Let us start with the boundary
Acne is a skin disease. Its treatment is managed by a doctor, most often a dermatologist, and no laser treatment replaces this.
The treatments described on this page are a supportive approach: they work on the lesions visible on the skin and on their aftermath. In more difficult cases, we refer patients to cooperating dermatologists, rather than running a series of treatments on our own.
On this page
Why two stages, not one
Severe and chronic acne can leave behind changes that persist long after the active lesions have resolved: scars, adhesions, pigmentation, and persistent redness.
This is why we separate the approach. Treatments that remodel the skin, used to work on scars, require a settled base. Carried out during active inflammation, they can make it worse, and the result of the remodelling will be difficult to assess. The order is therefore a condition, not a preference.
Stage one: active lesions
The first stage is a series of laser treatments aimed at what is happening in the skin right now.
Working on the acne lesions visible on the skin.
Reducing seborrhoea, meaning excessive sebum production.
Acting on Cutibacterium acnes bacteria, which play a part in the formation of inflammatory lesions.
Easing inflammation within the lesions.
This stage is carried out in a series. We do not give the number of sessions before qualification, because it depends on the severity and extent of the lesions, and on what treatment is being carried out in parallel.
Stage two: scars and marks
The second stage concerns the aftermath, mainly the reduction and flattening of scars. This is not a single method, but a set chosen to match the type of lesions.
Fractional lasers
Remodelling the skin in microcolumns, with untouched tissue between them. Considered for atrophic scars and uneven skin texture.
Microneedling radiofrequency
Radiofrequency delivered by needles, aimed at remodelling the dermis.
Microneedling
Microneedling that stimulates the skin's natural repair mechanisms.
Chemical peels
Exfoliation and evening out of texture and skin tone, carried out in a series.
Therapies with autologous preparations
Preparations made from the patient's own blood, used to support regeneration.
The choice depends on what type of scars we are dealing with, because atrophic scars, hypertrophic scars, and post-inflammatory pigmentation are approached differently. A description of scar types and the differences in approach is on the scars and stretch marks page.
Skin assessment and qualification
Before starting the series, we assess the condition of the skin, the severity of the lesions, and whether the acne is being treated. We support the assessment with digital dermatoscopy, which allows us to view the lesions magnified and document their appearance, so we can compare it after the series.
This supports the decision, it is not a diagnosis. Diagnosis and treatment of acne belong to a doctor, and for lesions that raise any doubt, we refer patients to cooperating dermatologists before any treatment.
Medicines that rule out the treatment
This is the most common reason an appointment has to be postponed, and a question we ask at every consultation.
Oral vitamin A derivatives, used in acne treatment, are a contraindication for laser treatments and require a waiting period after therapy ends.
Tell us about all the medicines you are taking, including topical ones, and about any preparations that increase the skin's sensitivity to light. Do not stop your treatment on your own to speed up the procedure: the decision on stopping treatment and on the waiting period belongs to your treating doctor, not the practice.
What these treatments will not do
They will not cure acne and will not replace treatment managed by a doctor.
They will not remove the cause. Acne can be driven by hormonal and systemic factors, which a laser treatment does not change.
They will not remove scars without a trace. The goal of the second stage is reduction and flattening, not the complete removal of scarring.
They will not work in a single session. Both stages are carried out in a series, and time is needed between them for the skin to settle.
We do not promise the degree of improvement before qualification. For some people, the approach will be limited to the first stage, if the assessment shows that working on scars does not yet make sense.
Contraindications to laser acne reduction
Some of them only mean postponing the date, not exclusion from treatment. Whether it is possible to start is decided at the consultation, based on an assessment weighed against any treatment you are undergoing.
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NL Clinic, Katowice
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Last updated
13 August 2026
The clinic's materials describe the first stage as a series of laser treatments, without specifying devices, so the page does not assign them to indications. This material is for information only and does not replace a consultation, examination or treatment provided by a doctor.
The questions we are asked most often
Will a laser cure acne?
No. Acne is a skin condition and its treatment is led by a doctor, most often a dermatologist. Laser treatments are a supporting measure, aimed at reducing the number of active lesions, limiting seborrhoea and easing inflammation, and in the second stage at reducing scars. They do not replace treatment or remove the need for check-ups with a doctor.
Why is the treatment divided into two stages?
Because active lesions and their aftermath require different methods, and the order matters. The first stage addresses active changes: seborrhoea, bacteria and inflammation. The second stage addresses the marks acne has left: scars and pigmentation. Work on scars does not begin while inflammation is active, because treatments that remodel the skin require a settled base.
What methods form part of the second stage?
Fractional lasers, microneedling radiofrequency, microneedling mesotherapy, chemical peels and therapies with autologous preparations. The choice and order depend on the type of scarring, because atrophic scars, hypertrophic scars and post-inflammatory pigmentation are managed differently.
Can laser treatments be combined with dermatological treatment?
This needs to be agreed, not assumed. Some medicines used for acne, in particular oral vitamin A derivatives, are a contraindication to laser treatments and require an interval to be kept after the therapy ends. Tell us about all the medicines you are taking at the consultation, so the plan does not conflict with your treatment.
Can acne leave permanent redness?
Yes. Severe and prolonged acne can leave scars, adhesions, pigmentation and permanent redness. This is one of the reasons it is worth not delaying a medical assessment. The longer intense inflammation continues, the greater the risk of permanent consequences.
How many sessions are needed?
The first stage is carried out as a series, and we do not give the number of sessions before qualification, because it depends on the severity of the changes, their extent and any treatment you are undergoing. The second stage, concerning scars, is planned separately, once active changes have settled.
The content is informational in nature. It does not replace a consultation, examination or treatment carried out by a doctor.