treatment: I was completely impressed after these treatments. After three treatments, the manner in which I had to care for my skin completely changed: Before, I had to wash my face twice a day with Brevoxyl and apply a special cream for the day and one for night just to avoid waking up with new (often cystic) zits on my face. I remember feeling paranoid if I forgot to wash my face before bedtime. Now, I wash my face with a cheap Neutrogena soap & apply Clearasil and that's all I need to stay clear. The $1000 far beats the endless $$
Pros:
No down time, quick recovery. Procedure is very quick.