Resurfacing Deep Acne Scars

"Laser resurfacing for deep acne scars" sounds specific. The phrase packs two claims into one: that resurfacing works, and that it works on deep scars. The DermNet entry on acne scarring is a useful reference for the second.

This article pulls the claims apart and checks each against the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

The ablative laser passage

According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, ablative laser resurfacing also heats the skin layers underneath to promote collagen production, which stimulates skin in the treatment area to heal in a smoother, more even appearance.

What is backed, partly backed and not backed

• Backed: ablative laser resurfacing heats the layers underneath and promotes collagen production, per the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.
• Partly backed: "smoother skin." The same source describes a smoother, more even appearance, but the passage used here gives no measure of how much.
• Not backed: the word "deep." The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery passage used here does not mention scar depth, so a claim about deep scars needs its own source.

For the wider laser family, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery page on laser therapy for acne scars sits beside the laser resurfacing for acne scars page.

What to ask for in writing

• The word "ablative" if the treatment is called that, so you know which kind of laser is meant.
• Which kind of acne scar the plan targets.
• The publisher behind any promised result.

Reading the label fairly

The label holds up for the mechanism and for a smoother appearance. It does not hold up for scar depth or for a promised amount of change in the sources used here. The American Academy of Dermatology page on acne scar consultation and treatment is worth reading before a consultation in New Canaan.