Acne is one of the most common skin conditions and can affect both teens and adults in Virginia.

While breakouts usually clear with the help of topical or oral medications, they often leave behind unwanted scars and uneven skin.

Fortunately, laser treatments offer a safe, effective, and nonsurgical way to combat active acne and reduce scarring.

Continue reading to learn how lasers treat acne and acne scars in Herndon, VA.

How Do Laser Treat Acne and Acne Scars in Herndon, VA?

There are several different ways that lasers treat acne and acne scars. 

To start, certain technologies deliver light-based energy that shrinks sebaceous glands, decreases oil production, and prevents acne breakouts.

Other devices are able to minimize the appearance of acne scars and produce a smoother, clearer complexion. During treatment, light is applied to the top layers of skin in order to break up scar tissue.

The laser also heats tissue below the scar and creates controlled thermal damage. This initiates a wound healing effect and stimulates new collagen growth.

Finally, lasers treat acne and acne scars by targeting blood vessels with heat. This improves blood flow to the affected area and reduces inflammation.

All of these combined effects help heal active acne, decrease redness and inflammation, and remodel and minimize scarring.

Which Lasers Treat Acne Scars?

Ablative lasers, non-ablative lasers, and fractionated lasers treat acne and acne scars with slightly different technology.

Ablative lasers, including CO2, target scarring by removing the entire top layer of skin. As such, healing time can take several days to weeks.

A nonablative laser is designed to stimulate collagen production and replace damaged skin with new, healthy cells.

A fractionated laser, such as Fraxel, treats a fraction of the skin with pinpoint beams of light. This energy focuses on tissue below the scar and promotes the growth of collagen and elastin.

Learn More About Laser Treatments for Acne and Acne Scars

If you are considering a laser treatment for acne or acne scars, please call our office today to schedule a comprehensive consultation with one of our highly skilled and talented providers.