Treating acne scars ans skin quality with the Hollywood Spectra Laser

The skin quality can be improved with the Hollywood Spectra laser, particularly acne scars, as can its appearance (especially dilated pores).

This laser’s innovative technology allows us to treat all phototypes (skin colours) as it has no thermal effect (no heating, therefore no inflammation, and no or very little risk of hyperpigmentation after treatment, unlike with other types of fractional lasers).

This electromechanical effect or cold rejuvenation allow us to activate tissue repair and stimulate collagen synthesis without creating any heat.

Treatment procedure for scars and/or skin quality, step by step

Before starting treatment, photos will be taken of the marks in order to assess how effective the treatment might be.

We recommend applying an anaesthetic cream (such as Emla) then covering the area with an occlusive dressing around an hour before the session, especially if the treatment area is large. You will feel some sensitivity during the treatment, but it is quite bearable.

Just before the session, the doctor will remove the anaesthetic cream and disinfect the area.

Special protective glasses designed for the Hollywood Spectra laser must be worn by the patient and the doctor throughout the session.

The session begins and the laser beam is passed over any scars, targeting the different depths of the dermis.

Next, the laser is passed over the whole treatment area one or several times, depending on the desired effect, to stimulate collagen synthesis and firm up the skin (cold rejuvenation).
When the laser is passed over the skin, it feels like an elastic band snapping on the skin and a sharp cracking noise is emitted with every shot.

The session duration depends on size of the treatment area (generally 10 to 30 minutes).

At the end of the session, the area will be dotted with tiny spots of blood and some swelling will appear in the minutes following treatment.

Immediately after the session, the area is exposed to LEDs (light therapy) to speed up healing.

A healing cream and high-factor UV protection (SPF50+) are then applied.

Over the next few days, the patient must avoid rubbing the area, having hot baths, doing intense exercise or exposing the area to ultraviolet rays (sun) for at least a month.

After effects of treating acne scars with the Hollywood Spectra laser

Like all treatments using this type of laser, side-effects are expected but are temporary. The doctor will tell the patient what to do:

Tiny scabs may appear but must not be scratched or picked. They will fall off on their own after 7 to 10 days.
The skin may feel “sunburnt” and some redness and swelling may occur. This usually only lasts a few hours.
Once the skin has healed, there may be some residual hypopigmentation, e. the patient’s skin may be a bit lighter in areas.
This effect, though rare, can last for several months and usually only happens when adequate sun protection has not been used and/or the scabs have been scratched or picked.
We therefore recommend applying a healing cream and sun protection (SPF50+) twice a day for a month after treatment.
Sometimes, there may be a temporary flare-up of acne or whiteheads a few days after laser treatment. In this case, we recommend washing the face with a very gentle soap.
Usually 4 to 6 sessions with the Spectra laser are required, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, to considerably improve the skin quality for the long term.

Counterindications

Like for any aesthetic medicine treatment, patient safety is the doctor’s priority. Therefore, there are some counter indications to consider before undergoing this type of treatment:

Essential oils should not be applied locally or taken orally in the days before the treatment
Creams containing fruit acids or retinol should not be applied in the 48 hours before treatment
No sauna, steam room, exfoliation treatments in the 72 hours before the session
The skin must not be fragile, damaged or infected
The patient should not be pregnant or breastfeeding (as a precaution)

The skin should not be tanned or recently exposed to the sun (less than a month).
The patient must not use self-tanning products or take beta-carotene in the month before each treatment.

Fees

The fee depends on the type of treatment carried out, the size of the lesions and the treatment time.

A fee is charged for every session and is set out by the laser specialist during a free consultation prior to treatment, when a quote is drawn up and the effects are explained.

As a guide, each session costs between 250 and 400 euros

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FAQ — Your questions about acne scar treatment and skin resurfacing with the Hollywood Spectra laser

How does this treatment work?
The Hollywood Spectra laser works through a « cold » electromechanical effect, with no thermal effect, which makes it usable on all skin types with little risk of hyperpigmentation. It stimulates tissue repair and collagen production, and treats acne scars as well as enlarged pores.

How does a session go?
After photos of the area, an anaesthetic cream can be applied under a dressing about 1 hour beforehand if the area is large. The laser first treats individual scars at different depths, then sweeps the whole area once or several times. The session lasts 10 to 30 minutes. The sensation is that of small elastic snaps. At the end of the session, slight pinpoint bleeding and moderate swelling are possible, followed by an LED light therapy session and the application of a repairing SPF50+ cream.

What are the after-effects of a session?
Small crusts may appear for 7 to 10 days (do not scratch them), with temporary redness and swelling. A healing SPF50+ cream should be applied 1 to 2 times a day for one month, avoiding friction, hot baths, intense sport and UV exposure during this period. Small temporary acne flare-ups are possible.

How many sessions are needed and how much does it cost?
Generally 4 to 6 sessions are needed, 4 to 6 weeks apart. The indicative fee is about €250 to €400 per session, specified during a free consultation.