The KTP laser is used to treat many causes of redness on the face, including blood vessels, rosacea and post-inflammatory erythema (the redness left behind after acne.) KTP is an abbreviation for potassium titanyl-phosphate, though the laser is commonly called the KTP laser. The KTP laser can give significant improvement of red acne scars are only one to three treatments. It is not painful and there is no downtime after the treatments. Some improvement is seen very soon after the treatment and some improvement is seen in the weeks after the treatment. The Fraxel laser and the MiXto laser Fractional CO2 laser are the most effective treatments for atrophic (“pitted”) acne scarring, but the KTP laser is the most effective treatment for pure erythematous scarring (the red marks left behind after acne clears.)
How does the KTP laser treat acne scars?
The KTP laser targets the hemoglobin (red) areas on the skin. The energy of the KTP laser causes the blood vessels just below the skin’s surface to collapse. The collapsing of the blood vessels decreases the “red” appearance of the acne scars left behind after acne clears.
What will happen during my visit?
For treatment of ‘red’ acne scarring with the KTP laser, gel will first be applied over the treatment area. No topical anesthetic is necessary prior to treatment with the KTP laser. The treatment itself takes just a few minutes; it is not painful and there is no downtime after the procedure. Some patients have minimal redness around the treated areas for a few hours after their treatment. There is no bruising after treatment with the KTP laser. You may apply makeup immediately after the KTP treatment if you would like. Patients may immediately return to work or social obligations.
How many treatments are needed to treat acne scars?
One to three treatments with the KTP laser are generally needed to effectively treatment post-inflammatory erythema (the red mark left behind after acne.) Some patients experience a significant improvement in acne scarring after only one treatment and do not end up needing multiple treatments. Other patients require multiple treatments to improve their acne scarring.
What is the cost of the KTP laser treatment for acne scarring?
The KTP laser treatment for acne scarring costs between $385 and $550 per treatment, depending on the extent of the scarring. During your initial consultation, we will review the treatment further and determine the exact per treatment cost for you.