Lasers
Results
Side Effects

Laser therapy is thought to work by inhibiting the activity of skin oil (sebaceous) glands, killing acne bacteria, and reducing inflammation.

...

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.

 [more]
2.9
209
Read All About Lasers
Compare To Other Treatments
5
16.3%
4
21.1%
3
19.6%
2
21.5%
1
21.5%

Used Lasers? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
July 10, 2009

Cons:

I had moderate acne before laser with levulan. After 1st treatment face exploded with cystic acne! Did 2nd treatment got even worse. Doctor says I have sensitive skin!! Now they say accutane is my only recourse.

Do not do it! Painful, expensive at $700 per treatment (insurance does not cover this procedure) but worse my skin looks terrible
This Was Helpful

58 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 10, 2009

Pros:

I feel better in myself, can see a big improvement in skin.

Cons:

painfull, takes ages to see a difference, gets WORSE before it gets better.

I have had 5 Nlite sessions as it stands, the first 1 wasnt any good, it was at the private clinic, Harley st.. they wiped my face with a baby wipe, literally wizzed the laser over my skin then out the door only to stop and spend massive amounts on Jan Marini products!! Then they called a day before my 2nd treatment and said they had sent the machine away and i couldnt have it for 2months! Needless to say i got a refund and spend half the money at selridges. they wash your face properly, put an acid peel on, took time with the laser and spend time on your face after it to sooth the skin. I have had 4 treatments there and i see Aimee as she is amazing, she really care's about your progress. I ONLY SAW IMPROVEMENTS after the THIRD treatment (so really my 4th!!!) but although i still have marks on my face and the odd spot i feel totally different in myself, im happier. i also gave up on Jan Marini n now use Dermalogica.. its so much better! stick with it just dont expect miracles!!!!
This Was Helpful

38 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 5, 2009

Pros:

Skin feels really smooth.

Cons:

Still getting oily skin which causes my breakouts.

I am 23 years old and have had moderate acne since I was 15 years old. I mainly breakout around the chin, neck line where I shave, forehead, and corner of nose (t-zone areas) because my skin produces way too much oil. I am planning to do 3 smoothbeam treatments at $250 piece six weeks apart. I have had one treatment so far at a medium setting with multiple passes. I did not experience any pain during my first treatment ( it actually felt pretty cool). My skin is looking better, however, I am still one oily son of a b**ch, and I constantly have to use those oil absorbing pads or else my face shines like a star. I thought this was suppose to reduce oil (which is the main reason I got the treatment). Hopefully, after a couple of months and treatments I will start to notice the oil reducing. I am looking forward to my 2nd and 3rd treatments as I think my skin will only get better. I hope this works!!! I will post a couple of weeks after my 2nd treatment.
This Was Helpful

28 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 3, 2009

Pros:

None

Cons:

..If thats what u want to call the 'doctor's' who work in these 'clinic'

Obviously this doesnt work and looks like can make things a whole lot worse..all the positive reviews are for advertising purposes all the negative reviews are probalby real so Im giving this a big miss..and shame on those clinic who advertise miracles
This Was Helpful

51 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 30, 2009

Pros:

None

Cons:

I had my Nlite treatment 1 month ago. It did nothing to my skin except to make it worse!

Do not try it
This Was Helpful

33 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 20, 2009

Pros:

None as yet!

Cons:

The cost! Quiet expensive! Seen no improvements yet but time will tell!

I was told I wouldn't c improvements straight away! They were pretty truthful about the procedure! I would b prone to outbreaks after every session of NLite & thats whats happend! I have had 2 sessions so far & still experiencing spots! U just have to b patient which is really hard when u just want to c results straight away! Going 4 my last session on saturday so time will tel! I may not c improvements 4 a few wks yet!!! Fingers crossed my skin will clear soon!
This Was Helpful

17 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 26, 2009

Pros:

It works it really does Use RetinA as well and you should be golden

Cons:

It takes repeated treatment and it costs an average of 600 per session So it can get expensive

I would recommend this treatment to all, especially if you have tried other methods with little to any results. The laser heats up the skin beneath the surface resulting in killing of bacteria and shrinking of oil glands. I could really see in the future that the laser treatment will replace the once convential methods of treating acne. Convential methods may or may not work but they certainly will not deal with scarring and the red marks, wheras smoothbeam corrects these problems as well. My only wish was they had this technology 15 years ago when I was in highschool. My advice... If you are someone that is sufferring or if you have kids that are suffering, get them the treatment. It is expensive, but it could really change their life. Hopefully one day insurance will cover this miracle treatment.
This Was Helpful

12 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 23, 2009

Pros:

Not as painful as you might think, no down time

Cons:

None at all!

I am not one for pain...going into this procedure this morning I was terrified of the pain and aftermath...every comment I have read on this site didnt make it easy for me to walk in the office calm...My doctors were extremely nice and welcoming, the pain that I was expecting was not pain at all..the best way to describe it is small splashes of hot water on your face...it kind of felt good, my face was not red at first, but about three hours later I looked like I just left the beach....looked like a natural sunburn, The redness is gone now..only lasted five hours...I am back to my normal self and waiting for what is next. I am allowed to wear my make up first thing tomorrow..and I was told to keep lotion on my face and exfoliate as soon as my face starts to peel. As long as I do that, my doctor said nobody will know but me! I am to see him again in a month and looking forward to it, and my new face.
This Was Helpful

32 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 15, 2009

Pros:

It did reduce my active acne. I had 2 sessions about 5-6 weeks apart.

Cons:

It was very expensive at £400 for two sessions. Not permanent.

It did make a difference where no other creams or diet changes had before. I did notice the acne reducing within days but I could only manage 2 treatments as it was so expensive. I went to the Private clinic in Harley St having read the press but I did feel like I was on an assembly line and they couldn't wait to get my payment details. They say in the blurb that there is no down time but it did make my face go red and luckily I had brought my make up with me so I could put it on again in the loo before I left the building. The redness did calm down quickly enough during my journey home but I wouldn't like to have this done in a lunch hour and return to work or meet anyone straight after. I am going to recommend it because it did work for me but it's only for people with the money to continue treatments. It was uncomfortable but I don't think it was too painful. Please see my review of the BeautySkin acne light.
This Was Helpful

25 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 1, 2009

Pros:

Some improvement in forehead lines, lightening of a few freckles

Cons:

Procedure was much more painful than advertised - down time longer than advertised - saw no difference in lines around eyes.
Broke out in zits from the thick Aquafor dressing.

Skin looks slight fresher but overall not worth it.
This Was Helpful

16 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 3 4 5 6 7 … 21
Next

Relevant Article(s):

Relevant Forum(s):

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.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website