Lasers play a key role in treating acne scars

Researchers are calling for acne patients to have better access to laser treatment options after they found their use most effective in reducing scars.

They say while new technologies to treat acne have been developed in the last decade, in some cases treatment guidelines haven’t caught up with current knowledge.

Their study of energy-based devices for acne scarring involved 24 plastic surgeons and dermatologists from 12 different countries who made recommendations regarding treatment.

The researchers included the most effective devices were ablative fractional lasers, non-ablative fractional lasers, vascular lasers, and radiofrequency devices.

They unanimously agreed that the devices should play a role in the management of acne scars.

“Patients without access to these treatments may not be receiving the best available care for optimal cosmetic results,” they said in the study.

“Future high-quality research and updated international treatment guidelines and reimbursement schemes should reflect this status.”

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