AviClear Acne Laser Treatment
Laser treatment for long term acne clearance
At Midland Skin we offer AviClear acne laser treatment for patients in Birmingham, Solihull, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Worcester and the Midlands.
Quick Facts
Initial course
3 treatments, one a month
Comfort
No anaesthetic required
Downtime
None
Time
45 minutes
Maintain
every 6-24 months (optional)
Aviclear acne laser in Birmingham and Solihull
AviClear is a 1726 nm laser that targets the sebaceous (oil) glands, and was the first energy-based device cleared by the US FDA for mild, moderate and severe acne. In published studies, a course of three treatments reduced inflammatory acne lesions by more than 90% at one year, without oral or topical medication. Longer-term data are still emerging.
Finally, long-term acne clearance with laser
The unique feature of Aviclear acne laser is that it can give long-term results without the need for any drugs.
Aviclear treats acne at its source. After a course of just 3 treatments lasting 45 minutes each, individuals can see improvements in their acne which may last 2 years and beyond after treatment.
Key points about Aviclear acne laser treatment
- You need three 45 minute treatments – one every 3 to 4 weeks
- The results get better with time and at one year there is an average reduction in inflammatory spots of 97% according to clinical studies
- Side effects are usually mild and short-lived: redness, slight swelling and sometimes a temporary purge
- Suitable for all skin tones and can be carried out all year round
How does Aviclear acne laser treatment work?
One of the main reasons acne spots develop is because sebaceous (oil) glands produce too much sebum (oil). Sebum is made up of various lipids and oils, and bacteria build up in the sebum and trigger acne spots. So, sebum production drives acne.
Aviclear laser produces light that is 1726nm in wavelength. This light is absorbed by sebum in the sebaceous glands, and converted to heat.
Consequently, the sebaceous glands are disrupted and shrink down. This means the sebaceous gland can not produce as much sebum as before and so there is much less active acne.
AviClear targets the sebaceous gland directly, rather than the bacteria or surface inflammation that most other acne treatments act on.
Amanda E
How effective is Aviclear?
After a course of 3 Aviclear acne laser treatments, a study showed that there was a 96% reduction in inflammatory lesion count at 1 year after treatment. Inflammatory lesions are red spots (papules), white heads (pustules), cysts and nodules.
Studies have also shown that there is at least a 50% improvement in acne in
- 80% of people 3 months after finishing the last treatment
- 87% of people 6 months after finishing the last treatment
- 92% of people 12 months after finishing the last treatment
Clinical studies often measure acne severity using the Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA), a doctor-rated scale: 0 (Clear), 1 (Almost clear), 2 (Mild), 3 (Moderate), and 4 (Severe). In Aviclear studies, at 12 months after the final treatment:
- 93% improved by at least 1 IGA grade
- 73% improved by at least 2 IGA grades
- 66% achieved and IGA of 0 (clear) or 1 (almost clear)
In summary, the clinical studies available show that acne clears or almost clears for the majority of individuals. Where it does not clear acne, we have found that it makes acne much more manageable.
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Combining Aviclear with other lasers
Being a specialist laser clinic, we regularly combine Aviclear with various other laser treatments such as laser genesis, pigmentation laser and vascular laser to reduce scars, pores, pigmentation, and post-inflammatory redness.
This allows us to get your skin looking as good as quickly as possible.
How does Aviclear acne laser treatment compare with Isotretinoin
(Accutane/Roaccutane)?
Isotretinoin is a medication which is licensed in the UK for the treatment of severe acne that has not responded to other treatments. Aviclear and Isotretinoin are the only treatments that can clear acne in the long term. There are no head-to-head studies comparing the two treatments directly to know which treatment is superior. However, both treatments can reduce inflamed acne spots by over 90% a year after completing treatment, which means both treatments are highly effective.
The treatments are similar in that both treatments work on the sebaceous glands to shrink them and stop them from producing as much sebum. Isotretinoin does it through chemical means, whereas Aviclear laser does it through physical means.
The advantages of consulting Midland Skin is that our doctors offer both treatments and can discuss the relative merits of each with you
How does Aviclear compare with antibiotic treatment for acne?
There are no head-to-head trials. Antibiotics generally work only while they are being taken and acne often returns after stopping, whereas the effect of AviClear in published studies persisted for at least a year after the course.
How does Aviclear compare with Spironolactone?
There are no head-to-head trials. Spironolactone needs to be taken continuously to maintain its effect and is limited to adult women, whereas AviClear is a completed course suitable for any adult or teenager past puberty. Both are effective, and your dermatologist can advise which suits you.
What kind of acne does Aviclear work for?
Aviclear works for the following kinds of acne including the following:
- Inflammatory acne – Aviclear works best for acne that causes red spots, pustules, nodules and cysts
- Mild, moderate and severe acne – this means that all categories of acne respond well to Aviclear acne laser treatment
- Acne on the face & neck can be treated. Certain areas on the chest, shoulders and back can also be treated.
- Chronic acne. Acne that has been going on for a number of months or years
- Recent onset acne. Acne that has recently developed
- Any age past puberty. Acne can be treated at any age past puberty. Aviclear works in teenage boys, teenage girls, adult men, and adult women with acne.
- Acne that has not responded to other lasers or other forms of treatments such as antibiotic tablets, benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, Spironolactone oral Isotretinoin.
- Acne that is hormonal, for those in their early, mid or later adult life including during the peri-menopause and post-menopausal phases.
What kind of acne does Aviclear not work for?
Aviclear is not the most suitable treatment for those with comedonal acne only. Hyfrecation and prescription retinoids are probably among the best treatments for comedonal acne.
Aviclear acne laser treatment is also not a treatment for post-inflammatory redness (post-inflammatory erythema) or acne scars. Other lasers can be used for these issues alongside the Aviclear laser.
Joshua Burrows
What are the advantages of Aviclear acne laser treatment?
Because no medication is involved, AviClear avoids the drug-related side effects, interactions and blood-test monitoring associated with oral acne treatments. Every option has its own balance of benefits and risks, and your dermatologist will discuss which is appropriate for you.
Other advantages of Aviclear acne laser treatment include:
- Treatment only takes 45 minutes
- As the treatment targets the oil glands, treatment can be carried out in any skin type and skin tone
- Treatment can be carried out all year round
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Ready to get started? Book a consultation with our team at Midland Skin. Friendly, expert advice tailored to you.
What are the side effects of Aviclear acne laser treatment?
AviClear has a favourable safety profile in published studies, and side effects are usually mild and settle quickly.
There can be some discomfort during treatment – most individuals rate this to be 3 out of 10. The treatment has a special cold tip that cools the skin during treatment to keep you as comfortable as possible. Numbing creams are not required.
Treatment can also cause mild redness but this normally settles within a day.
Treatment can trigger a short-term acne purge and you may need additional treatments to manage purges.
The treatment may not be as effective as hoped and for some (a minority of) individuals there is only a very slight benefit. As such there is no guarantee as to the nature of the results.
The treatment is not a quick fix. While some individuals will see improvements following their first treatment, it may take 9 months after their last treatment for others to see improvements.
How many treatments will I need?
You will need 3 treatments. Each treatment is given every 3 to 4 weeks. This means you can complete your full treatment course in as quickly as 6 to 8 weeks.
Will I need maintenance treatments?
You may require an additional one off treatment 12 months later if your acne has recurred, or if your acne did respond well enough to the first three treatments. Please note that a separate treatment fee applies for this.
Can Aviclear be used if I am trying to conceive, pregnant or breastfeeding?
Your dermatologist will discuss the risks and benefits of Aviclear treatment during these times. Thus far there is no evidence to link laser treatment to problems arising during pregnancy, or conception or breastfeeding. It is not clear if hormonal changes during pregnancy may affect the response.
Why should I see a Dermatologist for acne and acne laser treatment?
Acne is a complex inflammatory condition of the skin that can scar permanently. It is not a cosmetic or aesthetic issue. Aside from the visible consequences, those with acne can have severe psychological issues because of their acne.
A Consultant Dermatologist is the only recognised specialist for treating acne. A Consultant Dermatologist can help evaluate your acne and offer treatment options that may be suitable – you can learn more about acne treatments here.
Each individual with acne requires a unique treatment tailored for their acne, factoring in lifestyle variables, hormones, response to previous treatments, other medical concerns, severity and level of scarring, family history, areas of the body affected and so on. No two people with acne are the same, and Aviclear laser is one part of the puzzle which may or may not be appropriate for you.
Those suffering from acne, as with any other skin condition, deserve to be properly evaluated by a medical professional specialising in acne and skin conditions where an individual solution can be formulated. This may include some or all creams, tablets, hormonal treatments, and lasers including Aviclear.
Midland Skin is a specialist acne clinic. Your acne care will be led and supervised by a Consultant Dermatologist on the GMC Specialist registered.
We offer the whole spectrum of acne and acne scarring treatments. We provide unbiased assessment and treatment of each individual as an individual.
We offer transparent information, addressing risks benefits and costs of various treatment options and realistic expectations from these so that you can make an empowered decision.
Does Aviclear treat acne scars?
Aviclear treatments is a treatment for active acne. The main target in the skin is sebum in the sebaceous glands.
Aviclear may also target water in the skin, which can improve skin texture and the appearance of scars for some individuals. However, Aviclear is not a primary treatment for acne scars.
We offer other treatments at Midland Skin for the improvement of acne scarring, including:
- CO2 Laser resurfacing
- Erbium laser resurfacing
- Halo laser resurfacing
- Laser genesis
- Q Switched laser resurfacing
- Tixel
- Subcision
- TCA Cross
- Punch excision
- Biostimulators and fillers
- Vascular lasers for redness
- Pigment lasers for pigmentation
Ashley Cooper
Treatment Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during an Aviclear acne laser treatment?
The practitioner will clean the skin and apply some wet towels. The treatment comprises multiple pulses of the laser which may feel like pricks or snaps of a rubber band. The treatment is relatively quick and takes 45 minutes for the full face. The whole face is always treated with each treatment no matter where the acne is.
If you have attended with a friend or relative, then they will be asked to wait in the waiting area while you undergo treatment.
How does treatment with Aviclear acne laser feel?
Some people feel relatively little, and others feel a hot snap. However, there is no lingering discomfort afterwards. Anaesthetic creams are not required as the machine first cools the skin before delivering the laser pulse.
If you are sensitive to minor discomfort then you can take painkillers like Paracetamol or Ibuprofen if it is safe for you to do so half an hour before your appointment.
How should I prepare for treatment?
You should avoid the sun for a week before treatment. Please come to your appointment make up free. If you are male, please ensure you are cleanly shaven. You can have a light meal before your treatment.
How will I look after treatment?
There may be some redness that can last between 1 to 8 hours. There may be mild swelling on the face, especially around the eyes.
What is the aftercare?
It is important to stay out of the sun and regularly use a high factor sun block before and between treatments.
What is the downtime with Aviclear acne laser treatment?
For most individuals, there is minimal downtime, and you can apply make-up and sunblock immediately and get on with day-to-day activities.
Book in with us
Ready to get started? Book a consultation with our team at Midland Skin. Friendly, expert advice tailored to you.
What should I do if there is a purge?
A purge can occur with any effective acne treatment. Usually purges are mild and your doctor may have asked you to continue certain topical treatments such as a topical retinoid during your course of treatment to reduce the severity of purges. If you experience a severe purge then your doctor may advise you to start a course of oral treatment. You should contact the office if there is a severe purge.
What should I do until Aviclear has started improving my skin?
Results can be seen quite quickly for some individuals. For other, the effects of Aviclear may take anywhere from 3 to 9 months after the last treatment to show. Your dermatologist will normally recommend a treatment plan that helps control your acne while the effects of Aviclear fully kick in. You may need to take treatment for a number of months depending on your individual response to the Aviclear treatment. You will be reviewed regularly at follow-up consultations so your Dermatologist can optimise your treatment plan.
Fees for AviClear laser
AviClear for acne Show pricing
Book ConsultationInitial acne assessment
Up to 25 minutes
Aviclear acne laser
Course of 3, face only
References used for this article
- Goldberg D, et al. Safe and effective acne treatment across skin types with a 1726 nm sebum-selective laser: one-year data from a prospective multicentre study. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2025;S0190-9622(25)02900-7.
- Scopelliti MG, et al. A novel 1726-nm laser system for safe and effective treatment of acne vulgaris. Lasers in Medical Science. 2022;37(9):3639–3647.
About the Author
This page has been written and/or medically reviewed by Dr Sajjad Rajpar, Consultant Dermatologist and Medical Director of Midland Skin, Birmingham.
Dr Rajpar is on the GMC Specialist Register in Dermatology and has over 20 years’ experience in clinical dermatology. He provides clinical oversight to ensure the information on this page is accurate, balanced and consistent with current dermatology practice.
Dr Sajjad Rajpar
Date last updated: 30th Sep 2026
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Disclaimer
The content on this website is provided for general information only. It is not, and must not be treated as, medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation for any particular treatment. We make reasonable efforts to keep information accurate and up to date, but medicine and technology change, and content may not reflect the most current evidence, guidance, product information, or individual practice. You should not rely on this website to make decisions about your health or treatment. Always seek personalised advice from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. Any examples, images, testimonials, and outcome descriptions are illustrative only. Results vary between individuals and no outcome can be guaranteed.
