Laser Resurfacing

Laser Resurfacing eliminates acne scars by vaporizing or burning the top layers of skin cells. The skin is then able to grow back, minus the scars. This procedure is also used to get rid of wrinkles. Because this is a new treatment, not enough studies have been done to recommend this as a good way to get rid of acne scars. It is more likely to work for those with shallow scars. However, for those with severe scarring, it may be a good idea to start with laser resurfacing and then use dermabrasion. This may work better then using either treatment alone.

Different types of lasers:

There are two types of lasers that can be used to treat acne scars, the CO2 and the N-Lite.

The CO2 laser works by vaporizing damaged skin cells and causing the collagen in the skin to become thicker. This type of laser gives the most dramatic improvement for acne scars. Following a CO2 laser treatment, it will generally take 5-14 days for the skin to heal. Also, during the procedure, you will experience significant discomfort and a local anesthetic is required. Often, patients that have not seen improvement after dermabrasion will see significant improvement with laser resurfacing.
Price: $2,000-4,000 (depending on how much of the face is treated)

The N-Lite laser does not injure the skin, it works by stimulating collagen production only. Therefore, there is no recovery time and no anesthetic is required during the procedure. However, the improvement in acne scars will be far less dramatic then with a CO2 laser treatment.
Price: $900-1500 (depending on how much of the face is treated)