Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment and Acne Scars – A Review of the Scientific Literature

pulsed dye laser

As if acne alone is not bad enough, a particularly inflamed pimple, or one that has been popped, can lead to a permanent scar. Unlike acne, there are considerably fewer treatments available for acne scars, which, if left untreated, can remain permanently visible. Luckily, there’s a way to drastically reduce the visibility of acne scars – pulsed dye lasers. This article will review the relevant scientific data related to pulsed dye lasers and acne scars in order to demonstrate how and why it is the most effective treatment for acne scars.

To begin, it is important to understand how pulsed dye lasers work with regard to acne scars. Pulsed dye lasers (PDL) emit a 585-nm concentration of light that works to significantly reduce the redness and the elevation of the scar, leaving skin that is no longer raised and colored, as one associates with a scar.

But what does the academic literature say on the subject? The results are very positive. As early as 1996, it was found that PDL treatments are effective for all types of acne scars, including those that leave elevated bumps and those that cause small cratering in the face. Furthermore, another 2003 study found that just one PDL treatment significantly reduces the appearance of acne scars 12 weeks after just one treatment with no serious adverse effects. Another 2009 study found that while various types of laser treatments were more or less effective for various types of scarring, PDL treatments were the most effective for acne scarring in particular.

All of the above studies appear in peer-reviewed, scientific journals, which means they are subject to the rigors of empiricism – meaning double blind trials, with a placebo group being used at all times for comparison. They also all unanimously demonstrate that PDL treatment is undoubtedly the best treatment for acne scars.

Of course, this is no surprise to skin specialists, who have embraced PDL treatment as the go-to option for acne scarring for some time now. Still, it’s always good to do some independent research, which is why we’re happy to present the above studies, which are the leading ones in the field, so you can see for yourself. By the same token, Mediluxe is also proud to offer PDL treatment for acne scarring, as well as for a number of other treatments. Contact us for more information and we’ll be glad to help.