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:
November 12, 2008

Pros:

None so far.

Cons:

Red lines, dark skin around my mouth, ACNE break out!

I had some wrinkles and age spots I had hoped to diminish. The age spots have not faded at all (today is day 5), I have HUGE zits on my chin from the petrolatum goo I have to use to keep my skin hydrated, I have red spots and am still swollen and I was supposed to go back to work today but I just couldn't go out looking like this. Five nightmare days so far-it was a laser micropeel-it was supposed to heal over 3-4 days. If I'm stuck looking like this I don't know what I'll do. My doctor is on a vacation in the mountains and can't be reached! PLEASE CONSIDER THE CONSEQUENCES. I had very nice healthy skin!
This Was Helpful

11 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 10, 2008

Pros:

Works but only as maintenance. Not permanent resolution.

Cons:

Expensive for treatments.

I am a nurse in Ontario who performs this procedure in a Dr.s Clinic. I want everyone to understand that from what I have experienced with my patients is that the smoothbeam works as long as your always doing it. As soon as my patients stop this treatment for any certain length of time their acne always comes back. I would consider this treatment, but it seems to be working as a ACNE MAINTENANCE and NOT a cure. I find it to be expensive for maintenance and personally wouldn't recommend it. Some of my patients love this treatment, but agree they have to always do it or their acne will come back. If you have the money to use this treatment as maintenance then go for it, but there are better solutions such as Clear Light, and or Accutane. Accuaten isn't as bad as some of ths stuff I have read. I know, I deal with people on it everyday. Worst Side effect usually is dry craked lips.
This Was Helpful

11 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 6, 2008

Pros:

I have only had two treatments but seems to works well. Just got off my aldactone pills and my skin is still clear. Normally if I skip even one day of those pills I get that cystic acne back.

Cons:

It's expensive and sometimes leaves red scale marks on your face for a few days if they administer the laser wrong.

So far I love it. And yeah, the price is expensive, but were talking about your face! I have also heard that it can be safely done while pregnant. They just dont want you using the numbing cream.
This Was Helpful

Report
October 19, 2008

Pros:

you may need more treatments than they recommend!! i had about 7, i have cystic acne that leaves scars, tried everything, if you can afford it hang in there because i was cystic acne free for over a yr, but was told i may need touch up treatment

Cons:

expensive;

worked with more than recommended treatments
This Was Helpful

Report
October 8, 2008

Pros:

Had a series of 5 treatments in 2005, my acne was essentially cured after 15 years - and my scarring improved significanlty.

Cons:

Not cheap and a bit painful if you don't use a topical anesthetic (Simple solution: USE NUMBING CREAM!)

I had a series of 5 treatments, each spaced a month apart, back in 2005. I had moderate acne with some cystic acne on my temples and cheeks. My acne broke out worse for the first two months, which was my skin clearing everything out. The acne persisted, but gradually improved, for the 6 months following the first treatment (through the other five treatments). Within 6 months of the last treatment my face was acne free, which it hadn't been for 15 years! I was told by my derm that I would need to come in about every six months for a maintainence treatment, but my skin remained clear until around august of 2008 - three and a half years! My acne has not returned at anywhere near the old level, but over the last couple of months I have had very light breakouts - a level of acne that I would have killed for before the smoothbeam treatments. Nevertheless I will be going in for my first maintainence treatment (or two or whatever's necessary) to keep my skin perfect.
This Was Helpful

Report
September 27, 2008

Pros:

NONE

Cons:

Where do i start? Very expensive. In-experienced members of staff. My skin actually got worse. The laser left a scar on my forehead. The machine kept breaking during one of my treatments. No after-care.

I wish I had never had this treatment.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 26, 2008

Pros:

It has an immediate affect.

Cons:

Lasts only for a few months and is very expensive.

I started my laser treatments 4 years ago using VBeam. Spent $3K on 8 treatments that worked wonders - my skin was awesome to the point where I needed to wear no make up (and I had severe cystic and topical acne). Fast forward 2 years and I break out again just as bad. Dermatologist recommends a series of smoothbeam lasers. Another $2K down the hole and my acne significantly improves (though not as great as with VBeam). Fast forward 1 year down the line and my acne returns with a vengence. Only problem I have is that I "know" the lasers work - so it's hard NOT to go back and spend $800 a pop on a treatment that will almost instantly make the cystic acne dissapear. But I need to find a new alternative. The lasers are too expensive to use as a maintenance regime.
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 8, 2008

Pros:

clears acne eventually, maybe gets rid of old marks for some (didn't for me)

Cons:

expensive, takes at least 3 sessions to see a difference, the laser treatment itself isnt very nice, must do it fairly regularily otherwise skin will start to break out again

i started the nlite when my acne was mild. the 1st 2 treatments did nothing for my skin, and by the 3rd the acne was severe. however, after the 3rd treatment (which was done on a higher laser setting), i started seeing an improvement, and by the 5th session (a month later) i had barely had any breakouts. however, it all started to go pear shaped from there, as the lady who did my treatment quit, so they transferred me to another clinic, where the new woman was useless, and within 3 months, my skin was as bad as its ever been. now ive got my skin under control again, and am 95% clear using the beauty skin acne lamp, which i would recommend to anyone who found their acne improved by the nlite, but wants a more affordable option.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 31, 2008

Pros:

Nothing!

Cons:

Did nothing to my skin, and I lost over $6000...Also my skin got extremely oily after the laser treatment. It supposes to help acne and reduce oil production according to the doctor. He just wanted to make money..I broke out.

Don't waste your money!!!!!!!!!
This Was Helpful

8 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 16, 2008

Pros:

Works perfectly for about 6 months

Cons:

Once it is no longer in affect, the acne slowwwwlly but SURELY comes back to the same nasty form
expensive ($550 per treatment)

good if you do it once every few months to control it
This Was Helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 7 8 9 10 11 … 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