Acne Scarring Treatment

+ How is acne scarring caused?

We all have lots of small glands just below the surface of the skin called sebaceous glands. These glands produce a natural oil called sebum, which helps to keep the skin smooth and supple. When too much sebum is produced it causes a buildup of oil in the hair follicles and this creates an ideal environment for a bacterium called propionibacterium acnes to grow. It is this bacteria that causes the inflammation and redness associated with acne. In severe cases cysts will develop beneath the surface of the skin, and if they rupture this can cause acne scarring.

+ How does the NLite laser work on scars?

The NLite will only work on sunken, or depressed scars. The scar tissue itself is not affected but as the depth of collagen beneath the scar is increased, the surface is slowly raised, gradually reducing the visibility of the scar.

+ I've heard of skin resurfacing, is the NLite a resurfacing laser?

Most definitely not: resurfacing lasers, specifically CO 2 and Erbium lasers work by ablating (destroying) a specified depth of skin at the skin surface. The skin then regenerates itself from the basal layer. This can take weeks and requires careful post treatment care.

The NLite works on a completely different principle, using very low powers, working beneath the skin surface. In addition to the low powers, because the skin surface is not breached in any way there is an absolute minimum of unwanted side effects.

+ What side affects can be caused?

Usually none at all. Some people, especially those with very sensitive skin, may get a histamine response. If your skin does respond in this way, small bumps may appear; they may be slightly red and they may itch but will settle down on their own within a few hours.

Some people find the skin surface flushes slightly after treatment. At the very worst, small red spots called purpura can appear but these will settle down within a few days.

Good operator technique will reduce the risk of even these side effects, so the NLite is almost completely complication free. In addition, there is no down time; the NLite is a genuine lunch-hour treatment and no recovery period is required afterwards.

+ How quickly will I see results?

Because collagen is laid down slowly, there is no immediate effect. While this may seem like a disappointment, the gradual nature of the NLite response is actually a blessing. Instead of having an obvious-to-everyone cosmetic change, your skin condition will slowly improve over time.

+ How many treatments are required to achieve a result?

We are recommending a treatment protocol on which research has been carried out in America involving three treatments spread over three months.

Treatment one is followed up by treatment two at two weeks. Research has showed that two treatments dramatically increase the quantity of collagen measured at six weeks, compared with only one treatment at six weeks.

Treatment three takes place at three months and follow ups are normally booked at further 3 or six month intervals.

+ How will I know which interval is best for me?

Before any treatment can be given, a full medical assessment will be carried out. The information gathered here, in combination with monitored treatment results, will be used to work out a treatment regime tailored to suit your individual needs.

+ Who will carry out my treatent?

You would either be treated by one of our nurse practitioners or by our Clinic Manager, Sister Jo Hanson, who has been using the NLite since 2003.

+ Is Laserase treatment safe?

Yes. Lasers have been used in medicine for over 30 years and there is no evidence whatsoever to suggest that the NLite is anything but safe.

The NLite is a variation of a technology that has been used daily throughout the world for more than 30 years at much higher powers than we use. Low power and extensive clinical trials, plus over 16 years of experience at this clinic have resulted in a safe technique with almost zero side effects.