How Does Laser Treatment Repair Acne Scars?
Disease description:
I am 21 years old. I used to have acne and had the habit of picking at it, which left me with acne scars. I would like to know if laser treatment can help repair these scars.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wenmin
In general, laser resurfacing for acne scar treatment works through photothermal and photochemical effects to stimulate collagen proliferation and remodeling, thereby improving the appearance of acne scars.
Laser treatment for acne scars mainly utilizes the photothermal and photochemical effects of the laser. Laser energy penetrates the epidermis and acts on the deeper layers of the skin, creating microthermal zones of injury on the skin surface. This triggers the skin's natural healing process, stimulating collagen proliferation and remodeling, promoting skin repair and regeneration, thus filling in acne scars and making the skin smoother.
Fractional laser stimulates the skin's self-repair mechanism through microscopic thermal injuries, promoting collagen regeneration and improving acne scars. Mild redness and swelling may occur during treatment; therefore, it is recommended to avoid direct sunlight after treatment and to use skin-repairing skincare products. CO₂ laser smooths the skin surface by removing layers of skin around the acne scars. However, this method requires a longer recovery period, typically ranging from several weeks to months. Intense pulsed light (IPL) technology stimulates collagen growth and reduces the appearance of acne scars, while also improving skin pigmentation.
It should be noted that the effectiveness of laser treatment for acne scars varies from person to person. While it can generally improve the appearance of acne scars, making the skin smoother and finer, it cannot completely eliminate them. For mild acne scars, undergoing 3–5 sessions consecutively can gradually flatten the scars, while deeper scars can also achieve significant improvement.
When undergoing laser treatment for acne scars, it is important to choose a reputable medical facility and an experienced, qualified physician to ensure both treatment effectiveness and safety. Additionally, post-treatment skincare is crucial, including avoiding direct sunlight and keeping the skin clean, to promote recovery and minimize complications.
