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.
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
February 11, 2017
Never do it
Do not do this! My skin was ruined and now i can get out of my house because i have whiteheads over my whole face and pimples. My acne was pretty cleared up before i did this, Im so sad and dissapointed. I hope it Will cleared up over time, but it Will leave me scars
August 1, 2015
Waste of money!
Before the procedure, I was told that many patients see noticeable results even after the first treatment, but of course, "everyone responds differently." Tried first treatment of Smoothbeam. Absolutely NO improvement whatsoever. Nurse practitioner then says it usually takes 2-3 treatments to see results. Being at the point of being close to desperate about finding a treatment that works, I gave it another shot. After second treatment, still nothing. No visible improvement. I still broke out, old and new scars were still there. Nurse says well, usually it takes 6 treatment to get the results. Well, I wasn't about to roll the dice and pay an additional $250 a pop for something that did absolutely nothing. At least I didn't get any discoloration as some people have unfortunately reported. But it was a total waste of $500 for me. Sadly most dermatologists just try to push treatments to patients. Still searching but I'm now trigger-shy because like most people, I hate wasting money. And I have stopped going to this dermatologist.
October 16, 2014
waste of money
I tried this treatment in West London, I found it expensive and completely useless.
October 10, 2012
I had photosensitive reaction. I broke out badly and now have a scarred face
July 18, 2011
Pros:
None
Cons:
My skin has come out in worse spots then i originally had. I feel like I have wasted a lot of money for nothing.
I went to the Private clinic in Manchester, and paid £700 for a course of 3 treatments. With this I was given £40 worth of Jan Marini products for free, the main chemical in this is benzyl poroxide, which you can get perscribed by doctors or £7.50!! Anyway, it has now been 2 weeks since I had my 3rd and final treatment, and its safe to say that it hasn't helped my skin one bit. I have painful spots on my cheeks and jaw line, and the last time I went in, the person who originally did my treatment wasn't there, so I had another woman, who was very surprised it hadn't worked, so turned up the power of the laser, she also gave me advice to only use the Simple product range on my face body and hair, which hasn't really made a difference, but it has only been 2 weeks. Also not part of the treatment, but they messed up my 2nd appointment, I got there and they hadn't booked it in through the computer, even though I had an appointment card all they could do was apologise, they did give me the parking money back, but not the cost of the petrol for the extra trip i had to make!! Unfortunatley I would not reccomend this, but then everyone's skin will take to this treatment differently.
April 19, 2011
Pros:
None
Cons:
caused severe hyperpigmentation
I underwent two treatments of smoothbeam and although the first time I did not have any negative reaction, the second time I developed severe swelling and crusting of the skin. Within a week, the swelling subsided however I was left with severe hyperpigmentation. Even after three years of diligent usage of hydroquinone and other bleaching products, my face is still 10% scared by the procedure. I am of Indian origin with medium skintone. The dermatologist seemed quite surprised that I pigmented in this manner. It was truly one of the most difficut phases of my life. Please DO NOT use smoothbeam especially if you pigment easily.
August 27, 2009
Pros:
I can't see any. Had three treatments 2 weeks apart at the Private Clinic at Manchester and atm nothing brilliant.
Cons:
No noticeable changes. Acne hasn't changed. Skin still red. People say that changes appear at the second or even third treatment but at the second, skin was indifferent and third lots more spots in new places. Its expensive! Lots of cheaper places!
I have to wait until November when they look back at my face to see if there are any changes. I'm hoping there is but considering others have said they saw instant changes I'm guessing it hasn't worked for me. Then they'll recommended other treatments such as chemical peels and micro-dermabrasion which surprise surprise COST. For something that has cost over £650, I dont think its a risk people should take unless you have the money to gamble. I hasnt done anything for my scars. Will have to wait for this collagen crap to kick in.
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
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
April 29, 2009
Pros:
More even skin tone - on the the less sensitive areas.
Cons:
My chin area developed a terrible acne breakout, infection or rosacea or whatever... still waiting for a proper diagnosis. It's been six months now I a face a constant daily battle to keep my skin under control. I fear I have completely ruined it.
Don't use lasers until you have completely researched the market. If you are not sure, only use the lighter lasers for a less aggressive treatment, or dont do it at all. I used to get much better results from glycolic acid facials, I really wish I'd stuck to them now.
Cons:
Cutera laser for laser genesis and telangectasias ruined my skin. Had mild acne and rosacea. Has severe photosensitive reaction which made pores large and scarred my face