Acne and Scars with Laser in Tel Aviv: What You Need to Know

Active acne and the scars it leaves behind are often treated as a single problem, even though they do not respond to exactly the same mechanism. Here is what you need to understand before considering laser treatment.

Active acne and scars: two related but not identical issues

Active acne refers to ongoing inflammatory lesions: pimples, papules, pustules. Scars, on the other hand, are the marks that remain once the inflammation has passed, most often hollows (atrophic scars) or residual pigmentation spots.

This distinction matters because it directly influences the approach: calming active inflammation and resurfacing an old scar do not stress the skin in the same way. Find the full details on the acne and scars page of the site.

How laser treatment acts on each of these two issues

On active acne, the laser targets inflammatory mechanisms and can help reduce local bacterial proliferation, complementing a background medical treatment when needed.

On scars, particularly atrophic (indented) scars, a deeper resurfacing laser, of the fractional CO2 type, stimulates cell renewal and collagen production to progressively fill in the missing contour. This is a reconstruction mechanism, different from the anti-inflammatory action sought for active acne.

Why two lasers may be used within the same protocol

At the practice, active inflammatory acne is treated with the Alma Harmony XL Pro platform, while scar resurfacing relies on a fractional CO2 laser (Lumenis AcuPulse platform), better suited to rebuilding skin contour. The same patient can benefit from both approaches, at different points in the protocol depending on what dominates: active inflammation or scarring after-effects.

What "stimulating cell renewal" actually means

The laser causes controlled micro-lesions in the dermis, which the skin then repairs by producing new collagen. It is this repair process, spread over several weeks after each session, that progressively fills in an indented scar, rather than an immediate smoothing effect.

Key takeaway: laser treatment does not "erase" a scar in one session. It is the skin's ability to repair itself, stimulated session after session, that produces the result.

Which areas are most often affected

• Full face: forehead, cheeks, chin, areas frequently marked by active acne and atrophic scars.
• Back: acne scars are common on the upper back.
• Shoulders and décolletage: visible skin marks on exposed areas.

How many sessions, and why such a wide range

The protocol ranges from 3 to 8 sessions, depending on the severity of the lesions, skin type, and individual response to treatment.

What explains such a wide gap between 3 and 8 sessions

Mild acne with a few superficial scars often responds within a limited number of sessions. Conversely, deep, extensive scars, or active acne still flaring, require a longer protocol, reassessed session by session based on the observed response. This is precisely why no exact number is given before the diagnostic consultation.

Precautions and aftercare following a session

Laser treatment heals the visible signs, not the cause of acne: it is therefore often combined with a background medical treatment when inflammation is still active. After the session, redness comparable to a sunburn may persist for 24 to 48 hours, without preventing a return to daily activities the next day in most cases. For more extensive residual pigmentation spots, our article on sun spots and melasma details a complementary approach.

In brief

• Active acne (inflammation) and scars (after-effects) respond to two different mechanisms, sometimes treated with two separate lasers at the same practice.
• Laser treatment clearly improves the appearance of the skin, but does not treat the cause of acne: it is often combined with a medical treatment.
• The protocol ranges from 3 to 8 sessions, determined after a diagnostic skin examination.
• The treatment can be adapted to all skin types, with specific settings for medium and dark skin tones.

Would you like a medical opinion on your acne or scars? Book an appointment at Dr Mergui's practice, 8A Frishman.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace a medical consultation. Only a clinical examination can determine the protocol suited to your skin.