AviClear Laser Treatment for Acne

The first and only FDA-cleared laser for the treatment of mild, moderate, and severe acne at Somenek+PittmanMD

See Dr. Somenek discuss AviClear on Good Morning Washington

What is AviClear?

AviClear is a laser treatment that can safely and effectively treat all skin types and can be used on all acne severities.

How does AviClear work?

AviClear treats acne at the source.  This revolutionary laser treatment selectively targets and down-regulates the sebaceous glands.  The overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous glands is one of the leading causes of acne.

What Should I Expect During My AviClear Treatment?

When you visit our office in Washington, DC for AviClear acne treatment, you can expect to receive the utmost care. Before beginning the laser treatment, your provider will gently clean your skin. The laser will then be applied directly to the areas where inflammation and acne are present. The laser light gets absorbed by the sebaceous glands that are overproducing oil. As this happens, you can expect to feel a warming sensation. This tends to be only mildly uncomfortable. Thanks to a built-in cooling feature the treatment process is tolerable without needing topical numbing medication.

How many treatments are needed?

Three quick 30-minute treatment sessions over 3 months.

Is it safe?

Unlike most traditional acne treatments, AviClear is free of harmful side effects, free of chemicals and toxins, and safe for all skin types and tones.  After treatment, mild symptoms such as redness, inflammation, and flare-ups are normal but fade quickly.

Is the treatment comfortable?

AviClear is equipped with exclusive AviCool sapphire skin cooling and sensory controls that maintain your skin’s temperature during the treatment for a more comfortable experience.

What Should I Expect After AviClear Acne Treatment?

After your treatment is done, your skin may look flushed or red. This is a result of the mild inflammatory reaction to the laser energy that has been deposited in your oil glands. You shouldn’t need to take time away from your normal routine, these side effects usually subside within a few minutes. That said, it’s important to anticipate the worsening of your acne after receiving AviClear laser treatment. While undergoing your series of treatments, you can continue using your usual acne care products, including any medications that have been prescribed to lessen the intensity and frequency of acne flare-ups. According to surveys, 90 percent of people who have completed a series of AviClear acne laser treatments report very well before and after results.

Will My Acne Scars Improve with AviClear Laser Treatment?

In one way, AviClear serves to address the issue of acne scarring. The laser treatment does not seem to reduce the appearance of existing acne scars, but, because it reduces future acne flare-ups, it can significantly decrease your risk of developing new acne scars. Your provider at Somenek + Pittman MD in DC’s West End neighborhood can discuss other treatments, such as chemical peels or laser skin resurfacing, that can correct the scars you already have from previous acne flare-ups.

Are the Results of AviClear Acne Laser Treatment Permanent?

There are very few treatments of any kind in existence today that can achieve permanent results. The body is forever processing and changing and responding to multiple factors, many of which can affect the skin. That said, AviClear is considered by many pros to achieve semi-permanent results, making it a suitable Accutane alternative. In some studies, patients have maintained clear skin for a few years before needing subsequent acne treatments. Part of the long-term effects you might gain from AviClear comes from the treatment itself. Another part comes from how you take care of your skin. After completing your series of treatments, talk to your provider about the best ways to prolong your results using the very best skincare and sunscreen.

Who can receive an AviClear treatment?

AviClear can be used on adolescents and adult patients, suffering from mild, moderate and severe acne.

I Have Cystic Acne. Can AviClear Help?

Cystic acne is a specific type of acne that can cause unique problems, including painful nodules beneath the skin. While there are multiple factors that can contribute to cystic acne, studies indicate that AviClear can achieve very good results for this condition. If you have cystic acne, schedule a consultation with us! We can examine your skin, discuss risk factors related to your acne, and explore how AviClear can help. Keep in mind that it’s imperative to complete a round of treatments to achieve optimal improvement.

AviClear Before and After Gallery