An acne laser treatment Singapore uses controlled micro-injuries to trigger collagen production and reduce scarring, with healing occurring over 6-8 weeks. The type of laser, ablative CO2, non-ablative Nd:YAG, or fractional picosecond, determines the recovery timeline and intensity of post-treatment effects. CO2 lasers penetrate 2mm for deep scar remodeling, while Q-switched lasers target 0.5-1mm for pigmentation, with your experience depending on the laser used and your skin’s healing capacity.
Immediate Post-Treatment Changes (First 24-48 Hours)
After laser treatment, your skin’s temperature rises to 40-42°C, triggering inflammation for healing, with heat lasting 2-4 hours for ablative lasers and 30-60 minutes for non-ablative lasers. Redness appears immediately as blood vessels dilate, and swelling develops within 2-6 hours, with fractional CO2 treatments causing grid-like swelling and full-field lasers causing uniform edema. Ice packs applied for 10 minutes every hour may help reduce swelling. Your skin feels rough as microscopic ablation zones form crusts that protect underlying tissue. Ablative lasers create bronze-colored dots, while non-ablative lasers result in subtle textural changes. Pinpoint bleeding may occur but stops quickly, and clear or yellow-tinged fluid weeps from the treated areas for 24-48 hours, delivering growth factors for healing.
The First Week: Active Healing Phase
Days 2-3 mark peak inflammation as your immune system begins repair, with swelling intensifying around the eyes and jawline. Sleeping with your head elevated and applying cold compresses can help reduce swelling. Micro-crusts darken by day 3, and resisting the urge to pick is crucial to prevent scarring and irregular healing. By days 4-5, the crusts start lifting as new skin forms underneath, and gentle cleansing helps avoid bacterial buildup. By days 5-7, new pink skin emerges, which lacks a mature barrier, so moisturizing with ceramides and fatty acids is important. Itching may worsen as nerve endings regenerate, but cool compresses and antihistamines can offer relief. Avoid scratching to prevent disrupting collagen and causing permanent textural irregularities.
Managing Common Side Effects
Persistent Redness
Redness lasting beyond 4 weeks indicates prolonged inflammation. Niacinamide 4% serum may help strengthen blood vessel walls when used as directed by a healthcare professional. Green-tinted primer can neutralize redness for immediate cosmetic improvement. Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments after 6 weeks may address persistent vascularity.
Dryness and Flaking
Compromised barrier function causes excessive dryness lasting 2-3 weeks. Layering hydrating toner, hyaluronic acid serum, and occlusive moisturizer may help. Avoiding foaming cleansers which strip lipids can be beneficial. Humidifiers maintaining 45-55% humidity may help prevent excessive water loss during sleep.
Breakouts
Occlusive post-laser products sometimes trigger breakouts in acne-prone patients. Switching to non-comedogenic formulations may help if new lesions appear after day 7. Benzoyl peroxide 2.5% spot treatment may help control bacterial growth when used appropriately. Blue light therapy may provide additional antimicrobial effects without disrupting healing.
Sensitivity
Heightened sensitivity persists 4-6 weeks as nerve endings recalibrate. Avoiding active ingredients (retinoids, AHAs, BHAs) until skin tolerates basic skincare without stinging is recommended. Centella asiatica extract may help reduce neurogenic inflammation. Patch testing new products on small areas before full-face application is advisable.
When to Seek Professional Help
- Worsening redness or swelling after day 3
- Yellow or green discharge indicates infection
- Fever above 38°C
- Blistering beyond pinpoint size
- Pain increasing rather than decreasing after 48 hours
- Pigmentation changes appearing asymmetrically
- Scarring or textural irregularities developing during healing
- Persistent crusting beyond 10 days
- Contact dermatitis symptoms (spreading rash, severe itching)
Commonly Asked Questions
How soon can I exercise after acne laser treatment?
Light walking resumes after 48 hours. Avoid sweating for 5-7 days as salt irritates healing skin. Swimming pools contain chlorine that delays healing, wait 2 weeks. Hot yoga or saunas wait 3 weeks to prevent heat-induced inflammation and potential scarring.
Can I use my regular acne medications after laser?
Pause all active acne treatments 7 days pre-treatment and 14 days post-treatment. This includes benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, and salicylic acid. Oral medications like isotretinoin require 6-month cessation before laser treatments. Resume topicals gradually, starting with lowest concentrations.
Will acne laser treatment work for active breakouts?
Laser treatments target acne scars, not active acne. Current breakouts need resolution before laser therapy. Some lasers like Nd:YAG reduce sebum production, providing secondary acne benefits. Blue light components in certain lasers kill acne bacteria during scar treatment.
How many sessions will I need for results?
Mild scarring improves with 3-4 sessions. Moderate scarring requires 4-6 treatments. Severe scarring may need 6-8 sessions or combination approaches. Sessions space 4-6 weeks apart allowing complete healing between treatments.
What determines if I’m a good candidate?
Stable acne for 3 months indicates readiness for scar treatment. Realistic expectations about gradual improvement ensure satisfaction. Darker skin types require specific laser parameters to prevent PIH. Keloid tendency contraindicates aggressive laser settings.
Next Steps
Post-laser healing follows predictable patterns, with complete recovery within 7-10 days and progressive scar improvement over 6 months. Proper aftercare protocols, including sun protection, gentle cleansing, and avoiding active ingredients, support optimal results. Most patients see significant texture and pigmentation improvements, though multiple sessions may be required for deeper scarring.
If you’re experiencing persistent acne scarring with pitted texture or dark marks, MOH-accredited aesthetic doctors can provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment plans.
