Acne and acne scars are two of the most common – and frustrating – skin problems among women and men of virtually all ages. One challenge with getting rid of acne scars is the fact that there are several types of acne scars. Thus, the treatment you choose needs to be a match for the type of acne scars you are dealing with.
Here, we discuss three of the most effective laser acne scar treatments and how they work to get rid of different scar types.
GentleMax Pro
The GentleMax Pro® laser combines two types of lasers – Alexandrite and Nd:YAG lasers – in a single treatment, making it one of the most versatile laser treatments available.
GentleMax Pro is able to treat acne scars by stimulating collagen production deep within the skin. This increase of collagen helps to fill in depressed scars and improve overall skin texture. Additionally, the Alexandrite laser component is able to effectively target dark spots left behind by acne.
Thus, this dual-wavelength treatment can address both depressed acne scars and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
PicoWay Resolve
PicoWay® Resolve is a fractional picosecond laser that breaks down pigment and damaged tissue in the deeper layers of skin without harming the surface. This process both eliminates unwanted dark spots and promotes new collagen production – all using concentrated light energy rather than heat. This makes PicoWay Resolve safe for all skin types and tones.
Like GentleMax Pro, PicoWay Resolve can treat depressed acne scars such as boxcar or rolling scars, as well as dark spots.
CO2RE Laser Skin Resurfacing
The CO2RE laser is an ablative laser that works by removing the outer layer of skin to reveal fresh, new skin underneath. This laser is particularly effective for deep acne scars, such as ice pick scars, because it uses fractional technology to precisely target damaged skin areas. CO2RE laser treatments can also be effective at improving the appearance of raised or hypertrophic scars.
CO2RE laser skin resurfacing works by creating tiny columns of “micro-injuries” within the skin, which triggers the skin’s natural healing response. The result is increased collagen production and an overall improvement in skin tone and texture.
This laser is more intense than the GentleMax Pro and PicoWay, so your skin will need 5 to 7 days to heal after your treatment. Our patients who have had CO2RE resurfacing say the results are well worth this little bit of downtime for the ability to treat more severe acne scarring.
Choosing the Right Laser Treatment for You
The right type of laser treatment for you will depend on a number of factors, including your natural skin type and tone and the type and severity of acne scars you have. Those with mild scarring and pigmentation, for example, might be best-suited for GentleMax Pro or PicoWay treatments, while those with more severe acne scars may see the best results CO2RE laser skin resurfacing. For people with darker skin tones, PicoWay can be an excellent option, as it minimizes the risk of hyperpigmentation caused by heat.
To see which laser treatment we would recommend for you, call our Tampa office at 813-877-8067 or contact us online and schedule your consultation today!
Author: Caroll Delo, CCE, CME
Lead aesthetician and co-owner of Simply Smooth, Caroll Delo has over a decade of experience in cosmetic surgery, laser treatments, and medical grade skincare services. Her vast knowledge in cosmetic medicine helps make sure that every man and woman who enters our doors receives top-quality care and expertise.