What is Diode Laser Acne Treatment?

Diode Lasers Power CD, DVD and Blu-Ray Players

Diode lasers are quickly becoming the preferred laser-based treatment modality for inflammatory acne. Diode lasers are used to selectively target and damage the sebaceous glands, reducing sebaceous hyperplasia, sebum secretion and acne symptoms. Diode lasers are also commonly used in hair removal and scar treatment applications.

How do Diode Lasers work?

Diode lasers use semiconductors as the light source, similar to light emitting diodes (LEDs). The most common and widely studied diode lasers used in acne treatment produce light with a wavelength near 1450 nm. The longer wavelength of these lasers is capable of penetrating deeply enough into the cutaneous tissue to reach the sebaceous glands, where the light is absorbed, creating thermal damage. This damage can often cause a reduction in the size and activity of a sebaceous gland. Diode lasers belong to the same class of lasers that include common products such as laser pointers and CD/DVD players.

Are Diode Lasers an effective treatment for acne?

Diode Laser Treatment has Been Shown to Improve Inflammatory Acne (Friedman)

The use of diode lasers to treat inflammatory acne is a relatively new procedure. Despite this, there are an increasing number of studies that indicate that diode laser treatment can be an effective treatment for inflammatory acne. Because the treatment can target the sebaceous glands themselves, it is one of the few laser based treatments that can offer the promise of providing long-term acne relief. The scientific research does suggest that diode laser treatment can provide long term improvement in acne symptoms for many patients. Diode lasers have also been shown to be somewhat effective in acne scar treatment, although other modalities, such as Er:YAG and C02 lasers are more popular for this application.

How and where is Diode Laser treatment administered?

Like other forms of laser therapy, diode laser treatment is almost exclusively provided in a clinic or hospital environment.

How much does Diode Laser treatment cost?

Individual diode laser treatments of facial acne usually cost between $200 and $400 dollars. Generally speaking, a treatment plan includes 3 separate sessions about a month or two apart. Some practitioners may recommend a yearly or bi-annual maintenance session.

Popular Diode Laser Systems

Smoothbeam
Lightsheer

Before and after photos of acne patients undergoing Diode Laser treatment

Diode Laser Treatment of Acne (Ubelhoer, et al)

A collection of before and after photos of patients undergoing diode laser treatment for inflammatory acne and acne scars can be found here.

Related Posts @ The Science of Acne

Before and After Pics: Diode Laser Treatment
Overview: Light and Laser Acne Treatments
Overview: Acne Scar Treatment
In Depth: What Causes Acne?

References and Sources

Research Articles

Use of Lasers and Light-Based Therapies for Treatment of Acne Vulgaris.
Mariwalla, et al. 2005.  For article abstract, click here.
Acne Treatment With a 1,450 nm Wavelength Laser and Cryogen Spray Cooling.
Paithankar, et al. 2002.  For article abstract, click here.
Sebaceous Hyperplasia Treated With a 1450-nm Diode Laser.
No, et al. 2004.  For article abstract, click here.
The 1,450-nm Diode Laser Reduces Sebum Production in Facial Skin: A Possible Mode of Action of Its Effectiveness for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris.
Perez-Maldonado, et al. 2007.  For article abstract, click here.
The 1450-nm diode laser for facial inflammatory acne vulgaris: Dose-response and 12-month follow-up study.
Jih, et al. 2006.  For article abstract, click here.
Treatment of Inflammatory Facial Acne Vulgaris with the 1450-nm Diode Laser: A Pilot Study.
Friedman, et al. 2004.  For article abstract, click here.

Online Resources and Links

Smoothbeam Patient Reviews @ Realself
Smoothbeam Patient Reviews @ Acne.org
Diode Lasers @ Wikipedia