Surgical Options
Many times, when all treatments are exhausted, it is time for those with persistent acne or more severe acne to seek alternative treatments.
A dermatologist can help discuss the different treatments currently available, including laser therapy or acne surgery to treat acne.
If you are considering laser therapy or surgery to treat acne, you should pay attention to a thorough evaluation of each process, including the number of treatments required, the costs that come with it, and the potential side effects of the treatment.
It is also important to choose a process that aims to reduce acne rather than acne scars.
Acne Surgery
Acne surgery involves making an incision in the affected area and expelling the clogged material.
The process of removing blackheads and acne does not actually involve surgery, but is usually done by a nurse, beautician or dermatologist. First use a small sharp blade to open the acne, and then gently process the material with the acne extractor.
Severe cysts can be drained and removed by a procedure called resection surgery.
This procedure should be carried out in a sterile environment to reduce the risk of spreading bacterial infections and can only be carried out by trained professionals.
If the cysts are accidentally removed, they can develop into serious infections and leave scars.
Physical Treatments
Exfoliation
This form or treatment involves chemically or using some type of abrasive to remove the top layer of the skin.
Chemical peels are usually performed with salicylic acid or glycolic acid.
They unclog the pores and remove the accumulation of dead cells by destroying the microscopic layer of skin cells.
The same effect can be achieved with emery cloth or liquid scrub.
Comedo Extraction
In the process of removing acne, a numbing cream is applied to the immediate area of the outbreak.
Then use a pen-like tool to remove acne (blackheads and whiteheads) and open the top to remove dead skin cells and sebum in the hair follicles. Antibiotic cream is usually used after this procedure.
Drainage
In many forms of severe acne, cysts can form under the skin and become very painful or even disfigured.
Smaller cysts can usually be treated with cortisone injections, which will flatten the lesions within a few days.
But for larger cysts, the only available alternative may be to drain them and then remove them surgically.
Drainage can help relieve the pain associated with cysts and reduce the chance of scarring. Due to the risk of infection, it is important not to try to drain the cyst by yourself, which may cause permanent scars.
Using A Laser to Treat Acne
Laser treatment involves the use of different wavelengths directed at the affected area of the skin.
These wavelengths pulse the skin and destroy excessive oil glands and acne lesions.
Laser treatment removes the damaged outer layer of the skin and starts new cell growth.
The laser technician changes the laser intensity as needed to effectively treat the area.
Despite all the benefits, there is still considerable controversy surrounding the efficacy of laser treatment.
Yes, it has been shown to be effective in improving the appearance of the skin, but like most other acne treatments available, there are some side effects.
For example, patients may experience skin burns that last for several weeks after treatment.
People with dark skin may experience skin discoloration after laser treatment. Finally, if the laser application is inconsistent, the appearance of the skin may be uneven.