Chemical Peel Vs Laser to Remove Acne Scars

asked 1 year ago by Emily4939 in Bay Area CA
Latest answer by Sanusi Umar, MD
Question viewed 1,594 times
Tags: age 18-24, face, female, acne, acne scars, comparison, makeup, options, safety, self-esteem

My background is Swedish and Portuguese, I'm very fair,but don't sunburn I've been fighting acne since I was 18 and am now 23, I used to have such beautiful skin and would not have to wear make-up, this has affected my confidence immensely.

I eat healthy, exercise and all that jazz, but wear make-up to cover the acne which doesn't help. Please doctors what are your suggestions to a SAFE and reliable treatment? Not concerned about cost or traveling distance within bay area. Thank you for reading.

7 answers to Chemical Peel Vs Laser to Remove Acne Scars

You must clear up the acne breakouts before treating the acne scars.

Blu U treatments and various topical meds and /or oral meds will clear up the skin over the next 2 months then doing some chemical peels or other scar treatments will give an improved skin . Sincerely, David Hansen,MD

David Hansen, MD
Beverly Hills Dermatologic Surgeon

Dermatologist first

Emily, I think that the best approach would be to start with a good dermatologist. The forsy step will be to clear up any active acne that you have. This might take months but can be done. After that, can work on any scarring. You are still beautiful and will be where you want to be with a little bit of help.

Jo Herzog, MD
Birmingham Dermatologist

Acne Scarring Options

Based on the photos, I think it is important to differentiate between active acne and acne scarring. It appears that your issue is more the former than the latter. I would definitely consult with a well respected Dermatologist in your area for a treatment regime that works best for you. There are many different options from topical antibiotics, Retin-A and other topicals to IPL and blue light based therapies. The diversity of treatments available speaks to the... more

Stephen Prendiville, MD
Fort Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon

Laser for acne and acne scars

The first thing to do is to get your acne under control. The Specra laser interacts with a photosensitive lotion that is applied to your skin. This process clears out blockages in your pores, kills bacteria and reduces the activity of oil secreting glands. The Spectra laser gives comparable results to chemical peels. It is safer and more predictable as well. Acne scars result from inflammation that is due to the presence of bacteria. This inflammation is regarded by your skin as an... more

Sanusi Umar, MD
Redondo Beach Dermatologic Surgeon

Treatment of Acne with Lasers

You are a beautiful young woman with a common problem. Many adults have acne problems that are persistent and bothersome. I would recommend you consult a dermatologist for your acne condition. He is likely to prescribe topical therapy first. Once the acne is controlled, then laser therapy can be considered to provide more lasting results. I have patients with acne rosacea that require Laser Genesis treatments about every 2 years to keep their condition in control. You may decide with your... more

Temp Patterson, MD
Burley Facial Plastic Surgeon

Think about Vbeam/PDT to treat acne and red scars

A good regimen for acne control is an essential first step. Vbeam pulsed dye laser can really help reduce the redness associated with previous acne lesions. We often combine Vbeam with PDT (photodynamic therapy)/Blu light. This combination helps acne as well as the red scars and redness. I am confident you can find a great dermatologist in the bay area that can help with both aspects - medical and cosmetic- of your skin condition. see video

Elizabeth F. Rostan, MD
Charlotte Dermatologist

You need to see a board certified dermatologist.

Do a little home work. You need to see a dermatologist who is comfortable working with isotretinoin (Accutane). Treatment of cystic acne does not start with this drug. However, dermatologist who are comfortable with its use are generally more devoted to treating this condition. This is a pretty scary drug and therefore it is only used after all other measures fail. There are a number of excellent treatments that can be very effective. You are making the... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD
Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

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