Lasers have a relatively long history of use with acne scars; however, the use of lasers to treat active acne is a newer concept. The results of recent research is promising, but not conclusive enough to warrant lasers as a primary treatment.
At this point, acne lasers should probably be considered an expensive novelty, i.e., if you have the money and time, lasers might help. On the other hand, it wouldn’t be prudent to save money and spend it all on a laser treatment.
Keep the following points in mind:
1) Acne laser treatments are extremely expensive compared to conventional treatments.
2) Laser treatments are not necessarily more effective than conventional treatment based on current research.
3) Conventional treatments have a proven track record; whereas, our understanding of acne laser treatments is based on a relatively small number of studies.
4) Most insurances do not cover this kind of treatment.
5) Don’t expect to pay for a single treatment. Getting maximum results usually requires multiple treatments.
6) In most cases, the benefit of laser treatment is temporary so that ongoing conventional treatment is usually required to prevent relapse, begging the question: “Why do laser treatment in the first place?”
7) Lasers aren’t a quick fix. Most studies required 3 to 4 weeks at one treatment per week for maximum results. In fact, laser treatments can sometimes cause initial breakouts.
8) Some lasers, particularly the PDT-ALA type, have side-effects of pain, redness, and swelling; unfortunately, this type of laser is also the most effective.
9) It’s important to remember that laser don’t “burn” off acne. Lasers target specific molecules inside the skin, causing a reaction that’s believed to kill acne bacteria. In other words, lasers work the same way as many other acne medications.
10) Lasers are usually considered as an alternative treatment for difficult cases and for people who are sensitive to other acne medicines.
Explanation of PDT vs. non-PDT
PDT (photo-dynamic therapy) means a sensitizing agent is used in combination with a laser; whereas, lasers can be used without a sensitizing, non-PDT. The sensitizing agent is a cream applied to the skin for 30 to 60 minutes before the laser treatment. This agent is absorbed into the sebaceous glands and reacts strongly when the laser touches it, releasing free radicals than kill bacteria and destroy oil producing cells. The most common sensitizing agent is ALA, but MAL is also used, leading to acronyms like PDT-ALA or PDT-MAL.
Studies that compared the two have found PDT to be more effective but with more side-effects.