COVID-19 Safe Operations

Keeping Patients & Staff Safe & Healthy During Unprecedented Times


Though many things have changed in our current pandemic environment, one thing has continued to be the same: our commitment to your health and safety.
Our patients play a particularly important role in maintaining a safe environment in the clinic. We have created a detailed list of new guidelines for you to follow when you come in for your appointment:
  • Please arrive for your appointment on time (no more than 10 minutes early).
  • Prior to entering the clinic, you will be asked some screening questions.
  • You will be asked to use hand sanitizer when you arrive.
  • We ask you to wear your personal mask inside the clinic.
  • No accompanying people (e.g. children, friends, or family), we ask you to come alone unless you need to be accompanied.
  • Leave all non-essential belongings in your vehicle (e.g. jackets, hats, large purses)
  • All our team is always going to wear masks and wear gloves during the appointment.
  • We will ask you to remove your shoes before entering the clinic. We will provide you with slippers at your request.
  • All clients are asked to maintain respectful distancing in waiting areas and in the clinical area.
  • Note that for the time being we would prefer that you refrain from using cash as a mode of payment.
If you have any questions regarding your upcoming appointment, please call us at 403-675-0018 to speak with out staff or e-mail us at info@artofskin.ca. We are more than happy to discuss any questions you may have.

Art of Skin

Cutting-Edge Dermatological Care, Laser And Cosmetic Surgery in Canmore, Alberta

Laser Treatments for Acne Scarring

Laser Treatments for Acne Scarring

It is very important that patients understand that not all scars are the same, and similarly, not all lasers are the same or can do the same things. Different lasers are designed to accomplish different tasks. Some lasers are effective in removing redness, or brown spots, while others are effective in smoothing the skin, or flattening out thickened scars. It is extremely important that a scar is properly assessed and subsequently, that the appropriate laser chosen to best accomplish the desired result.

A dermatologist, an accredited skin specialist, should treat your acne scars. A dermatologist is properly trained to assess acne scars and is the most trained professional in choosing the appropriate laser to treat acne scarring.

At Art of SKIN Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, we utilize multiple lasers (ie CO2, PDL, YAG, Alex, IPL) to properly address the different components of acne scars and to maximize the potential for successful acne scar treatment.

Fractional CO2 Resurfacing Laser

At Art of SKIN Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, we use the Cynosure CO2 Smartskin fractional laser treatment system for safe, permanent acne scar improvement. CO2 laser resurfacing has been the gold standard for improving acne scarring for more than 2 decades. With the advent of fractional resurfacing, the predictability, safety and downtime of the procedure has been greatly improved.

How Does the Cynosure CO2 Smartskin Fractional Laser Work?

The Cynosure Smartskin CO2 is a fractional laser resurfacing treatment system – one of the most advanced skin resurfacing treatments currently available.

The fractional laser works by causing carefully controlled micro-damage to tissue. Your body naturally replaces the damaged tissue with new tissue, generating new collagen and new skin cells. Unlike chemical peels and earlier fully ablative lasers, this treatment does not remove the top layer of the skin in its entirety.

The Cynosure SmartSkin treatment can be tailored to the needs of each patient. For patients requiring a minimally invasive procedure, the laser can be used to remove only a superficial layer of mild scarring while promoting cellular re-organization within scarred tissues and new collagen growth. For a more aggressive treatment, the laser can be used to remove the most deep and well established deforming scars.

Are There Side Effects Associated With the Cynosure CO2 Smartskin Fractional Laser?

Superficial treatment requires little downtime. You may experience some short-term redness, which should reduce within 48 hours. Deeper, more severe scars can be effectively treated too, but the downtime will be a few days or more, sometimes up to one to two weeks. The improvement seen in scarring when treated with CO2 resurfacing is permanent.

The first improvements seen are in skin tone and texture. Over time, new collagen is generated to fill in depressions in the skin. Long-term results include smoother skin with a more even contour and texture.

Vascular and Pigmentation Lasers

How do Vascular and Pigmentation Lasers Work?

Some scars are red or brown in colour, but are not raised or depressed. These scars respond most successfully with vascular or pigmentation lasers, such as the PDL, YAG, IPL or the Alex. These lasers specifically target a predetermined structure in the skin, such as unwanted blood vessels or pigment within the scar, and can remove the targeted structure leaving surrounding structures untouched.

Fortunately for the patient, all of these advanced laser technologies are available at Art of SKIN Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery. The laser that is the most suited for your particular scarring situation will be used in your treatment.