Light Therapy
Results
Side Effects

Light therapy involves the application of red and/or blue light and works by helping kill acne bacteria as well as potentially reducing the...

Light therapy involves the application of red and/or blue light and works by helping kill acne bacteria as well as potentially reducing the production of skin oil (sebum).

It is usually performed twice weekly over 4 to 6 weeks.

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Compare To Other Treatments
5
0%
4
22.2%
3
11.1%
2
22.2%
1
44.4%

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May 8, 2008

Pros:

NONE

Cons:

hyperpigmentation & new lines and wrinkles, in addition to scarring and hypopigmentation from being burned by the laser

I made a serious mistake by going to a dermatologist that recommended Pulse Light Therapy when all I really needed was some light gycolic acid peels 20% that I could do at home. Turns out, the laser burned my skin so deep that it scarred me, left spots of hyperpigmentation AND I ended up with wrinkles around my eyes that I never had (I looked 5-7 yrs younger prior to the treatment). Boy I screwed-up and there is nothing that can be done now, but try to warn others before they make the same misktake. I thought because the person was a doctor they knew what they were doing. Truly, try less invasive techniques...I'm now doing glycolic acid peels twice a week. Sure wish I would have gone that route to begin with...I would have saved myself a lot of money, not to mention the tears and depression that resulted.
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April 16, 2007

Pros:

Smoother results for 1 month..stopped break outs for 2 months

Cons:

Expensive...swollen for 3 days...felt as if my face stayed swollen a bit..Face looks fat as if sweling was slightly maintained

The Treatment 1. Microdermabrasion 2. Levulan Application 3. 30min Blu-U 4. IPL treatment (feels like an elastic salp on your face 100X per cheek) I did this full treatment twice 900$ x 2
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July 2, 2007

Pros:

Boost in skin's firmness and plumpness. Scars filled in a bit from underneight

Cons:

none really

I had 7 treatments of IPL photofacial done within a month. Usually these treatments are spread out more...but we wanted to really plump the scars. It helped. It only hurt a little like a little rubberband snap. No down time at all.
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November 16, 2007

Pros:

Basically, you cannot reduce scaring without going deep.

I had PSR3 done with a double pass at the highest energy setting 4 Joules.
My face peeled at day 4. Positive Burning sensations lasted 12 hours.

It works on only small scars (

Cons:

People with darker skin tones are at risk of permanent hypopigmentation. (lighter skin)
ie. loss of pigment.

I used zinc oxide cream to accelerate the improvement. ( Diaper rash cream )
This cream can cause some irritation, acne and temp

In summary, there is only Rhytec for Light scars and the riskier CO2 for deeper scars (more risk, more results, redness lasts a lot longer ). Risks of CO2 laser - scaring, hypopigmentation and Demarcation. Even more Riskier methods include Phenol Peels and Dermabrasion
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October 27, 2006

Pros:

Works the first treatment after the second even better third treatment so far my skin is the best and smoothest its ever been, up to five treatments

Cons:

none its cheap effective and works, i guess the only downside is treatments are every three weeks

Quadra Q4 Intense Pulsed Light Treatments worked for me and is fairly new i recommend trying it if u have a few breakouts this will definetly get rid of them and its so effective and cheap cheap cheap and no lasers
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October 23, 2007

Pros:

None

Cons:

I've had 2 IPL treatments. It looks like the machine has left imprints on my skin, scars/lines along my face. My cosmetic surgeon is now sending me to a dermatoligist! It better not have left permanent scars on my face or I will sue!!

I am so scared how this will turn out & would never have done it if I knew this could happen. They said they've never seen this reaction before in their lives & possibly with treatment for the rosacea from the dermatoligist it will all heal!! I don't believe it!!
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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.
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