How I treat patients for Acne Scarring

In both adults and teenagers, acne scars can be just as distressing as active acne itself. These scars are often the result of severe inflammation that damages collagen. While previous treatments for acne scarring have had limited success, the Sciton ProFractional Laser has shown remarkable improvements in my patients over the past four years at our LA and Manchester locations.

This laser initiates a wound-healing process that stimulates specialized cells (fibroblasts) to produce new collagen, effectively plumping the skin and correcting imperfections. Moreover, it is suitable for most skin types and requires minimal preparation.

The treatment duration typically ranges from 10-20 minutes, depending on the areas being treated. During the procedure, you may hear rapid snapping sounds as the handpiece is moved across different areas of your face. To minimize discomfort, most patients are treated with a topical anesthetic.

Following the treatment, the recovery process generally takes about 2-3 days, during which your skin may appear red and dry. You will be provided with specific skin care products to use during this time. Patients who undergo treatment on a Friday can recover over the weekend and typically resume their regular activities on Monday, such as work or school.

Multiple treatments are usually necessary, with the number of treatments depending on the severity of the scars (i.e., more severe acne scars may require more treatments). These treatments are typically spaced 4-6 weeks apart and can be scheduled at any time thereafter.

The full results of the Sciton Profractional acne scar laser treatments may take several months to become apparent. Collagen remodeling is a gradual process, and the results are not immediate. However, with each successive treatment, the scarring becomes significantly less noticeable, making this type of laser treatment a worthwhile choice.