Speaking at the 62^nd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), dermatologist Tina S. Alster, MD, Clinical Professor of Dermatology, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., discussed how dermatologists have added non-ablative laser therapy to their regimen in the battle against acne.

“Acne patients are often times truly frustrated, and rightfully so,” said Dr. Alster.  “They hear mixed messages about the causes of acne and sometimes spend an enormous amount of time and money trying to treat the condition with the latest over-the-counter products.  By the time I see them in my office, the acne usually has worsened to the point that it is affecting their self-esteem and social lives.  But it’s important to remember that acne is a treatable medical condition.”

Until recently, a combination of topical and oral medications - including antibiotics - has been used almost exclusively with varying degrees of success to combat acne.  Now, dermatologists are using non-ablative laser technology to successfully treat active acne and the scarring that often results as well. 

One of the main benefits of non-ablative lasers, in contrast to their ablative counterparts, is that they can clear acne without producing a notable injury to the outer layer of the skin.  Non-ablative therapy works by targeting the overactive sebaceous glands that are responsible for acne.  The laser emits a wavelength of light that is strongly absorbed by water within the skin.  This generates heat in and around the sebaceous glands.  By creating a mild thermal injury just below the skin’s surface, a non-ablative laser alters the structure and function of the sebaceous gland, leading to prolonged acne clearance.

"I believe that laser-based applications for acne will one day become the preferred treatment option for acne patients, many of which are dissatisfied with topical and systemic treatments and are wary of their risks and side effects," explained Dr. Alster. "I use non-ablative therapy extensively in my practice, and I've found it to be a safe and cost-effective treatment that has dramatically changed my patients' lives for the better."

Non-ablative treatments typically take between five to 20 minutes, during which time the patient experiences a slight snapping or stinging sensation that is alleviated with a pre-treatment topical anesthetic and post-treatment ice application.  A series of three to five treatments are delivered at monthly intervals in order to achieve the desired clearance.

Marked reduction in acne lesions often occurs within a couple of treatment sessions, and a series of treatments should result in acne clearance for more than six months.  Side effects are limited to mild redness and swelling, which will not interfere with a person’s daily activities.

Over the last several years, laser technology has assumed an increasingly important role in the treatment of acne scars.  At first, ablative lasers were used to sculpt or vaporize the skin's surface.  Now, techniques involving non-ablative lasers have taken over, thanks primarily to their ability to promote collagen growth beneath an acne scar without creating an external injury.

"Our experience has shown that patients treated with this therapy experience significant improvement in the appearance of their acne scars,” said Dr. Alster.  “After a series of three monthly non-ablative treatments, patients have many times exceeded our expectations and often outperformed the results obtained by ablative lasers."

With medical technology advancing at a rapid rate, Dr. Alster cautioned patients to be sure to consult a dermatologist experienced in laser therapy for proper treatment.

"Don’t be afraid to ask your physician questions about his or her experience and qualifications or training with a particular procedure,” said Dr. Alster.  “Since any type of laser procedure can carry potential side effects, it’s important to entrust your care to qualified hands."

The American Academy of Dermatology is the largest medical society representing physicians who specialize in treating skin, hair and nail conditions.