What Happens Before Acne Scar Laser Treatment?

The consultation looks at whether scars are depressed, raised, narrow, broad, red, or mainly darker or lighter than the surrounding skin. Your clinician also checks for active acne, infection, inflammation, a tendency to form thick scars, and the way your skin has reacted to earlier procedures. These details influence the laser choice, energy settings, and whether another treatment should come first.

Tell the clinic about every medicine, supplement, cream, recent peel, and procedure. Recent or current isotretinoin treatment is especially relevant because it may change whether laser treatment is advised and when it can be scheduled. The clinician may take photographs and explain realistic healing changes, including redness, swelling, peeling, or temporary pigment change.

Follow the written instructions for cleansing, moisturising, shaving, and stopping irritating products. Avoid deliberate tanning and protect the treatment area from sunlight before the appointment. Do not arrive with makeup, self-tanner, or an unreported skin reaction on the area. Ask whether cold sores, allergies, or a history of delayed healing changes the plan, and arrange practical support if your clinician expects temporary redness or sensitivity.

Tell the clinic before treatment if you develop active infection, a cold sore, an open wound, severe irritation, or a new rash. Contact them promptly if you have started or recently stopped isotretinoin, or if you have had strong sun exposure. Treatment may need to be delayed while the skin is assessed, rather than proceeding over an unsettled surface.

Ask which scar features the laser can target, which effects are expected during healing, and how long you should avoid heat, sun, and irritating skincare. Confirm the preparation products, medicines to pause, warning signs after treatment, and whether active acne or recent isotretinoin changes your timing.