Removing Permanent Acne Scars | Lumi Pico Laser Treatment

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting over 50 million people in the United States each year. While some are lucky enough to escape acne scarring, studies show that up to 95% of people with acne will be left with some degree of acne scarring. These scars can have profound psychological effects and negatively impact a person’s self-esteem. 

Acne scars form when severe inflammation and damage occurs in the deeper layers of the skin during a breakout. There are several types of acne scars such as ice pick scars, rolling scars, and boxcar scars. These scars can range from mild indentations to deep pits on the skin’s surface. Trying to cover them up with makeup often proves frustrating, as the scars remain visible and unevenly textured.

Thankfully, advanced laser treatments are now available to effectively minimize and remove acne scarring. One of the most promising options for permanently reducing acne scars is the pico laser. This cutting-edge laser treatment precisely targets pigmentation and scar tissue at the microscopic level, helping smooth and even out depressed scars. At Lumi Clinic in Kuala Lumpur, the pico laser is specially designed to renew the skin and reveal a clear, healthy-looking complexion.

What Are Acne Scars?

Acne scars are permanent indentations that are left in the skin from severe acne lesions. They form when the dermis (deepest layer of the skin) is damaged during the healing process, resulting in fibrous tissue replacing normal skin. 

There are several types of acne scars:

Ice pick scars – Narrow, deep pits that extend into the dermis and look like holes punctured into the skin. They are usually less than 2 mm wide.

Boxcar scars – Broad depressions with steep vertical edges, creating a “boxcar” look. They are wider than ice pick scars.

Rolling scars – Wide depressions with sloping edges that give the skin a wave-like appearance. They are usually shallow.

Hypertrophic scars – Thick, raised scars that do not extend beyond the original acne lesion.

Acne scars form as a result of moderate to severe acne breakouts. When pores become clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells, it leads to lesions and inflammation. If these blemishes penetrate deeply into the skin, they can damage the tissue and collagen. As the lesions heal, the skin may not regenerate properly, leading to scarring. Genetics can also play a role in how susceptible someone is to acne scarring.

Treatments For Acne Scars

There are several treatment options available for reducing the appearance of acne scars, each with their own pros and cons:

Dermabrasion- This procedure uses a rapidly rotating device to remove the upper layers of skin, helping smooth out indented scars. It requires anesthetic and several weeks of healing. Results are decent but it can’t remove deeper scars.

Skin Fillers- Fillers like hyaluronic acid can be injected under scars to raise them to the level of normal skin. Results are temporary though, requiring repeat treatments every 4-6 months. Risk of lumps, unevenness, and allergic reaction.

Chemical Peels- Light to medium depth peels can remove damaged skin layers and stimulate collagen growth. Multiple treatments needed for gradual improvement. Can cause redness, irritation, and post-peel breakouts.

Microneedling- Tiny needle pricks trigger collagen production, helping flatten scars over time. Requires multiple treatments and combines well with other procedures. Results can be subtle and downtime is 3-7 days.  

Pico Laser- Pico laser treatment is a revolutionary new option that can safely remove acne scars in fewer sessions with less discomfort and downtime by utilizing specialized laser pulses to trigger skin healing process.

What Is Pico Laser Treatment?

Pico lasers are a newer type of aesthetic laser that emit ultra-short pulses that shatter pigment, making them highly effective for permanently removing stubborn acne scars and other pigmented lesions on the skin. 

Unlike traditional lasers that use heat to burn away imperfections layer by layer, pico lasers target pigment directly without damaging surrounding skin. The ultra-short pulse width helps confine energy to pigment particles alone.

Pico lasers work by sending strong pulses of energy that get absorbed by pigment in the skin. The laser energy shatters the pigment particles into tiny pieces that are easily eliminated by the body’s immune system.

Compared to traditional lasers, pico lasers offer several key benefits:

– More precise targeting of pigment for better results

– Low risk of post-treatment pigmentation issues 

– Minimal pain and downtime due to epidermal protection

– Safe for all skin types, even darker skin tones

– Can be used year-round, even in summer or tropical climates

The precision and gentleness of pico lasers make them an excellent option for permanently removing a wide variety of pigmented lesions, including stubborn acne scars. At Lumi Clinic, we use advanced pico laser technology to help patients achieve clear, smooth skin. Book an appointment with us to learn more about this technology and your skin needs!

Who Is A Good Candidate For Pico Lasers?

Pico laser treatment works best for those with lighter skin tones. The laser targets melanin, so it is not as effective on darker skin which has higher melanin levels. Those with fair to olive skin tones tend to see the best results.

People with mild to moderate acne scarring are ideal candidates. Pico laser works by creating tiny holes in the skin to stimulate collagen production and remodelling. It excels at treating rolling and indented scars. Severe scarring may require multiple treatments or other procedures in addition to pico laser.  

It’s important to have realistic expectations about the results. Pico lasers can improve scars but may not make them disappear completely, especially with deep scarring. Some people see a 60-80% improvement. Complete removal of scarring is difficult to achieve with any single treatment. Talk to your dermatologist about your goals and what improvements you can expect.

The best candidates have mild scarring and reasonable expectations about the results. Multiple sessions are often needed for optimal improvements. Pico laser works well for rolling, indented and shallow boxcar scars on lighter skin tones.

What To Expect During Treatment

The Pico laser treatment for acne scars is done in a series of sessions, usually 4-6 weeks apart, though this can vary based on your scarring severity. Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:

– A topical anesthetic cream will be applied to numb the area being treated. This is left on for 30-60 minutes prior to the laser procedure.

– You will be given protective eyewear to shield your eyes from the laser light.

– The laser handpiece will be placed directly against your skin and pulsed to deliver laser energy to the treatment area. You may feel a slight stinging or pinprick sensation as the laser pulses.

– A cooling gel is applied to the skin during treatment to protect the surface of the skin and provide comfort.

– After the procedure, the treated area may be red and swollen for up to a few hours. Your provider will apply an ointment and cover the area.

– In terms of recovery, most patients can return to normal activities immediately after treatment. The swelling and redness subsides within 24 hours in most cases. 

– Your provider will advise you on proper aftercare, such as avoiding sun exposure and using a gentle cleanser and moisturizer. This helps maximize results and prevent complications.

– Follow up sessions are done once the initial redness and swelling have resolved, usually in 4-6 weeks. Multiple sessions are often needed to achieve optimal improvement of acne scarring.

Cost Of Pico Laser Treatment

Pico laser treatment can be an affordable way to improve the appearance of acne scars for many patients. Total cost down the line for this treatment can vary depending on:

– Number of treatment sessions needed: Most patients need 2-4 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart for optimal results. The more scarring you have, the more sessions you may need. 

– Size of the treatment area: Larger areas like the cheeks or back will cost more per session than smaller areas like the forehead or chin.

– Type of scarring: Deeper scars like ice pick scars often require more intensive treatment over more sessions, increasing the overall cost.

– Clinic pricing: Fees can vary amongst different aesthetic clinics. Advanced laser technology and physician expertise may command higher pricing.

During your consultation at Lumi Clinic, our doctors will assess your scars and recommend a customized treatment plan with a price estimate so you know what to expect. We offer packages to help make repeat treatments more affordable. 

While professional pico laser scar removal is an investment, the boost in confidence and self-esteem from clear, scar-free skin is priceless for many patients. The results can last for years with proper sun protection. With flexible pricing options at Lumi Clinic, pico laser treatment can put the power back in your hands to reveal your best skin.

Why Choose Lumi Clinic?

Lumi Clinic is the top choice for effective and safe acne scar removal in Kuala Lumpur. With over 10 years of experience specializing in picosecond laser technology, our clinic has successfully treated thousands of acne scar patients. 

At Lumi Clinic, we customize every pico laser treatment plan based on your unique skin and scar type. Our experienced doctors and nurses take the time to thoroughly assess your skin during an initial consultation. We then develop a personalized treatment schedule tailored to your particular needs and desired outcome.

Our staff makes your comfort, safety and satisfaction our top priority. We use the latest techniques to ensure your picosecond laser session is as quick and painless as possible. Our caring nurses provide exceptional before and after care.  

With Lumi Clinic’s extensive pico laser expertise and personalized approach, you can trust you are in the most capable hands. We’ve helped numerous acne scar sufferers finally achieve clear, flawless skin. Experience the difference of Lumi Clinic’s skilled pico laser specialists for optimal, lasting acne scar removal.