ACNE TREATMENT

What is laser treatment and how does it work for acne?

A laser treatment describes the use of a laser in a cosmetic or medical setting to relieve various conditions and diseases. It involves bundled, high-energy light beams. Lasers are frequently used in the dermatological field. Acne and acne scars are among the typical application areas. There are different types of lasers. For example, fractional laser treatment is a very effective method for acne (scars).

It is based on ‘wounding’: microscopically small injuries are caused in the second skin layer by the laser beam, without the outer skin having to be completely ‘burned’ as was the case in the past. This process is intended to activate the self-healing powers. Increased collagen and elastin formation occurs in the damaged areas. These skin-tightening proteins can significantly reduce existing scars. The laser beams also help with active acne. Blemishes in the upper layers of the skin are removed. Furthermore, the focused light serves to fight bacteria. Another advantage: New acne attacks can be prevented by the laser treatment.

For whom is the treatment suitable?

Laser treatment is suitable for young people as well as grown women and men who suffer from acne or acne scars. While acne can be treated with different means and methods, the permanent scars can significantly reduce the quality of life of those affected. Laser treatment often leads to a completely new positive outlook on life.

Which zones/areas can be treated?

Laser treatment is carried out on the areas of skin affected by acne. In most cases, this is the facial skin. Other treatment areas include the neck, décolleté and back. However, the results are not equally effective everywhere. The best results are usually achieved on the face.

What should be considered before the treatment?

What you should know if you suffer from acne: acne and acne scars can usually not be removed in a single session. The more laser treatments are conducted, the better the results. Depending on the severity, several follow-up treatments may also be recommended. The laser treatment can only be carried out if the skin does not have any acute inflammation. We discuss the exact treatment plan with each patient individually. In most cases, you will receive special skincare in advance to prepare the skin for the upcoming laser treatments.

How does the treatment work?

Immediately before the laser treatment, an anaesthetic cream is applied or the skin is locally anaesthetised. The anaesthetic is applied for a few minutes, after which the treatment can begin almost painlessly. At most, you will feel a slight burning sensation. Depending on the area of skin, a laser session lasts about 30 to 60 minutes.

The affected skin areas are treated selectively with the laser. The application is extremely gentle and well tolerated. It is possible to work with pinpoint accuracy so that the areas right next to the locations to be treated remain untouched.

What should I consider after the treatment?

Immediately before the laser treatment, an anaesthetic cream is applied or the skin is locally anaesthetised. The anaesthetic is applied for a few minutes, after which the treatment can begin almost painlessly. At most, you will feel a slight burning sensation. Depending on the area of skin, a laser session lasts about 30 to 60 minutes. The affected skin areas are treated selectively with the laser. The application is extremely gentle and well tolerated. It is possible to work with pinpoint accuracy so that the areas right next to the locations to be treated remain untouched.

What should I consider after the treatment?

We discuss the exact aftercare after a session with our patients individually. Basically, you should know that your skin is very sensitive after the laser treatment. You should avoid going to tanning studios and direct sunlight for a few weeks. It is especially important to apply high factor sunscreen for the next four months. Apart from that, you can usually continue with your usual skincare. If necessary, you will receive a special treatment kit to take home with you. Immediately after the session, our patients have the option of cooling the treated skin areas, for example, with cold air and/or a thermal water spray. A feeling like sunburn is quite normal after the laser treatment. Swelling and redness may also occur. They should disappear after a few days. In rare cases, the skin may be red for a few weeks. Light make-up can help here.

Healing time – how many sessions are necessary?

It is not possible to make a general statement about the number of sessions. It always depends on the extent of the acne breakout or acne scars and the size of the affected skin area. The sessions should be scheduled at least six weeks apart. On average, two to four sessions are necessary to achieve visible results.

Healing time – how many sessions are necessary?

It is not possible to make a general statement about the number of sessions. It always depends on the extent of the acne breakout or acne scars and the size of the affected skin area. The sessions should be scheduled at least six weeks apart. On average, two to four sessions are necessary to achieve visible results.

When will the result be visible?

A first result is usually visible after a few days. For acne scars, results can be seen after about ten days, but the depth of the scars is reduced even further over the next three months. It can take half a year before the skin becomes even thanks to the formation of new collagen.

How much does the treatment cost?

The treatment costs depend on the severity of the acne breakout or acne scars and the area of skin to be treated. Only after a thorough skin analysis can the number of sessions be determined and the price be quoted.

What side effects can occur?

Generally speaking, apart from the redness and swelling mentioned above, there are rarely any side effects associated with laser acne treatment, as long as all the measures regarding preparation and aftercare are followed. Dr Duve’s expertise and many years of experience also contribute to an overall positive experience. What other acne treatment options are there? In addition to laser acne treatment, there are other treatment options available to our patients.

Acne treatment with PlexR®

As an alternative to laser treatment, acne and acne scars can also be treated with an innovative method called PlexR®. The new plasma technology can be used to remove outer layers of skin. The plasma current can be used to treat affected skin areas selectively.

Acne treatment with AGNES

AGNES is also one of the methods we use for acne treatment. It is a combination of microneedling and radiofrequency treatment in which fine needles are inserted into the skin pores. The objective is to destroy deeply rooted sebaceous glands through the heat of radiofrequency waves. Peel treatment for acne Peels of varying intensity are also part of the repertoire of acne treatments. Which type of peel is chosen (superficial, medium or deep peel) depends on the type of acne, the scar depth and the localisation. A thorough inspection and consultation is necessary beforehand. After deep peels, a healing phase of up to two weeks must be expected, similar to laser treatments.