Acne is one of the most persistent skin conditions among teenagers, with 85 percent of them experiencing breakouts to some extent. Most people associate pimples with girls, but ironically, they are outnumbered by the boys. Still, while many think that this condition goes away when you’ve grown, roughly 50 percent of women in their 20s continue to get acne periodically. 

Whether it’s frequent cystic acne that spoils your day or smaller breakouts that don’t last as long, AviClear™ treatments can help address the source of the condition. This FDA-cleared procedure gradually creates an environment where acne can’t thrive, paving a path toward clear skin. If you’re a teen or an adult living in NYC, it’s important to learn as much as possible before committing to a plan.

What Is AviClear™?

AviClear™ is a device that uses a special 1726nm laser to target and suppress the activity of sebaceous glands. The energy turns into heat in the follicles, gradually reducing their size and decreasing the amount of sebum produced. Studies show that AviClear™ can eliminate roughly 90 percent of inflammatory acne lesions after 26 weeks, bringing minimal discomfort compared to other procedures.

The procedure is appropriate for individuals with a busy lifestyle who can’t handle taking Accutane every day or would like the results of Accutane without the side effects. Unlike older technologies, it works for multiple skin tones, making it a solid option for the diverse population of NYC.

The Main Benefits of AviClear™ for Teens and Adults

The first thing that dwellers of New York should think about is how this procedure can benefit their case. Some advantages of getting AviClear™ include the following: 

• Drug-Free Alternative

AviClear™ treatments only require the administration of a laser, without any antibiotics, medicine, or hormones. This makes it a good option for those who are resistant to certain medication types or want to bypass systemic side effects. 

• Long-Term Acne Reduction 

Most topical or medical prescriptions reduce acne to some extent, but the effect stops if you no longer take them. The polluted air in NYC doesn’t make matters easier, as it exacerbates certain skin conditions. The laser targets the sebaceous glands at deeper levels, which means that it offers longer-lasting improvement in comparison to surface treatments.

• Minimal Side Effects

Many procedures that are effective in addressing acne come with uncomfortable side effects. These can be systemic symptoms, such as nausea from medication, or perhaps redness and sensitivity after specific lasers. AviClear™ uses a process called selective photothermolysis, which means the laser only targets specific structures while leaving the rest of the skin alone. 

• Short Treatments

An AviClear™ session rarely lasts more than 30 minutes. This makes it an effective workday treatment for patients who live in Manhattan and want to make the most of their lunch break. It is recommended to have 3 sessions spaced about one month apart for optimal results.

AviClear™ Preparation Protocol 

AviClear™ is straightforward in comparison to other procedures, but it still involves a few preparation steps. Here are the things New Yorkers should do when getting treated: 

• No Tanning: While the treatment targets the sebaceous glands without melanin interaction, the laser can be less effective if the skin was damaged by UV. It’s best to wear SPF and avoid fake tans a month before the procedure.
• Steer Clear of Harsh Skincare: Vitamin C, acids, retinoids, and scrubs can irritate the skin and cause sensitivity. Avoid them for three to five days before AviClear™.
• Do a Health Check: Laser treatments can trigger conditions such as cold sores, so talk to Dr. Ostad beforehand. You may be advised to take antivirals, just to be safe.

An appointment is recommended so you can learn what you can or can’t do before getting treated. 

The Stages of Acne Reduction: What to Expect After AviClear™

Before you get an AviClear™ treatment, it’s important to know what comes after the procedure. Knowing the stages of recovery and results tells you whether the treatment is working as intended, so look out for the following phases: 

1. The Immediate Recovery Stage

After leaving the office, patients may experience some redness, but that will subside within one hour. Patients can resume normal activities right after the treatment is complete.

2. The Purging Stage 

The most important thing that men and women should keep in mind about AviClear™ is that their skin will likely to purge before it gets better. This usually happens one to four weeks after the treatment, when the skin starts breaking out more than usual. While it doesn’t happen to everyone, the purging occurs because the oil glands become smaller and release trapped dirt and sebum. It’s the skin’s version of a “spring cleaning”, but it fades within one to two weeks.

3. The Improvement Stage

AviClear™ is effective for addressing teenage and adult breakouts, but most people won’t see any changes for at least a month. Once the dermis stops purging, the skin becomes less oily, and the cystic pimples are not as frequent. It’s at this moment that you’ll likely undergo the third (and final) AviClear™ treatment. The skin keeps clearing over the next couple of months.

Get Your AviClear™ Treatment Today!

Persistent acne has always been troublesome to deal with. However, with AviClear™ gaining more popularity by the day, breakouts can become a thing of the past. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Ariel Ostad and see if AviClear™ is a suitable solution for your needs!

To learn more about AviClear™ and how to prepare for the procedure, contact Dr. Ariel Ostad at 212-517-7900. He can offer the insight you need to make a decision and feel prepared. As an alternative, fill out the provided online contact form, and we will get in touch with you shortly.