Acne doesn't discriminate by age. Whether you're dealing with persistent teenage breakouts or adult acne that seems to have appeared out of nowhere, the frustration is real. You've probably tried countless creams, cleansers and treatments, only to find temporary relief at best. The cycle of hope and disappointment can be exhausting, leaving you wondering if clear skin is truly achievable.
At Severn River Medspa, we understand this struggle intimately. That's why we're excited to offer AviClear, the first and only FDA-cleared laser treatment specifically designed to target acne at its source. But you're probably wondering: does it actually work? Let's dive deep into what AviClear can do for your skin and whether it might be the solution you've been searching for.
Acne Is More Than Just a Cosmetic Concern
Before we explore how AviClear works, you need to understand what you're actually fighting. Acne occurs when your sebaceous glands produce excess oil, which combines with dead skin cells to clog pores. When bacteria enters these clogged pores, inflammation develops, creating the papules, pustules and cysts we know as acne.
Traditional acne treatments typically focus on reducing bacteria, controlling oil production or accelerating cell turnover. While these approaches can be effective, they often come with side effects like dryness, irritation or increased sun sensitivity. Many topical treatments also require long-term use, and stopping them usually means your acne returns.
For severe acne, dermatologists often prescribe Accutane (isotretinoin), a potent oral medication that can be highly effective but has significant considerations. Accutane requires careful monitoring due to potential side effects including severe dryness, mood changes and birth defects if taken during pregnancy. While it can provide lasting results for many patients, the intensive monitoring requirements, potential side effects and strict protocols make it unsuitable for everyone.
Adult acne presents its own unique challenges. Hormonal fluctuations, stress, diet and environmental factors can all contribute to breakouts that seem to appear without warning. For many adults, acne affects their appearance, confidence and quality of life.
What Makes AviClear Different?
AviClear represents a revolutionary approach to acne treatment. Instead of treating acne symptoms from the outside, this innovative laser technology targets the root cause by selectively heating and suppressing sebaceous glands beneath the skin's surface.
The treatment uses a specific wavelength of light (1726 nm) that is uniquely absorbed by the sebaceous glands while leaving surrounding tissue unharmed. This selective targeting allows the laser to reduce oil production at the source without damaging the skin's surface or requiring harsh chemicals.
What sets AviClear apart is its precision. The laser energy penetrates to an optimal depth of 1-2 millimeters, reaching the sebaceous glands while the skin's cooling system protects the surface. This combination of targeted heating and protective cooling ensures maximum effectiveness with minimal discomfort.
The Science Behind AviClear's Success
Clinical studies have demonstrated AviClear's impressive effectiveness across different types of acne. In FDA trials, patients with mild to moderate inflammatory acne saw significant improvement, with many achieving clear or nearly clear skin.
The treatment works by delivering controlled laser energy that heats the sebaceous glands to a temperature that reduces their oil production capacity. This reduction in sebum production helps prevent the formation of new acne lesions while allowing existing breakouts to heal naturally.
Unlike topical treatments that work temporarily, AviClear creates lasting changes in the sebaceous glands. The laser treatment essentially "resets" these glands, reducing their size and oil production capacity for long-term results.
Research shows that patients typically see initial improvements around 4-6 weeks after their first treatment, with maximum results at 9-12 months after. We will evaluate your progress at the six- and nine-month marks to ensure you’re on track for the best outcome.. The gradual nature of these results reflects the natural skin renewal process and ensures that improvements look natural rather than sudden or artificial.
What to Expect During AviClear Treatment
At Severn River Medspa, your AviClear journey begins with a comprehensive consultation. Our experienced practitioners evaluate your skin, acne severity and treatment history to determine if AviClear is right for you. We'll also discuss your goals and expectations to ensure realistic outcomes.
The treatment itself is surprisingly comfortable. Most patients describe feeling a warm, tingling sensation. The built-in cooling system helps maintain comfort throughout the procedure, and most people find the treatment quite tolerable without any numbing agents.
Each session typically takes 45-60 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area and requires at least three treatments spaced about four weeks apart for optimal results. This spacing allows your skin time to respond and heal between sessions, maximizing the cumulative benefits.
One of AviClear's significant advantages is the minimal downtime. You might experience some mild redness immediately after treatment, similar to a light sunburn, but this typically resolves within a few hours. Many patients schedule their treatments during lunch breaks and return to work the same day.
Real Results: What Patients Are Experiencing
The results speak for themselves. Patients typically report a noticeable reduction in new breakouts within the first month after beginning treatment. By completing their three-session series, many patients see an 80-90% reduction in acne lesions.
What's particularly encouraging is the improvement in skin texture and overall appearance. As oil production normalizes, patients often notice their skin looks less shiny and feels more balanced. Pores may appear smaller, and the overall complexion often becomes more even and radiant.
The psychological benefits are equally important. Patients frequently report increased confidence and reduced anxiety about their appearance. Many find they can go makeup-free or use lighter coverage, feeling comfortable with their natural skin for the first time in years.
Long-term follow-up studies show that results continue to improve even after the treatment series is complete. Most patients maintain clear skin for extended periods, with only occasional touch-up treatments needed if minor breakouts occur due to hormonal changes or stress.
Who Is a Good Candidate for AviClear?
AviClear is FDA-cleared for treating mild, moderate and severe inflammatory acne in patients of all skin types and tones. This inclusivity is particularly significant, as many acne treatments have limitations for darker skin tones due to the risk of hyperpigmentation.
The treatment is ideal for patients who:
- Have persistent acne despite trying topical treatments
- Want to avoid oral medications and their potential side effects
- Are not candidates for or prefer not to take Accutane
- Are looking for a long-term solution rather than ongoing maintenance
- Have inflammatory acne (papules, pustules, cysts)
- Want to reduce their dependence on daily skincare products
- Cannot tolerate the monitoring requirements of systemic medications
AviClear can be particularly beneficial for adult acne sufferers who may not want to use traditional acne medications due to lifestyle considerations, pregnancy plans or previous adverse reactions to treatments like Accutane.
Comparing AviClear to Other Acne Treatments
When considering acne treatments, it's helpful to understand how AviClear compares to other options. Topical treatments like retinoids and benzoyl peroxide can be effective but often cause dryness and irritation. They also require ongoing use, and discontinuation typically means acne returns.
Oral antibiotics can reduce acne-causing bacteria but may lead to antibiotic resistance with long-term use. Hormonal treatments work well for some women but aren't suitable for everyone and may have systemic side effects.
For severe cases, Accutane remains the gold standard but requires extensive monitoring, blood work and strict adherence to safety protocols. Many patients cannot tolerate Accutane's side effects or prefer to avoid the intensive medical supervision it requires. Others may not be candidates due to pregnancy plans or other medical considerations.
AviClear offers several advantages over these traditional approaches. There are no systemic side effects, no need for ongoing medication and no restrictions on sun exposure or other activities. The treatment works regardless of hormonal fluctuations and doesn't require strict adherence to daily routines. For patients who cannot or prefer not to take Accutane, AviClear provides a compelling alternative without the associated risks and monitoring requirements.
Maximizing Your AviClear Results
While AviClear is highly effective on its own, certain practices can help maximize your results. Maintaining a gentle skincare routine with non-comedogenic products supports the healing process. We often recommend specific medical-grade skincare products that complement your AviClear treatments without causing irritation.
Protecting your skin from sun exposure is always important, though AviClear doesn't increase photosensitivity like some acne treatments. A broad-spectrum sunscreen helps maintain overall skin health and prevents post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Some patients benefit from combining AviClear with treatments like chemical peels or microneedling to address acne scarring or improve overall skin texture. Our practitioners can help design a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses all your skin concerns.
Why Choose Severn River Medspa for AviClear?
We're committed to helping you achieve your clearest, healthiest skin. Our experienced practitioners have extensive training in laser treatments and understand the nuances of treating different skin types and acne presentations.
We take a personalized approach to every patient, recognizing that no two cases of acne are exactly alike. During your consultation, we'll thoroughly assess your skin and discuss realistic expectations based on your specific situation.
Our state-of-the-art facility features the latest AviClear technology, and our team stays current with the latest techniques and protocols to ensure you receive the most effective treatment possible.
Take the First Step Toward Clear Skin
If you've been struggling with acne and traditional treatments haven't provided the results you're hoping for, AviClear might be the solution you've been waiting for. This revolutionary treatment offers the potential for long-lasting, clear skin without the side effects and ongoing commitment of traditional acne therapies.
The journey to clear skin starts with understanding your options and finding the right treatment approach for your unique situation. AviClear has already transformed the lives of countless patients who had given up hope of achieving clear skin.
Don't let acne continue to impact your confidence and quality of life. Contact us at (410) 401-8839 or click here to schedule your consultation and discover how AviClear can help you achieve the clear, radiant skin you deserve.