Light therapy

In this acne scar treatment, one of several different lasers may be used to remove hyperpigmentation and remodel skin texture.  CO2, Erbium and nonablative lasers are typically used to resurface the skin.  Ablative lasers such as the CO2 and Erbium lasers stimulate new collagen growth by removing the uppermost layers of the skin.  Depending on the depth of CO2 resurfacing, general anesthesia may also be required.  Erbium resurfacing dowtime is minimal and non-ablative lasers work to stimulate collagen without removing skin layers, therby reducing downtime.  All of these lasers create small thermal injuries, and new collagen develops to fill the acne scars as the skin tissue heals.  Pulse dye lasers and Nd:Yg lasers are used to reduce red and brown hyperpigmentation.  Resurfacing with CO2 and Erbium lasers for darker skinned patients may cause hyperpgimentation.

To learn more about this treatment, contact your local acne physician.