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Traditionally, scar treatment involves the use of a surgical procedure to replace extensive scars with a single scar that will be left after treatment. But recently, laser therapy has become a popular alternative to surgery. It's easy to understand why this has happened. Laser therapy is much less invasive and requires less down time than surgery.

In recent years light therapy has become a very viable alternative to other acne scarring treatments, offering a solution to traditional scar problems and even facial blemishes. Blue light and red light are the most common light treatment therapies. Here's a little history on both types of therapy.

Blue Light Therapy

This type of therapy has been used since the early 1980s. As a matter of fact, it actually began as a treatment for seasonal depression disorders. Recently, it has been used to treat acne breakouts.

By using blue light therapy for acne, an acne sufferer needn't take antibiotics. This is good news for acne sufferers because our bodies become resistant to antibiotics after a certain amount of time. In fact, some doctors have began to notice that this type of therapy could also help even fine lines and fade scars.

Red Light Therapy

In the 1960s in Europe, doctors noted that certain single wavelengths could have a therapeutic effect on skin tissue. More recently, cancer researchers have noticed that topical creams in conjunction with a single red frequency could kill certain types of skin cancer cells. This type of light proved itself capable of helping regenerate skin tissue and helping improve the appearance of the skin.

This type of therapy can not only help boost circulation and promote the production of collagen, but it can also help trigger the body's natural healing process.

Scar Treatment & Light Therapy

Recently, it has been noted that instead of treating acne scars, light therapy was much better at promoting scar less healing. This is comprehendible because untreated acne leads to acne scars. If the acne condition is treated with light therapy, then there is less of a chance that you will develop scars.

If scars have already been formed, it is possible for light therapy to treat them. The light not only kills acne bacteria, but it also stimulates the skin to produce additional collagen. As collagen is produced, the scar tissue (ice pick scars, box car scars, etc) is evened out, presenting a smoother appearance.

Light therapy can also be used in conjunction with dermal fillers to treat acne scars that are very deep. One of the most common fillers used to treat acne scars is hyaluronic acid. However, consult with your doctor to know which is the best filler for your type of skin and scars.

Probable Side Effects

Most side effects are temporary, so do not worry. Side effects include redness and flaking of the treated area. Be sure to consult with your doctor if the reactions persist.