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Theres something inherently a little daunting about the idea of gettinglaser treatments for a skin concern.
Photo: Getty Images/Paper Boat Creative
Still, lasers are far from the only option for treating acne scars.
First off, what kind of scars do you have?
Your scars may be raised or depressed, widespread or minimal, deep or shallow.
But people of color are more likely to develop raised scars in general, including on the face.
Before you totally discount laser acne-scar treatments, here’s how they work.
Like basically all other treatment options,lasers cannot completely remove your acne scars.
They can only help reduce the appearance of scars and improve your skins texture.
And there are actually several different types of laser treatments, with some working more gently than others.
For starters, lasers can beablative or nonablative.
In turn, nonablative methodswhich can still be incredibly effectivehave become more popular.
Lasers can also differ in how they actually treat acne scars.
For instance, they either workfractionally or nonfractionally.
Nonfractionated lasers take a sort of scorched earth approach and affect the entire surface of the skin.
Because of that more aggressive approach, they are generally considered to be more effective than fractional lasers.
That triggers a healing response in the skin that generates new collagen and rebuilds the skin.
In addition to the down time, laser treatments are notoriously expensive.
Luckily, she adds that each laser treatment will make [the scars] somewhat better.
Sometimes dermatologists will suggest a laser in addition to other acne scar treatments.
Still not down for lasers?
Here are some other acne scar treatments.
That can make the skins overall pigment and texture look more even.
Best for:Treating acne itself and the shallowest scars.
And, like nonfractionated lasers, it doesnottake a targeted approach.
Only pursue [dermabrasion] if its in the hands of an expert, Dr. Johnson says.
It can go very badlyits easily overdone.
Best for:Shallow, widespread depressed scars.
For deeper scars, surgery may also be required.
Best for:Widespread scars, but only useful for depressed scarsnot raised ones.
Cost:$400-600 per treatment, an average of four-to-six treatments usually needed.
But they only offer a temporary mask for a scars depression, Dr. Johnson says.
Cost:$650-900 per syringe.
And there is arisk for atrophyin the surrounding tissues associated with steroid injections.
Sowe cant say this enoughbe sure youre seeking treatment in a medical setting with a doctor you trust.
Steroid injections can also be used in combination with 5-FU injections if needed, she says.
Best for:Raised acne scars.
Cost:The cost and amount of treatments needed varies widely depending on the scar.
According tothe AAD, these post-operation scars will gradually fade.
Best for:Those who have just a few depressed scars.
Some types of surgery can also address raised scars that havent responded to other treatments, like injections.
Silicone gels and sheets are also an attractive option because they can be purchased over-the-counter at drugstores oronline.
That can cause side effects, including rashes.
Even if you do, know that silicone treatments arent likely to completely treat the scar.
Best for:New or only slightly-raised scars.
Cost:$20-40 for a package of eight sheets.
There is no one right way to address acne scars.
Just as a reminder, scars are not inherently dangerous or bad for you.
Theyre usually a normal part of the healing process.
And the treatments out there to make them less noticeable are costly and definitely not perfect.
So, if they dont bother you, its perfectly fine to keep them around!
(We know you didnt ask, but dermabrasion is obviously the Hulk.)
