An acne laser is a laser specifically used to treat scars caused by acne. This type of laser uses heat to vaporize the skin to the desired depth. Acne lasers may also be used to treat fine wrinkles and other imperfections in the skin.
Types
The two types of lasers that are commonly used to treat acne are the carbon dioxide (CO2) and the eribium, yttrium, aluminum and garnet (Er:YAG) laser. The CO2 lasers have been in use for a longer period and produce more predictable results. The Er:YAG lasers require a shorter recovery time, but long-term effects of this type of laser aren't as well understood.
Operation
An acne laser uses CO2 gas or a crystal composed of eribium, yttrium, aluminum and garnet to produce a coherent beam of light with only one wavelength. This wavelength is specifically chosen to be one that's readily absorbed by the skin. These lasers produce a very short pulse of light with a very high temperature. This combination effectively ablates (removes) the skin cells in the upper and middle layers.
Preparation
The patient generally receives at least a sedative before laser resurfacing; some surgeons may use twilight anesthesia. The surgeon also administers a local anesthetic for small treatment areas. Larger treatment areas may require a nerve block anesthesia.
Procedure
The patient lies on the surgical table so that the treatment area is exposed to the laser. The patient's eyes are protected by coverings when the treatment area is on the face. The laser makes a series of passes over the treatment area, controlled by a computer for more precise results.
Recovery
The epithelial layers require several days to be fully restored. This typically requires 7 to 10 days in the case of a CO2 laser and three to five days for a Er:YAG laser. The treatment area typically remains red for weeks after the epithelial layer is completely restored. The patient frequently experiences burning, swelling and itching during the recovery period.
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