Laser Vs. Non-Laser Treatments for Acne

Introduction

Acne is often dismissed as an adolescent issue, reserved for teenage kids and the like, but the reality couldn’t be further from the truth. For one thing, the only real proof you need of the fact that acne can happen to anybody at all is the fact that world-famous celebrities such as Kendall Jenner, Lorde, and Mandy Moore have all publicly talked about their own struggles with the skin condition.

Regardless of who suffers from acne, there are a few facts that remain constant. The first of these is that acne is a serious problem that can lead to huge issues with self-esteem and self-worth especially if it worsens over time or leaks into adulthood. The second main thing to know, though — and this is good news — is that acne itself is very treatable.

If you live in Canada and you’ve been looking for a way to treat your acne, you’ve probably been taking a look at a lot of different cosmetic dermatologists in Toronto and similar cities. While it’s great that there are so many services available, you might also have found yourself confused about the difference between laser-based treatment and traditional therapies for treating different kinds of acne.

In today’s article, we’ll be discussing in detail the difference between laser- and non-laser-based treatments, in an attempt to help you make up your mind a little easier about which option to go for. By the end of the piece, you’ll be ready to walk into any cosmetic dermatologist in Toronto and tell them exactly what you want done.

1: Lasers Can Be Quicker

One of the main advantages to laser-based treatments for acne is that rather than taking pills or creams for months and months on end, they provide patients with the possibility to sign up for a burst of sessions (usually between six and eight) that will deal with the problem until the patient is happy with the result. As a matter of fact, many patients report seeing improvements in their skin’s brightness, texture, and tone as soon as after the first couple of sessions.

In comparison, non-laser based treatments (depending on the kind of acne being treated) can drag on now and again, and are almost always based on having regular appointments with a dermatologist — and as anybody who has ever tried to see one will be able to tell you, dermatologists can get booked up pretty quickly. By opting for a clinic that offers laser-based acne treatment services, you’ll be able to stay on top of your own treatment a little more reliably, as well as be able to take advantage of a regular, set schedule that you can work into your weekly routine without too much hassle.

2: Lasers Can Be Adapted For Different Skin Types

A common criticism of laser-based treatments over the last few years has been that not all lasers are suitable for all skin types. With such a huge amount of variation in our skin from person to person (and not just in terms of colour: texture, tone, and flexibility are all factors that vary from individual to individual across any given population), it was thought that lasers simply couldn’t account for everyone’s skincare needs.

Thanks to technological innovation in the field, lasers today are much more sophisticated, will the ability to accommodate multiple skin types. Just compare a Smoothbeam laser with Vbeam laser, or a Fractionated laser with a CO2 laser — they work differently, they’re built differently, and they’re able to accommodate different kinds of skin. While traditional acne treatments can also be adapted to account for the patient’s own particular skin makeup, often it can take a lot longer to figure out whether or not a given treatment is suited for the kind of skin in question, which can be a real drain when you’re just trying to sort out your acne once and for all.

3: Laser Aftercare Plans Are More Flexible

Unlike more orthodox methods of treating acne and other similar skin conditions, the kind of aftercare plan your practitioner will recommend if you’re sticking with a laser-based treatment is more likely to vary depending on how your initial therapy has gone. Every reasonable cosmetic dermatologist in Toronto will advise a follow-up care plan, but with standard treatments, these tend to be more rigid or set in place, while laser aftercare maintenance plans can take a number of different forms.

For example, if you’re not completely satisfied with the results you’ve seen from your laser-based acne treatment, you might be better off delaying aftercare to a degree and focusing on more treatments, or opting for a follow-up plan that accounts for this desire. On the other hand, if you’re delighted with how everything has gone and are questioning whether you even need a maintenance care plan (hint: you do), you’ll be able to talk with your cosmetic dermatologist in Toronto and select a schedule which reflects that as well.

Summary

Even though cosmetic dermatologists in Toronto themselves vary hugely from practice to
practice (with some offering more advanced laser-based treatments than others), in general it should be possible for you to find a clinic who can provide what you’re looking for when it comes to finally treating the acne that has been stressing you out for so long.

If you’re still confused about the fundamental differences between laser-based and standard acne treatment plans, why not get in touch with us here at the Fairview Laser Clinic and tell us about what’s bothering you? We’d be happy to provide a professional opinion on what might be best for you, and walk you through your options so you can make the best possible decision for your situation.