Phototherapy
Reviews
2.9
233 Reviews
Phototherapy
Efficacy
65%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Phototherapy
Side Effects
Medium-High
Phototherapy
Acne.org’s Real World Take
Laser therapy works by harming skin oil glands. That can lead to some improvement in acne, and perhaps even long-term relief of some acne symptoms. However, evolution gave us skin oil glands for a reason and what happens long term when you permanently disable them is still unknown. Proceed with caution.
Phototherapy
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this procedure done. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one.
Read All About Lasers
Compare To Other Treatments
5
15%
4
22.3%
3
19.3%
2
21.5%
1
21.9%

Used Lasers? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
September 16, 2009

Pros:

I am a 50 year old person with adult acne. After about 4 treatments, I started seeing results. By the sixth treatment I was not getting breakout.

Cons:

It is a bit painful, but well worth it.

I have moved to Montgomery, AL and can not find anyone that has the lazer. I am very bummed out and would sell the lazer myself if I knew who to get a hold of to be a sales person. They need to get on board down here in the South.
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October 6, 2007

Pros:

Great for removing redness.

Cons:

May require multiple treatments.
Sometimes temporary results depending on treated area - the body will often fight/reverse the effects of this laser.

This is a great laser for removing redness (plush) from acne breakouts - but don't confuse redness (from blood) with hyper-pigmentation (darker, more browny spots), which aren't treated with this laser. Depending on area used, multiple treatments may be required, and effects can be mixed/temporary. For example, around the nose is a tricky area to fight as the body constantly tries to repair the blood vessels killed by this laser. However, repeated treatments will show better results each time. Talk to the doctor about expected results for each area treated so you aren't disappointed when you have to go back a few times.
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August 27, 2009

Pros:

I can't see any. Had three treatments 2 weeks apart at the Private Clinic at Manchester and atm nothing brilliant.

Cons:

No noticeable changes. Acne hasn't changed. Skin still red. People say that changes appear at the second or even third treatment but at the second, skin was indifferent and third lots more spots in new places. Its expensive! Lots of cheaper places!

I have to wait until November when they look back at my face to see if there are any changes. I'm hoping there is but considering others have said they saw instant changes I'm guessing it hasn't worked for me. Then they'll recommended other treatments such as chemical peels and micro-dermabrasion which surprise surprise COST. For something that has cost over £650, I dont think its a risk people should take unless you have the money to gamble. I hasnt done anything for my scars. Will have to wait for this collagen crap to kick in.
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September 22, 2009

Pros:

Only thing that has truly worked for me (in combination with topical treatments and Spiro)

Cons:

Expensive

I've had acne since I was in my early teens and I'm now almost 30. I've tried everything from antibiotics to accutane to lotions etc etc. N lite is the only thing that has worked for me. I now wash with Cetaphil morning and night followed by Zindaclin in the morning and Retina in the evening. I go for regular N lite laser treatments (every 2-3months) and also take low doses of Spiro. This has cleared up my acne (which was very severe), reduced redness and improved texture of my skin. It's reduced the look/colour of red scars. I use mineral make up which I think works really well for acne prone skin.
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May 31, 2010

Pros:

So I have had pretty bad acne and this treatment was a lifesaver. It helped my acne and scarring and prevents new outbreaks.I get numbing cream and then the treatment is almost painfree. I get my treatments at LASERKLINIC ([link removed]). The service/treatments/staff the best.

Cons:

I get numbing cream and then the treatment is almost painfree.

Proven effective treatment for acne and acne scars and prevention of new acne!
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February 2, 2011

Pros:

made my face feel cleaner and smoother

Cons:

my face is completley red

i have only got the first treatment done but my face is completley red. its has been 3 weeks sense my first treatment and my face is still completley red. I dont no what to do..... anyone have any ideas?
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July 11, 2009

Pros:

smoother skin (temporarily)
covered by insurance
effectively treated acne while getting treatments

Cons:

redness and swelling 1-3 days after (only 2 of 4 treatments)
Once laser treatments were stopped, acne returned

The sunbeam/vbeam worked great while being treated (aside from the inconveniences of taking off of work, etc). However, my dermatologist was able to get my insurance to cover the laser treatment by writing a letter stating that I had tried numerous accutane treatments and they were not effective.. In the year since I finished my 4 treatments and my skin atarted to break out again a month or two after my last treatment. Ironically, I actaully then ended up going back on accutane because that has longer lasting results and less side effects (at least for me) than the laser did. If you can get your insurance to pay for the treatments I would recommend them, but if you have to pay for it I would probably say its not worth it, unless you have unlimited funding or something. IMO it seems like this is for maintenance rather than treatment.
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July 10, 2009

Cons:

I had moderate acne before laser with levulan. After 1st treatment face exploded with cystic acne! Did 2nd treatment got even worse. Doctor says I have sensitive skin!! Now they say accutane is my only recourse.

Do not do it! Painful, expensive at $700 per treatment (insurance does not cover this procedure) but worse my skin looks terrible
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June 1, 2009

Pros:

fixes broken caps in a jiffy! better results than with previous treatment from an IPL. Just had my second treatment. After the 1st treatment....broken capillaries were reduced by 50%

Cons:

looking like a spotted leapord (red/purplish spots)... at 2 days post treatment...hope they go away soon!

The Cadillac; Worth the price; what is more precious than your own face?
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January 7, 2010

Pros:

Clears Acne over time.Took 6months for me.
Definately worth it

Cons:

Pretty expnsive. u need to buy products from the clinic. Jan Marini serum/cleanser which cost around £40 each

absolutely worth it. i noticed a reduction from the 1st treatment. i had 6 treatments in total. After the 2nd treatment tho, the acne does increase a fair bit but this is a way all the existing acne witin the skin can escape. 3rd - 6th treatment was just better and better for my skin. first 3 treatments are 4weeks apart and then the treatments follow if you require any topups. i did 3 extra to completely get rid of them. Now its been 3months since my last treatment. i've maybe had 3-4 minor spots in that time.
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Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.