Active acne, which is normally referred to as pimples, can be reduced with the help of laser or intense pulsed light (IPL). The treatment can be used as a supplement to a medical treatment.
About acne Treatment with Laser/IPL
Acne is traditionally treated with medicine prescribed by a dermatologist.
It has become apparent, that treatment with laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) may also have a reducing effect on acne.
There is not currently any documentation explaining how heating with laser light helps to reduce the active acne (pimples), but there are scientific studies showing that the treatment has a lasting effect.
Usually, this form of treatment will be part of a course of acne treatments, which will be put together by a dermatologist.
If you suffer from bothersome acne, you should firstly see your GP, who can then refer you to a dermatologist.
Generally on non-Ablative Skin Laser and IPL
Non ablative laser, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and RF (Radio Frequency/Radio Waves) make use of special filters to decide which part of the tissue that is to absorb the heat energy from the light and thereby disintegrate.
There are several different laser, IPL and RF machines available in the many different clinics out there. The manufacturers each claim that their equipment is the best, and each clinic will typically prefer a particular machine.
Here is a list of some of the different non-ablative lasers, IPL, and RF machines in use today:
- Ellipse (IPL)
- PowerLite (IPL)
- Harmony (IPL)
- Elos (IPL & RF)
- Accent (RF)
- CoolGlide (Laser)
- LightSheer (Laser)
- Diodelaser (Laser)
- Fraxel (Laser)
- Pixel (Laser)
Suitability
People, who suffer from intensive acne, and who have not been able to achieve a satisfactory result with medical treatments, may benefit from this treatment.
Fit and healthy people over the age of 18 are suited for treatment with laser, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), and RF (Radio Frequency).
The procedure
Prior to the treatment, the treatment provider should gather information on allergies that the patient might have, the patient's use of medicine, former skin problems or infections, sun exposure, and tendency of forming hypertrophic scars or keloids.
In some cases, a cooling gel is applied onto the area to be treated.
Anaesthesia
The treatment is most often performed without the use of anaesthetics, and done on an outpatient basis. In some cases, a locally sedative gel can be applied onto the area to be treated.
The treatment can cause anywhere from mild tickling to moderate pain, depending on the area and type of tissue that is treated.
Side-effects
After the treatment, the skin might go red and break out. This will quickly fade, though.
After the treatment the patient will be left feeling sunburnt. This will usually go away after an hour or so. Some may experience itching.
In some cases, the skin will be reddish or bronze coloured 5-7 days after the treatment. Minimal swellings might occur, but these will wear off within 2-3 days.
Risk of complications
Possible complications with the non-ablative laser and IPL treatment are long lasting reddening of the skin, wound formation, swelling, blistering, pigmentation changes with dark, light, or white colouring of the skin, infection with bacteria, virus or fungus, and scar tissue formation.
Complications after treatments with these non ablative lasers and IPL/RF are very rare, though.
Healing and recovery
After the treatment, the patient will be able to return to normal activities. It is strongly advised to avoid direct sunlight during the first 2-3 days after the treatment.