Strictly speaking, quick pulsed Q-switched lasers do not do very much for acne.
Acne requires the following for appropriate control:
- Good topical management including retins/adapalene and salicylic acid-based washes or toners
- With or without oral medication such as oral antibiotics or oral isotretinoin
- With or without appropriate additional treatments, including long-pulsed lasers and chemical peels.
The quicker-pulsed Q-switched lasers target primarily pigmentation, and can in fact cause initial breakouts on patients.
Some facials, like the medi-facial, Hydrafacial, helps acne well as it exfoliates, cleanses, and uses a mix of gentle acids to inactivate sebaceous glands. Not all facials do this, however, and many can cause scarring and worsening acne.
Do speak thoroughly with your doctor to find the most useful and cost-effective means of managing your acne; many misconceptions are rife and leave patients unhappy.
