Colorado

laser 

​clinic

What causes acne scars?

                                                                                              
Acne and other facial scar can be distressing.    These scars are caused from damage that occurs in the deep dermis either from infection or trauma.   Acne scars begin deep within our skin with our sebaceous glands.   These glands are located at the base of our hair follicles and the pores that support them.   When our pores become plugged and the oil is not able to wick out, an infection ensues.    As our body attempts to expel the oil and fight the bacteria, inflammation sets in and the pustule or comedone enlarges.    If the lesion or pustule erupts within the dermis the infection can spread into the surrounding tissue and acne scarring can occur.
 
There are different grades of acne, ranging from small open/or closed comedones all the way up to deeper cystic and nodular lesions.   Treatments for all grades of acne are designed to control the outbreak because as of yet there is no cure for this condition. Patients need to be evaluated in order to determine which method of control will best suit their particular condition. Grade 1 or acne simplex is very unlikely to cause scarring.   It is the patient with Grades III and IV acne that have the greatest risk of scarring.


What types of laser treatments are available for acne scars?


In order to get the best results, Dr. Motazedi uses a traditional full ablative CO2 laser.  Fractional CO2 treatment does not go deep enough and can not be used to sculpt moderate to severe acne scars.  In addition, patients with deep scars may need to undergo a series of  surgical scar revisions prior to treatment with the CO2 laser.  Scars are revised using different techniques in order to give the patient the best possible outcome.  Scar revisions are performed using local anesthetic and require no downtime.  Several rounds of scar revisions may be necessary depending upon the severity and location of the scars.  


Once the scar revisions are completed and fully healed, the patient is ready for CO2 laser resurfacing.  Patients will receive a physical prior to treatment.  Prepping creams, like Retin A may be required depending upon the patients skin type and skin condition.  Patients can expect to remain home following the laser treatment for 7-10 days.  Patients will appear to have a mild sunburn for about two weeks with total resolution usually occurring in 6 to 8 weeks.  Makeup can usually be applied after the 10 day period.  Most patients can begin working out and doing more strenuous activity one month following CO2 resurfacing.  


To schedule your free consultation, please call us at 719-596-4000 or email us at info@ColoradoLaserClinic.com                 


acne scars

All the patients above were treated by Dr. Robert T. Motazedi

All the patients above were treated by Dr. Robert T. Motazedi