AviClear
Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Buena Park and Cupertino, CA
AviClear by Cutera is a gentle yet effective laser used for the treatment of acne vulgaris, a common condition that causes blackheads, whiteheads, and painful nodules on the skin. In just a 30-minute treatment, the laser efficiently targets and disables overactive oil glands. In addition to its acne-fighting capabilities, you can expect AviClear to reduce the appearance of large pores and even reduce the appearance of fine lines. This device gained FDA clearance in March 2022, so it is truly one of the latest technologies for mild to severe acne cases.
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Before and After Photos
If you have been struggling with various acne remedies and have yet to find a long-lasting solution, AviClear may be the device you need to reveal your skin’s beauty and take back your confidence.
The skincare professionals at 17MedSpa will thoroughly evaluate your condition and your history of acne to ensure that AviClear is the right course of action for you. To get started today with a personalized consultation, call our Cupertino location at (408) 663-8701. You can also reach a member of our team through our contact page, and we will happily assist you in scheduling your appointment as soon as possible.
The Root Cause of Acne
Acne vulgaris is characterized by comedones– hair follicles and pores that are clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells, and/or bacteria. Around 85% of people aged 12 to 25 experience some degree of acne, so it is an extremely common condition. (1) Luckily, for most people, it clears up with time or over-the-counter treatments. But while some cases can be resolved with proper cleansing and moisturization, others require more intensive care, including topical retinoids (vitamin A-based medication), topical antibiotics, and even oral contraception for women with acne. As with any condition, it’s important to understand the root causes so that you can fully understand how your choice of treatment will work.
In healthy skin, cells called keratinocytes serve to protect the skin against microbes and UV rays while also producing a protein called keratin for hair and nail growth. Keratin also serves to regulate the skin’s hydration. In people with acne, these keratinocytes can bind together with fine hair and sebum (oil from sebaceous glands) within hair follicle pores. Instead of rising to the surface and shedding, the keratinocytes trap sebum and form acne lesions.
Although not maintaining skin hygiene can contribute to clogged pores, there are many other reasons it can result in acne, including:
- Genetic predisposition to overactive oil glands
- Certain skincare products
- Certain medications
- Puberty hormones that activate oil glands
- The presence of Cutibacterium acnes bacteria
Other factors may not directly affect the pores themselves, but they may play a role in increasing the inflammation that can cause more oil production, such as:
- Excessive sweating
- Exposure to an excessive amount of sunlight
- Psychological stress
- Increased milk consumption
- High glycemic load diets
- Insulin resistance (2)
Types of Acne Lesions
As someone with acne, it’s also important to know the severity of your condition in order to get the treatment suited for your unique case.
- Closed comedones, also known as blackheads, are clogged hair follicles that turn black due to sebum exposure to the air.
- Open comedones, or whiteheads, are also clogged follicles, but they remain just under the skin. Both whiteheads and blackheads are common in mild cases of acne.
- Papules are tender, inflamed lesions that look like raised pigmented bumps. They are less than 1 cm long.
- Pustules are papules with yellow or white pus within them. Both papules and pustules are found in moderate acne.
- Nodules and cysts are larger areas of inflammation and can be up to 2 inches in diameter. They are found deep within the skin and can cause a lot of pain and sensitivity. Nodules tend to be firmer than cysts, but both are characteristics of severe acne.
Benefits of AviClear
AviClear is the newest, most innovative form of acne treatment available for a wide range of reasons:
- It improves mild, moderate, and severe acne lesions within 1 month after treatment and results in clearer skin 2 years post-procedure. (3)
- The 1726 nm wavelength selectively targets sebaceous glands and leaves the surrounding skin unharmed.
- No local or topical anesthesia is required and sessions only take 30 minutes or less.
- You can return to your normal activities and routine immediately after an AviClear session.
- It is an effective alternative to Accutane, a medication that can have serious side effects, like hair thinning, dry skin, rashes, and muscle and joint pain. (4)
- Prompt treatment with AviClear can reduce the risk of developing acne scars later on.
- It is suitable for all skin types on the Fitzpatrick scale.
- You can achieve significantly clearer skin in just 1 to 3 sessions, depending on your needs and preferences.
Candidates for AviClear
AviClear is an excellent choice for patients of all ages and skin types diagnosed with acne. Since it utilizes longer wavelengths that target the functionality of sebaceous glands, it won’t cause hypopigmentation in patients with a darker skin tone. It is a suitable treatment for those who have not been able to attain results from acne medications. However, those with rosacea unrelated to acne should refrain from AviClear treatment since it can exacerbate this type of redness.
Personal Consultation
At 17MedSpa, we understand that each individual’s journey combating acne is different. That is why we take a comprehensive and personalized approach to treatment, addressing both the active breakouts and any lingering scars with devices like Pixel8 RF and fractional lasers. Our professionals will walk you through every step of the way toward achieving smoother, blemish-free skin.
Book your consultation today by calling (408) 663-8701 for our practice in Cupertino to find out more about this revolutionary laser. For your convenience, you can also use our contact form to let us know more about your situation, and we will respond to your inquiry promptly.
How to Prepare for AviClear
In preparation for AviClear, you should:
- Avoid taking oral isotretinoins (Accutane): You should stop at least 1 full month prior to treatment.
- Stop applying vitamin A concentration cream (retinoids) at least 2 full weeks prior to treatment.
- Take 2 pills of 500mg Tylenol 1 hour before coming into the clinic for this treatment.
Procedure Steps
First, your laser technician will cleanse your face or other treatment areas. Since it is a gentle laser, anesthesia is not required; most patients describe the pulses as feeling like rubber band snaps. Topical anesthesia can also affect the effectiveness of the device since it contains oil that is typically difficult to remove. Next, your technician will lay several wet gauze pads over the treatment areas to cool the skin. They will remove each pad one by one just before applying AviClear’s laser-emitting window to the skin. Keeping the skin cool immediately up until the moment before the laser energy distributes onto the skin will reduce irritation significantly. Your technician may make two passes in some areas, while more sensitive spots- like the upper lip- may only require one. Right after your treatment session, you should apply SPF 30 sunscreen to prevent any sun damage during this delicate time of healing. For the best results, we suggest a series of three sessions spaced one month apart.
Recovery and Results
Within a few hours, any redness and swelling will completely subside- there is no need to take downtime from your usual activities. Some patients will see noticeable results in just 1 month, while others may need 6 months to fully heal from acne lesions. If your condition is moderate or severe, you may require the standard 3 treatment sessions recommended by Cutera, AviClear’s manufacturer. They should be spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart in order to let the skin fully benefit from each session. You should continue taking your antihistamine for 7 days following each appointment. AviClear’s capabilities leave impressively long-lasting results; research shows that patients maintain clearer skin for up to 2 years.
Cost of AviClear in Cupertino
The cost of your AviClear treatments will depend on the number of treatment sessions and any follow-up appointments with your skincare professional here at 17MedSpa. We want to provide you with the most comprehensive care possible that ensures you are properly informed about your decision to undergo this form of laser skin resurfacing.
To get the best idea of a total cost estimate for AviClear sessions, request your consultation by calling our location in Cupertino at (408) 663-8701. You can also reach us online, and we will readily assist you in answering any questions or concerns you may have. Together, you and a highly skilled AviClear technician will design a treatment plan that will help you achieve healthier, more radiant skin for years to come.
FAQ
Can I use AviClear with other topical acne medications?
Topical acne medications may interfere with the effectiveness of AviClear, so patients should be careful to only use basic cleansing agents for the duration of their treatment.
Does AviClear work for all types of acne?
According to Cutera, AviClear’s manufacturer, the device is suitable for patients with mild, moderate, and severe acne. Those with more severe forms will likely notice the most significant improvements.
Is AviClear painful?
Although AviClear sessions do not involve topical or local anesthesia, cooling gauze pads applied to the skin and the device’s cooling settings make the procedure much more comfortable.
References
- Lynn D, Umari T, Dellavalle R, Dunnick C. The epidemiology of acne vulgaris in late adolescence. Adolescent Health, Medicine and Therapeutics. 2016;7:13. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/ahmt.s55832
- Sutaria AH, Schlessinger J. Acne Vulgaris. National Library of Medicine. Published October 25, 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459173/
- Goldberg DJ, Andriessen A, Bhatia AC, et al. Treatment of mild to severe acne with 1726 nm laser: A safe alternative to traditional acne therapies. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2023;22(11):3026-3032. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.15964
- Pile HD, Sadiq NM. Isotretinoin. PubMed. Published 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525949/#:~:text=Dry%20skin%20(xerosis)%2C%20dry