Everything You Need to Know About Laser Acne Treatment in Singapore
Is acne getting you down in Singapore’s tropical conditions? You could be one of many who frequently struggle with breakouts – How many times have you experienced acne, or a breakout of some form, and its scarring when the season changes?
Topical creams, gels, and ointments may provide a reprieve; however, many people will find that their acne returns within a few months. No topical creams actually penetrate deep enough to treat inflammatory scarring or replenish collagen stores.
Acne laser treatment in Singapore offers longer-lasting results with clearer skin, less scarring, and greater self-confidence than conventional therapy.
Before you decide if laser treatment is the way to go for acne, let’s begin to explain more about how it works and what to expect. See below a quick and easy 1-2-3 guide to get you started:
- Understand the treatment process,
- Find out costs and safety considerations,
- Learn about aftercare advice.
Let’s now begin by discussing the nitty gritty of laser therapy acne, starting with how it works.
What is laser acne treatment?
Laser acne treatment is a non-surgical medical procedure that uses focused light energy to target the underlying causes of acne — mainly acne-causing bacteria and overactive sebaceous (oil) glands. By penetrating the deeper layers of the skin, the laser helps to kill Cutibacterium acnes bacteria (previously known as Propionibacterium acnes) and reduce excess sebum production, resulting in clearer, smoother skin.
The laser treatment for acne scars has two primary purposes.
- To start, it treats active acne by reducing the production of sebum (natural skin oil) and reducing redness.
- It additionally alters the appearance of post-acne scars by breaking apart unevenness of the skin, and stimulating collagen – the protein responsible for stability and firmness to skin – for a smoother, tighter appearance.
So, in non-medical terms, laser treatment for acne is a medical, non-surgical process to improve the quality of skin and complexion, by treating the root causes of the acne.
Since the laser treats both pigment as well as oil, settings for each patient are individualized.
The Mechanism of Laser Acne Treatment
When thinking about whether you want to proceed with laser acne treatment, you should consider the following questions:
- Have the spots been unresponsive to over-the-counter treatments?
- Do you have scarring that won’t fade with traditional treatments?
- Are you looking for a service that has a professionally delivered in-office treatment for a more permanent result?
Thinking about these issues will help you determine if this treatment is a fit for you in relation to your skin care goals.
Different aesthetic clinics customize their laser treatment for acne, but the basic progression is generally the same—skin assessment, numbing and cleansing, the laser, and post care.
Step 1: Skin Assessment
Before your treatment occurs, a qualified physician or aesthetician will assess your skin type, the type and severity of your acne and scarring. This assesment will allow the clinician to determine the best kind of laser and appropriate energy for you skin type.
Step 2: Numbing and Cleansing
The aesthetician will wipe your face to remove any makeup or oils, and apply a comfortable numbing cream.
Step 3: Laser Application
The aesthetician then exposes the skin to a handheld laser that delivers pulses which can reduce oil secretion, kill bacteria, and stimulate collagen. With this laser procedure patients usually experience an immediate snapping sensation or warm tingling sensation.
Step 4: Cooling and Aftercare.
After that, cooling compresses and creams are used. Pico and fractional lasers assist in precision and healing, redness lasting a period of one to two days while shielding surrounding tissue.
Benefits of Laser Acne Therapy
When it comes to treating the skin, laser treatment is an expert-supervised way to attack acne at its source, reduce inflammation, and produce collagen for healthy skin color and texture.
Some key benefits are:
- Improvement in skin texture and reduced scars
- Powered collagen for tighter and smoother skin
- Tailored energy settings for minimal side effects
Safety and Suitability Considerations
Before initiating laser acne treatment, your skin specialist will review the tone of your skin, the type of acne, and its sensitivity to establish the safest parameters. There are safe parameters for any level of sensitivity, which specialist achieves by customizing the wavelength of the laser and the duration of the pulse.
Post-Procedure Instructions: The First 48 Hours
- You may notice redness or a burning sensation (akin to a sunburn) after your laser treatment. Cool your skin with cold compresses or cooling lotion as needed.
- Allow your skin a break and promote healing by refraining from wearing any makeup for the next 48 hours.
- Refrain from heated showers, saunas, and exercise to maintain the cool temperature of your skin and reduce post-treatment reactions.
- For 7 days, do not exfoliate, use retinoids, or put on a heavy skin care regimen. Allow your skin to exfoliate on its own and do not pick at any of the skin. Use a fragrance-free moisturizer as prescribed by your doctor.
- Use an SPF 50+ sunscreen daily, and reapply every 2-3 hours in the sun. Wear caps and find shade to minimize the possibility of dark marks while your skin is healing.
How Long Will It Take To See Results?
The number of treatments may vary depending on the severity of the acne, depth of the scars, and other personal factors. You may start to see more improvement (less redness, more minor spots) after only the first treatment.
After three to six treatments, you may see skin evenness and minimized scars; scars that are more deeply in the skin sometimes need an occasional follow-up visit or visits for optimal benefit.
Every individual’s healing process is unique and characteristic. A confidential consultation helps in matching the most suitable treatment plan for eventual, natural-looking correction.
Laser Treatment Costs for Acne in Singapore
Prices for laser treatment for acne in Singapore typically range from S$200 to S$600 based on the type of laser, the area of the body treated and the severity of acne. Some lasers correctly pinpoint active comedones; some lasers target scars.
Unlike regular facials, the price of laser treatment for acne covers the superior and long-term results that come with it. Clinics with the latest equipment and qualified medical professionals are going to be more expensive. The cost of laser treatment can vary slightly between clinics, so be sure to understand the price factors.
Tip: Ask what’s in the cost of treatment: the price of the consultation visit, the topical numbing agent (if used), or the post-care products if you are going to end up adding those same products back in for comparison.
Who Should (and Should Not) Consider Laser Acne Treatment
Laser treatment of the skin is beneficial for resistant acne, residual scarring, and texture irregularities of the skin who have not responded to treatments. It is also helpful for people trying to smooth out their skin / have fewer acne breakouts when there has not been long-term successful outcomes using other therapies.
Consider the following when determining if laser acne treatment is a good treatment for you:
You may benefit if:
- You have recurring acne that doesn’t improve with other therapies.
- You are working with remaining scars and lumpy skin.
- You seek bright skin and the laser removal of acne scars.
Hold off if:
- You have an active skin infection.
- You have an open wound.
- You have recently had a sunburn.
- You take medicines like isotretinoin that make your skin more sensitive.
Please discuss your entire treatment and medical history with your physician during the consultation so that the physician can evaluate the safety and calibrate the settings of the laser to protect your individual skin type. Your physician will review skin sensitivity and the type of acne before they prescribe a safe method.
Laser treatment for acne scars reduces the appearance, treats pimples, and improves skin texture. And done by an expert, it clears skin and restores confidence in places other interventions fail.
Conclusion
Laser treatment for acne is safe and effective in treating acne and scarring when done by qualified hands. The laser goes deeper than most topical applications, attacking the bacteria, reducing inflammation, and increasing collagen to produce an even, healthier-looking skin.
Book a consultation with an experienced professional this week to understand the needs of your individual skin. Depending on your individual case, the aestheticians will be able to develop a tailored laser acne treatment plan that suits your lifestyle, and transform knowledge into empowered action.
FAQ
- Does laser treatment for acne hurt?
Most people find it quite tolerable. It is like fast warm snaps against the skin. Clinics use numbing cream and cooling devices so that they can make you as comfortable as possible. There may be minor redness or swelling, but typically it resolves in a couple of days.
- How soon will I see results from laser acne treatmeny?
Everyone typically sees better texture and diminished breakouts at the initial treatment. Optimal results generally occur after three to six treatments as collagen restructures the skin.
- Is laser therapy of acne safe in darker skin types?
Indeed, if carried out by a qualified doctor. In Singapore, physicians tailor laser wavelength and energy settings to minimize post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
- Is it possible to mix laser treatment with alternative acne treatments?
Quite often! Derma-rolling or laser treatment mix well with light chemical peels or topical therapies for added-effect synergies. In all cases, the timing and use of products must follow professional guidance.
- How long does the result of laser acne treatment last?
Results can be long-term if good skincare and sun protection is ensured. You may have to take occasional maintenance procedures for continuous control.