Acne laser treatment

more

Scarring results from injury to the deeper dermal layers of the skin. Acne scars most commonly occur as a result of intense inflammation such as rupture of the pilosebaceous unit or ‘pores’. Inflammation of the deep dermal layers of the skin disrupts the evenly ordered structure of collagen.

To repair the damage done to the dermis, one must remodel old collagen and reform new collagen, restoring the even structure of the skin. This is the basis of scar revision.

more

Fracionated laser treatment (ProFractional ) produces hundreds of tiny but deep mico-columns of treatment into your areas of scarring. Each column is the diameter of your hair shaft. Laser ablates the scars and old collagen, but also leaves areas of your skin untouched, forming the basis of fractional laser treatments. For every micro column the laser treats, it leaves the surrounding tissue unaffected and intact. This fractional treatment allows your skin to heal much quicker than if the entire surface was treated at once as the untreated area heals the wound by removing the treated skin and replacing it with new tissue.

The advantage of treating skin this way is that there is less downtime and side effects while obtaining a significant clinical improvement. This type of scar treatment is also safe in darker skin types such as in Asian skin.

With deeper scars, CO2 laser modulation can be used during fractionated laser resurfacing. With this technique more heat is injected into the dermis, and more collagen stimulation is achieved, however down time approaches 7-10 days.

more

This procedure is performed at Westside Dermatology in our Laser Suite.  A Specialist Dermatologist performs laser, assisted by a laser nurse.

The skin in the treatment area will be cleansed andyour eyes will be protected with safety shields.  A laserhandpiece will be positioned gently on the skin.  When thelaser energy is applied, you will hear a rapid succession ofsnapping sounds as the computer-guided handpiece scans the laser beam over the treatment area.   The handpiece will be moved around toadjacent locations until the entire desired area has beencovered.  The procedure normally takes 15 to 30 minutes.

The procedure is well tolerated as we ensure that patients are comfortable during and after the procedure. We always use a numbing cream, which is placed on the treated area at least 40 minutes before the procedure. In a minority of patients, a block using local anaestheic is needed.

As a guide, most patients rate laser revision of scars as 2/10 on the pain scale- ‘minor, well tolerated.’ After the procedure, the pain mimics that of a sunburn reaction.

Immediately following the procedure you may experiencemild redness and a sensation resembling sunburn. In cases of deep scarring, pin point bleeding can be expected, however this will settle within 15 minutes with pressure.  Your dermatologist will advise you on specific after-treatment carerecommendations, which may include analgesics andapplication of an ointment to keep the skin moist.

Recovery time will be discussed with you at the time of planning during the initial consultation. Recovery will depend on many factors including the depth of scarring, the type of acne scars, your skin type and the number of days you request to recover. This will all be discussed in great detail with you well before the procedure. Your laser dermatologist will inform you of the best compromise between results and down time.

As a guide of recovery times -

Noticeable results can be obtained in just one treatment,though the number of treatments may vary from patient topatient.  Some patients seek the minimal downtime advantages of very conservative treatments and choose to extend their therapy over several sessions.  Others desire more rapid results and are able to tolerate longer downtime, and thus pursue a more aggressive treatment.  Your laser dermatologist will give you a guide as to the number of treatments best suited for your scarring.

As a guide, we recommend 2-4 laser treatments for optimal results.

Treatments should be spaced at intervals between 8- 14 weeks and no shorter, as results are best seen 3 months after each procedure. ( Collagen production may take 3 months)

More information on Fractional laser resurfacing

ProFractional Therapy is widely regarded as a safe procedure.  Because only a fraction of the skin is affected, even deep treatments can be very safe.  Your Dermatologist can provide more information on the risks associated with any type of medical procedure, including ProFractional Therapy.  One of the best ways to reduce the possibility of complications is to follow the after-treatment care instructions and follow-up schedule provided by your health care provider.  Doing so will help reduce the possibility of infection and ensure proper healing.

Risks of Laser Treatments of Acne scars include the following-

• Infection – low risk, less than 3%. 
• Pigmentation changes - low risk, less than 5%. More common in dark skin types or following sun exposure
• Scarring – exceedingly low. Less than 1%, laser pixilation marks more common. Fades in weeks to months. Not permanent.

more

We believe that ProFractional offers significant advantages over other lasers - namely, faster recovery, adjustment of depth of laser, the ability to heat collagen at different rates, the ability to adjust coverage and less side effects such as darkening of treated skin. All of this translates to better outcomes with quicker recovery times, whilst minimizing side effects.

More information on ProFractional, and considerations prior to laser

All laser operators at Westside Dermatology are Specialist Dermatologist- doctors who undergo an additional 5 years training to specialise in skin. Additionally, Dr Davin Lim and Dr Shobhan Manoharan have undergone subspecialist training in laser surgery.

Dr Davin Lim, has trained in Ireland, the United Kingdom and Australia. Laser training was conducted in Brisbane, Sydney (College of Dermatologist) as well as in Harvard University Boston. Dr Lim has also undertaken laser training in South East Asia to gain further experience in treating darker skin types. He performs numerous laser procedures on a daily basis, including laser revision of acne scars.

Dr Shobhan Manoharan undertook his Dermatology training in Brisbane, and the United Kingdom, laser training was conducted in Brisbane, and Harvard University. Dr Manoharan is a staff consultant specialist at the Princess Alexandra Hospital.

Laser can not be undertake if patients are on Roaccutane. Fractional laser can be conducted 3-6 months after stopping Roaccutane/ Oratane, as the skin healing function has normalized after this recovery period.

(2-4 treatments advised. Treatments spaced 8-12 weeks apart. Costs dependent on the extent of scarring- depth and area.)

more

Fractionated Laser / ProFractional Laser are NOT covered under Medicare, however your dermatologist will advise you of other suitable treatments which are partially covered under Medicare. Some procedures which are performed by Specialist are partially claimable from Medicare.

Trusting a physician to revise scars can be daunting for many patients as acne scars can be a complex mixture of scar types.  Laser trained and procedural dermatologist are best equipped with expertise and the latest technology to give optimal results to our patients. At Westside Dermatology, all acne laser scar revision treatments are performed by our highly qualified Dermatologists, so you can be sure that you are in experienced hands.

Call us directly on (07) 3871 3437 to make an appointment, or to discuss issues regarding the referral process.

Questions to ask Before any laser treatment

Enquire about acne laser treatment

moreDr. Davin S. Lim

Dr Davin S. Lim, Consultant Dermatologist

The event of Fractionated lasers such as ProFractional laser has revolutionized acne scar revision. Treatments are safe, effective with a recovery time of only a few days. Each patient has a different treatment profile, and hence careful planning is needed before commencing treatments.

I generally advise a series of 2-4 treatments, but also combine methods such as subscision and TCA chemical peels to achieve the best results.

"I never thought that laser acne scar treatment was so affordable, nor did I expect the procedure to be effective" Chole G, Ascot

"Dr Lim walked me thru what to expect before, during and after laser surgery…very comfortable with everything. Very happy with the results" Bruce D, Gold Coast

"The severity of my acne scars depends on the lighting. After 3 treatments of laser, they aren’t nearly as noticeable. Well worth it…" Akira H, Cairns

"Dr Lim was straight forward with the options available to me. 100% happy with treatments from the consult to after care."  Chloe G, Ascot