AviClear Acne Laser Treatment: How It Works and What Patients Can Expect

A medication-free laser treatment designed to target acne at its source

For many people, treating acne can become a frustrating cycle of topical products, prescription medications, skincare routines, and temporary improvements—only for breakouts to return.

AviClear offers a different approach.

Rather than focusing only on the visible appearance of acne, AviClear is an FDA-cleared energy-based treatment designed to target one of the key contributors to acne: the sebaceous glands responsible for producing oil.

Using a specialized 1726 nm laser wavelength, AviClear selectively targets sebaceous glands and helps reduce their activity.

With thousands of treatments performed commercially, AviClear has emerged as an important option in the growing field of energy-based acne treatment.

Here is what patients should know about how AviClear works, who may be a candidate, and what to expect before, during, and after treatment.

What Is AviClear?

AviClear is a laser treatment designed for mild, moderate, and severe acne.

Unlike traditional acne treatments that rely on daily topical products or oral medications, AviClear uses laser energy to target the skin's oil-producing sebaceous glands.

The technology is designed for use across all skin types and skin tones and may be considered for both adolescent and adult patients.

A consultation with an experienced dermatologist is the first step in determining whether AviClear is appropriate for your specific type of acne.

How Does the AviClear Acne Laser Work?

Sebum, the oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands, plays an important role in acne development.

When sebaceous glands produce excessive amounts of oil, it can contribute to clogged pores and the development of acne.

AviClear uses a 1726 nm wavelength that is selectively absorbed by the sebaceous glands.

The treatment is designed to downregulate sebaceous gland activity and reduce excess oil production. This allows AviClear to address an important contributor to acne rather than simply treating individual breakouts at the surface.

Because treatment is performed in a dermatologist's office, patients do not need to add another product to their daily skincare routine.

How Many AviClear Treatments Will I Need?

The standard AviClear treatment protocol consists of:

• Three treatment sessions
• Approximately 30 minutes per session
• Sessions spaced about one month apart

The complete treatment series is therefore typically completed over approximately three months.

Before treatment begins, your dermatologist will evaluate your acne, skin type, medical history, and treatment goals to determine whether AviClear is an appropriate option.

When Will I See Results From AviClear?

One of the important things to understand about AviClear is that improvement can continue after the three treatment sessions are completed.

In a clinical study involving 104 patients who received three AviClear treatments:

• 80% had at least half of their acne resolved three months after their final treatment.
• 87% reached that level of improvement six months after their final treatment.
• 92% reached that level of improvement 12 months after their final treatment.

These results demonstrate that improvement can continue progressively over time.

Patients should therefore not necessarily expect their final result immediately after the third session.

Individual results vary, and the timing and degree of improvement can depend on factors such as acne severity, skin characteristics, and individual response to treatment.

Who Is a Good Candidate for AviClear?

One of the advantages of AviClear is the range of patients who may be considered for treatment.

AviClear may be appropriate for adolescents and adults with:

• Mild acne
• Moderate acne
• Severe acne

The technology is designed for use across all skin types and skin tones.

It may be particularly appealing to patients who have struggled with persistent acne or are interested in an alternative to a treatment routine focused primarily on topical or oral medications.

However, AviClear is intended to treat existing acne and is not indicated specifically as a preventive treatment for developing acne.

A professional dermatologic evaluation is essential to determine whether AviClear is appropriate for your condition.

Does AviClear Hurt?

Patient comfort is an important consideration with any laser treatment.

AviClear treatments are performed without topical numbing medication. The system incorporates AviCool™ sapphire skin cooling and sensory control technology, which is designed to help provide a comfortable and controlled treatment experience.

The sensation of treatment can vary from person to person.

If you are concerned about discomfort, your provider can explain what you are likely to experience during your consultation and treatment.

Is AviClear Safe for Darker Skin Tones?

AviClear is designed to be used across all skin types and skin tones.

This is an important consideration when choosing laser treatments because certain energy-based technologies may not be appropriate for every complexion.

Even with a technology designed for broad skin-type compatibility, proper evaluation and treatment by an experienced provider remain essential.

Your dermatologist can assess your skin and determine the safest and most appropriate treatment parameters for your individual needs.

AviClear vs. Traditional Acne Treatments

Traditional acne treatment may involve a combination of:

• Over-the-counter skincare
• Prescription topical medications
• Oral medications
• Hormonal treatments
• Ongoing maintenance skincare

These approaches can be effective, but they may require consistent daily use and, depending on the medication, may involve side effects or other considerations.

AviClear takes a different approach by using a specific laser wavelength to target and downregulate sebaceous gland activity.

For patients who have tried multiple acne products or medications—or who are interested in exploring an energy-based treatment—AviClear provides another option to discuss with a dermatologist.

The best treatment strategy depends on the patient's acne severity, medical history, previous treatments, skin characteristics, and individual goals.

Can AviClear Treat Hormonal or Cystic Acne?

Acne can have multiple contributing factors, including hormonal changes, inflammation, excess sebum production, and other individual factors.

Because AviClear is designed to target sebaceous glands and can be used for mild through severe acne, patients with persistent or more significant acne may want to discuss whether the treatment is appropriate for their specific condition.

However, the term “hormonal acne” describes a clinical pattern rather than a single disease, and treatment needs to be individualized.

Likewise, patients with deep, painful, or cystic-appearing lesions should receive a proper dermatologic evaluation rather than assuming that one treatment will address every underlying cause.

A comprehensive consultation can help determine whether AviClear should be used alone or as part of a broader acne treatment plan.

What Can Patients Expect During AviClear Treatment?

A typical AviClear appointment takes approximately 30 minutes.

During treatment, the laser delivers controlled energy to targeted areas of the skin while the device's cooling technology helps manage the treatment sensation.

Because the treatment is performed in-office and does not require daily medication, it can be incorporated into many patients' routines with relatively little disruption.

Your provider will also give you specific post-treatment instructions based on your skin and treatment plan.

Why Sebaceous Glands Matter in Acne Treatment

One of the most interesting aspects of AviClear is its focus on the sebaceous glands.

Many acne treatments work by addressing inflammation, clogged pores, bacteria, or other aspects of acne development.

AviClear adds another approach by specifically targeting the structures responsible for producing sebum.

The 1726 nm wavelength was selected because it can interact with sebaceous glands, allowing physicians to target an important component of acne pathophysiology.

This makes AviClear different from many traditional energy-based treatments marketed for improving the appearance of acne.

Is AviClear Right for You?

The development of acne laser treatments has expanded the options available to patients who continue to struggle with breakouts.

AviClear represents an important advancement because its 1726 nm wavelength is specifically designed to target sebaceous glands.

With a standard protocol of three approximately 30-minute sessions and clinical data demonstrating continued improvement following treatment, AviClear may be an appealing option for appropriately selected patients.

However, there is no universal acne treatment.

The right approach depends on your diagnosis, acne severity, skin type, medical history, previous treatments, and personal goals.

Personalized Acne Treatment in Beverly Hills

At Dermatology and Laser of Beverly Hills, Dr. Ehsan Azimi evaluates each patient's skin individually to develop a personalized treatment strategy.

For patients dealing with persistent acne, the goal is not simply to treat today's breakout. A comprehensive approach considers the underlying contributors to acne, the risk of scarring, previous treatment history, and the patient's long-term skin goals.

If you are considering AviClear acne laser treatment, a consultation can help determine whether this technology is appropriate for you and how it may fit into your overall acne treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many AviClear treatments are needed?
The standard protocol consists of three approximately 30-minute treatments, generally spaced about one month apart.

Is AviClear safe for all skin tones?
AviClear is designed for use across all skin types and skin tones. Individual evaluation and appropriate treatment settings remain important.

Does AviClear require numbing cream?
AviClear treatments are typically performed without topical numbing medication and incorporate cooling technology to help manage treatment sensation.

How quickly does AviClear work?
Improvement may continue progressively after treatment. Clinical results have shown increasing levels of acne improvement at three, six, and 12 months following the final treatment.

Can teenagers receive AviClear?
AviClear may be considered for adolescent patients with acne, depending on their individual diagnosis and treatment needs.

Can AviClear treat severe acne?
AviClear is designed for mild, moderate, and severe acne. A dermatologist should determine whether it is appropriate for a specific patient.

Is AviClear a replacement for all acne medications?
Not necessarily. Acne treatment should be individualized, and AviClear may be used as an alternative or as part of a broader treatment strategy depending on the patient.