A new laser treatment developed specifically for inflammatory acne.
AviClear® is a laser treatment developed specifically for mild, moderate and severe inflammatory acne. It uses a 1726nm wavelength to target the sebaceous glands, which produce the sebum/oil involved in acne development.
By reducing the activity of these glands, AviClear® may help bring active acne under control and reduce the frequency and intensity of future breakouts. Unlike some lasers used principally for acne redness or scarring, AviClear® has been designed to address one of the main underlying factors involved in active inflammatory acne i.e. the excess oil production.
At the time of its introduction, Dermatology Consulting is the only clinic in Kent offering AviClear® and one of approximately 35 clinics providing the treatment in the UK.
Book an AviClear® consultation.
Acne develops when hair follicles and the sebaceous glands beside them become blocked. These glands produce an oily substance called sebum. Increased sebum production, dead skin cells blocking the oil glands and inflammation can contribute to blackheads, whiteheads, spots, pustules, nodules and cysts.
AviClear® uses a 1726nm wavelength that is selectively absorbed by sebum within the sebaceous glands. Controlled laser energy heats the glands, shrinks them down and reduces their activity, helping to address excess oil production and bringing inflammatory acne under control.
The device also uses AviCool™ contact cooling to protect the surface of the skin and make treatment more comfortable.
AviClear® was the first FDA-cleared energy-based device developed for the long-term treatment of mild, moderate and severe inflammatory acne. However, a clinical assessment with one of our consultant dermatologists is required first to ensure the treatment is appropriate.
AviClear® may be considered for teenagers and adults with inflammatory acne affecting areas such as the:
It may provide an additional option for patients who:
Before recommending AviClear®, we will assess your skin and confirm that the concern is indeed acne. The assessment may consider:
This assessment helps determine whether AviClear® is appropriate or whether medical skincare, prescription treatment, another laser or a combined plan is more suitable.
Arrange an acne and AviClear® assessment
The skin is thoroughly cleansed before treatment and protective eyewear is provided. The AviClear® handpiece is then passed systematically over the treatment area, delivering controlled laser energy while AviCool™ contact cooling protects the skin’s surface.
A session normally takes approximately 30 minutes, depending on the area being treated. Anaesthetic cream is not usually required, although patients may experience sensations of heat as the energy is delivered.
A typical programme consists of three treatment sessions spaced several weeks (usually four weeks) apart. The recommended course and any accompanying skincare or medical treatment will be discussed during consultation.
AviClear® generally involves little interruption to normal activities. Temporary effects may include:
Some patients experience a short-term acne flare, sometimes described as “purging”, after treatment. This does not occur in everyone and the clinic will explain what to expect and how to care for the skin.
Patients should follow the aftercare provided by the clinic, use suitable skincare and protect the skin from excessive sun exposure.
Improvement develops gradually rather than immediately. Breakouts may become less frequent or less intense as the sebaceous-gland activity changes, and results usually continue to develop for several months after the treatment course. Studies suggest that the acne can continue to improve for two years after the treatment and possibly longer.
The response varies between patients, and complete or permanent clearance cannot be guaranteed. Acne can be influenced by hormones, medication, skincare, health and other factors, so some patients may still require appropriate skincare or medical treatment.
Because AviClear® targets sebum rather than melanin, it may be considered across a range of skin tones (colours).
AviClear® is intended for active inflammatory acne rather than established indented, raised or tethered acne scars. Bringing active acne under control may help reduce the risk of further scarring, but existing scars require a separate assessment and treatment.
Depending on the scar type and skin tone, treatment options may include microneedling, subcision, Fraxel®, PicoWay®, resurfacing lasers, injections or a combination approach.
Explore acne-scar assessment and treatment
AviClear® is one of several acne treatments available at Dermatology Consulting. The aim is not to recommend AviClear® simply because it is a new technology. It will be considered alongside the other available options according to the diagnosis, available evidence and what is appropriate for the individual patient.
A typical course consists of three treatments spaced several weeks (usually four weeks) apart. Some patients need a fourth treatment a few months later.
AviClear® may provide an alternative or additional option for selected patients, but it does not automatically replace prescription treatment. Your clinician will discuss the benefits, limitations and safety considerations of the available options.
Yes, AviClear® does not remove hair so is safe to do over hair bearing sites such as the beard area.
Yes, as the 1726nm wavelength laser is not absorbed by pigment it is safe to do if there is a tan.
AviClear® is contraindicated during pregnancy and for patients undergoing treatment for skin cancer.
You do not need to decide which acne treatment you require before contacting the clinic. Our team will assess your skin, treatment history and priorities before explaining whether AviClear® or another medical, skincare or laser approach is most appropriate.
AviClear® is £995 per session. Usually three are needed. While waiting for the effect of the AviClear® to work, those who have had AviClear® can do other acne treatments such as Laser Genesis™, Fotona®, HydraFacial® or Pulsed Dye Laser/KTP at a reduced rate of 20%.