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

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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.

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2.9
229
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Compare To Other Treatments
5
15.3%
4
21%
3
19.7%
2
21.8%
1
22.3%

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February 17, 2009

Pros:

I am starting to see results after my third session. YEAH!!!!!

Cons:

Painful, even with numbing cream. Somewhat expensive but i m getting a deal.

I have or had a pretty bad inflated acne. I have been taking meds and creams for about four or five months and three sessions of smoothbeam. After not seeing resulst (actually got worst first) with the creams, pills, and laser treatment, i started to doubt my doctor and my self about actually getting rid of my acne in the forehead. Thankfully, finally i see a light at the end of the tunnel. My acne is getting better. I still have a bad case of blemishes ( red pigmentation) that my doctor said will go away in three to six months (lase helping too). Slow and painful (mentally and physically) process. Be very very patient and soon you will see a light at the end of the tunnel. P.S. My doctor (chicago) gave me a deal on the treatment of my acne, he charges me $85.00 for consultation, smooth beam and cortisone shots on only my forehead.
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February 8, 2009

Pros:

???

Cons:

Hurts and Expensive!!

I had my first treatment 3days ago and im really worry it will not work!! Im worried because i feel that this is my last chance of being happy! my skin is on my mind 24/7 and its ruining my life!!! so far skin seems totally the same.. i atleast wanted a swollen face to show it was doing something!! Also think i've been conned as i went to the pivate clinic in harley st also and its very expensive!!
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July 11, 2007

Pros:

None

Cons:

Much worse, more scars now a year later because your skin is more delicate

I had this procedure done about a year ago and was a big waste of my money. It was almost 4k and my face is so much worse than before. Everyone says I should sue but you cant because they have you sign forms that protect them. Now my skin looks worse and on top of that now I Always have dark circles under my eyes which I never had. If you have scars dont do this. it makes it worse and if you have active acne dont do this because it makes it worse! Also if you have active acne and get this done you will have new scars on top of old ones because your skin is so so fragile after this procedure. Waste if your looking for a acne cure and or acne scar cure!! Please dont.
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May 17, 2007

Pros:

Works great. Reduces oiliness. Have had one small whitehead in four months

Cons:

Ouch! Red for a few hours afterwards.

If you want ZERO acne, this regimen works: 1. Smoothbeam laser treatment once a month 2. Cleanse twice a day using the Clarisonic Brush and a gentle sacilyic acid cleanser (I use Neutragena) 3. Get the Beauty Light (Red and Blue Light) and use 15 minutes per day. 4. drink lots of water and eat a healthy diet 5. Look at your beautiful skin every morning in order to resolve to continue doing 1 thru 4 above Good Luck!
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March 17, 2007

Pros:

Lasting Effects quickly. Excellent, excellent, excellent.

Cons:

On balance, none compared to other acne treatments but does need repeating ideally 3-4 times. £250 1st, then £175 thereafter.

In my 30's I have mild flare-ups. I get n-lite laser every six months at a private medical centre by a practising GP. I think it's really important that anyone getting N-Lite does some research and avoids skin laser clinics where profit is the bottom line. I am appalled to read one reviewer had to shell out £90 on products. This is ridiculous and I urge her to report that clinic to the BMA. Utterly contemptful and shockingly unethical! You do NOT need any extras with N-Lite. My dad is a GP and I've spoken to a few doctors about this. It will work without expensive creams so don't be pressured. Also worth going to a practitioner (qualifyied doctor) that has been trained in using the n-lite laser in the original Hammersmith Hospital trial some years ago. These people know what they are doing and are not beauty technicians given a brief training on a laser. Contact the Hammersmith and ask them for a list of practitioners. I hope one day this will be available on NHS for everyon
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January 14, 2007

Pros:

None it has ruined my face

Cons:

scarring, burning, bruising, horrendous acne, sensitive skin, skin peeling

I started getting acne when I was 10. I tried everything and nothing worked so I decided to try the N-lite at Hammersmith Hospital. After the first treatment my skin was awful and it has stayed bad ever since. Before I went for the laser i had about 3 medium and 1 huge spots per week and had a few scars on my cheeks and chin. I have now had 3 laser treatments (each 2 months apart) and I am now getting at least 3 medium and 1 huge spots a day! They say that a week after the laser you are supposed to get a breakout and then its supposed to clear up until a couple of months later when the laser wears off. I get the breakout a week after the laser but then my skin doesnt get any better. Not only this but it has made my skin so unbelievably sensitive. I can now only use soap and water on my face and have to moisturise about 3 times a day or i feel like my skin is burning and it all flakes off. This treatment is the most barbaric thing ever!!!
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April 13, 2009

Pros:

Seems to be working already

Cons:

None, other than staying away from the sun

I just had my first YAG laser treatment about 2 weeks ago (followed by a mild TCA peel last week) and I am already noticing an improvement in my skin. I like the fact that my doctor is using mild peels and a "gentle" laser procedure so that I don't have to have a long recovery period. Takes a long time but I can tell it's going to be worth it.
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December 30, 2008

Pros:

Leaves your face really smooth for a couple of days.

Cons:

Even with the numbing cream, it hurts like hell, especially where you have a pimple. I also didn't notice it getting rid of any pimples. Your face is really red afterwards and, if you don't wear sunscreen, you can get brown marks.

This procedure is too expensive for what you get. I had about 6 or 7 treatments. I like the way my face feels afterwards - smooth and soft but, it didn't do anything for my acne (my face only had 1 or 2 small pimples at that time), didn't prevent new acne from forming and did not decrease the size of my pores, which is why I tried the procedure in the first place. Bottom line - at a cost of $400 each time, totally not worth it.
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June 7, 2008

Pros:

quick, and painless

Cons:

NO improvement seen at all after 6 treatments. HAlfway throgh treatments at #3 was told I need microdermabrasion which I did and still NOTHING, my face is still the same and all broken out. Not happy at all and deffenately not cheap.

Dont do it unless you want to waste alot of your money. Its a huge disappointment!
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January 30, 2008

Pros:

None

Cons:

Definitely the cost,raised hopes, travelling to clinic

Having suffered with acne for 30 + years,and tried everything there is to try,I truly believed this would end the years of torment.The operator came across with all this medical spiel and told me that this would DEFINITELY work, paid my £1200 for 6 sessions and was full of hope for an acne free future. 1st 3 sessions, came away with nothing but very red skin followed by huge cystic breakouts, told this was to be expected. 4th,5th treatment, no better, was told I should have glyclocic peels once a week .then it would work, hand over more hard earned money.At the end of all this, my acne is no better, probably worse, its cystic now, and I am still paying back the credit card bills. So very,very dissapointed.Since found out that it only works for about 40% of people, wish theyd told me that before I handed over the cash!
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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.
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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.
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