Acne is generally successfully treated with a variety of topical and oral medications. Inflammatory acne often requires the chronic use of antibiotics by mouth. Treating acne with lasers may lessen the amount of antibiotics required. Laser treatment can improve not only the inflamed acne, but may also lead to the reduction of acne scars.

There are 2 basic groups of lasers and light-based systems used for treating acne. One group inhibits the growth of the bacteria that is involved in acne lesions; the other shrinks the sebaceous oil glands that play a pivotal role in acne. Your physician may use more than 1 laser or light-based system to optimize the acne clearing benefits of these devices. Most patients require approximately 5-7 monthly treatments to see the desired improvement. Periodic re-treatments will be required as acne reappears.

Patients report that the treatment feels like a rubber band is being snapped against the skin. For those who find this uncomfortable, a numbing topical anesthetic cream can be used. Most patients stay on their topical medications while undergoing laser treatments, although, in general, the dosage will be lowered. Laser acne treatments may be combined with micro dermabrasion, leading to even better results than with the laser alone. Finally, many patients are provided with a home use acne clearing device. This small, easy-to-use device can be used at home to promote quicker clearance of newly formed pimples.