When red acne scars are treated with PDL, do the scars fade immediately, or continue to fade over the coming weeks?

Question

When red acne scars are treated with PDL, do the scars fade immediately, or continue to fade over the coming weeks? I'm trying to understand what normally usually happens.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

When red acne scars are treated with a PDL, the appearance can sometimes temporarily darken.  It can take 6 weeks or so to see the results after the treatment.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Vbeam laser is an excellent modality for patients who have rosacea, blushing of the skin, facial and body telangiectasia, spider veins, redness, post surgical redness, and skin flushing. It is a safe procedure that can be used at varying depths to help treat micro blood vessels in the skin. We also use it in our office for facial skin inflammation, keloids, and hypertrophic scarring. It is an important part of scar therapy. Vbeam can be combined with chemical peels and other lasers, but experience with the treatment is essential. The Vbeam laser does not affect deeper tissue. Schedule a consultation with an expert in Vbeam and you will find it to be an excellent modality for many skin types. 
 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Rebecca Fitzgerald, MD · Answer

Treatments to reduce redness generally are most effective with a series.
To manage the good effects and lower any potential bad ones, it's sensible to prepare for a series of treatments.

Because there is continued pressure in the small veins, you shouldn't expect a single session to take care of the problem. You'll see improvement over time as you have the treatments.

One VERY important part of treatment decision is your genetic profile. Lasers work via heat and heat on skin with more pigment can be a problem if not carefully applied. See a board certified dermatologist who has multiple laser and light systems to choose from.

William Groff, DO · Answer

The effects of a pulsed dye laser can vary somewhat from patient to patient. However, it would be unusual to see significant improvement immediately after your first treatment. I would give yourself four to six weeks after that session to see how much improvement you might achieve. Keep in mind it is not unusual to require more than one treatment session or even more than one type of treatment to completely eradicate acne scarring. Make sure the doctor you are working with is both board-certified and experienced in acne scar revision procedures to ensure an optimal outcome.

Amy Y. Paul, DO, FAAD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  We usually see the scars and redness actually darken for awhile, and sometimes even look bruised, but that eventually fade and hopefully you will have excellent results. The pulsed dye laser is great for red scars and vascular lesions.  Ask your dermatologist who is treating what to expect right after, and they will review post-laser care.  Good luck!

When red acne scars are treated with PDL, do the scars fade immediately, or continue to fade over the coming weeks?

Answers (5)

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