Can laser treatment get rid of acne scars?

If acne has left marks you want gone, a clinic may suggest a laser. Here is what to ask, and what should not wait for a consultation.

Whether a laser can fade your acne scars

It may, but nobody can judge your scars from a web page. What helps is a consultation where a clinician looks at them and tells you, in plain words and on paper, what a realistic result would be.

Old scars versus active skin

A scar that has been stable for a while is a cosmetic question and can wait for a consultation. Active acne, open skin or a spot that is changing quickly is a different matter, and a physician should see it first.

If you want a list of questions for the consultation, read the American Academy of Dermatology's 10 things to know before having laser treatment for your scar.

If the clinician proposes a laser, read a dermatologic surgery society's page on laser resurfacing and the Cleveland Clinic overview of laser procedures. If you want to know more about the devices themselves, read the FDA page on medical lasers and only then decide. None of these predicts the result for your scars.

Taking stock of scars ahead of a consult

1. Take photos of your skin in one spot, at one time of day, so they can be compared later.
2. Ask the clinician how many sessions they expect, over what stretch of time, and what a good and a poor result look like.
3. Ask what the first days usually bring and which signs should prompt a call.

Infection after scar treatment is urgent

Treat any sign of infection after a procedure as urgent and call your physician.