Laser Treatment for Adult Acne?

I have adult acne, but I'm also getting saggy skin now that I'm in my 40s. Would laser treatments help both?

The appropriate treatment for adult acne is medication prescribed by a dermatologist or primary care physician. These are medications applied topically to the skin surface and include tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide, and/or systemic antibiotics such as doxycycline and minocycline.

Modification of skin care regimens are often also needed to avoid oil-containing products such as heavy moisturizers. Some female patients benefit from medications that modify hormones, such as spironolactone or birth control pills. Accutane pills are the strongest and most powerful acne treatment, but several significant side effects must be considered before using it.

Lasers should never be a primary acne treatment. Although laser company manufacturers claim that their devices treat acne, the benefits of lasers and pulsed light treatments are minimal and these light treatments are very expensive and not covered by insurance. Most acne medications, except for plain benzoyl peroxide, are covered by most health insurance plans.

The CO2 laser offers a tremendous benefit in tightening wrinkles of the face, eyelids, and cheeks but does not tighten the drooping jowl or chin lines. Non-invasive lasers, heat devices, and microwave devices may offer a slight improvement in lower face sagging, however improvement is mild. The ultimate treatment for "saggy skin" is a face lift, performed by a plastic surgeon.