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Acne Laser Therapy

Acne Laser Therapy

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions affecting more than 90% of adolescents and 25% of adults. Acne occurs when hormones cause your skin to overproduce keratin and sebum which results in clogging of pores and hair follicles. This allows the bacteria which normally live in your skin to replicate abnormally, resulting in the formation of infected cysts. Severe acne can lead to permanent scarring. We use a combination of three wavelengths of BBL at low power to reduce the number of bacteria on the skin surface and to cause controlled heating of a thin layer of the skin at the dermal-epidermal boundary. This procedure stimulates collagen remodeling, and reduces the function of over-active sebaceous glands which causes a reduction in acne formation and clearer skin.

In addition, for patients who have pre-existing scarring from cystic acne, skin resurfacing with Contour TRL and ProFractional laser can improve the texture of their skin dramatically. The normal wound-healing process which occurs following treatment causes fibroblasts to generate new collagen, plumping the skin and correcting skin imperfections. For more information on this subject, please see the Contour TRL and ProFractional laser sections

Next Step: Click here for Acne Laser Therapy FAQs

Is Acne Laser Therapy Right For Me?

Acne laser therapy may be right for you if you are experiencing acne that is uncontrolled with topical medications or if topicals with a combination of oral medications are not an option for you. You may also prefer to have treatments done on a regular basis to keep bacteria count low in your skin, as a preventative measure.  Though most patients use it as a means to have their active cystic acne controlled.  

Ask the Doctor

Frequently Asked Questions

How many treatments will I need?

For best results, a series of three to five treatments are recommended within one week, followed by a maintenance program every 2 to 4 weeks until the condition is under control. There is no social down time following treatment.

How is the procedure performed?

Treatment time is dependent on the number and size of areas treated. The procedure is not painful, but is slightly uncomfortable. Each procedure takes roughly 45 minutes in the office.

How do I make an appointment for a treatment?

Contact the office of the Northern Center for Plastic Surgery at (201)820-5280 to schedule an appointment.

What if I am interested in other treatments including surgery?

You may schedule an appointment with Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Aaron Capuano, who will address your interests and goals.

Expected Recovery

There is no social downtime associated with this treatment.

What does the acne laser therapy do?

Acne laser therapy is light based, it penetrates the skin to a certain depth which helps kill the bacteria that is causing the active breakouts.  

Is the acne laser therapy procedure painful?

A laser is used during this procedure so it is not painless but it is certainly not uncomfortable. One should not be nervous and/or reconsider the procedure based on expecrted discomfort.

How does acne laser therapy work?

Acne laser therapy works to help break down the bacteria load that is often found in acne patients who get consistent pustules and cystic acne. Repeated treatments of acne laser therapy yield great results for patients suffering from this ailment.