Before and After Aviclear: What to Expect from This Treatment
You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn’t experienced a breakout at some point in their life. Acne is one of the most common skin conditions globally, affecting not just teenagers but also a surprising number of adults. In fact, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that 40–54% of individuals over 25 years old continue to deal with some degree of facial acne. Adult acne tends to affect women more than men, although increasing cases are also being observed in people in their 30s and beyond.
Despite the wide variety of topical treatments, oral medications, and skincare routines available today, many individuals still struggle to find a long-term solution that’s effective, safe, and easy to stick with. For years, dermatologists have been seeking a treatment that directly targets the source of acne and doesn’t come with the complications or side effects that often come with pharmaceuticals. That solution may have finally arrived with AviClear.
The Lowdown on AviClear
What is AviClear?
AviClear is a groundbreaking treatment that has made waves in the dermatology world. It is the first and only FDA-cleared laser device designed specifically for the treatment of acne. Unlike topical products or oral medications, AviClear takes a different approach by using precise laser energy to selectively target and suppress overactive sebaceous glands, the root cause of most acne breakouts.
This treatment is suitable for mild, moderate, and severe acne, offering a non-invasive, drug-free alternative to traditional solutions. By directly addressing the biological triggers of acne, AviClear promotes clearer, healthier skin with fewer ongoing treatments or complex skincare routines. Notably, AviClear isn’t just limited to facial acne; it can also be used effectively on other common breakout areas, including the back and chest.
The efficacy and safety of AviClear are backed by multiple peer-reviewed clinical studies and tens of thousands of treatments performed worldwide to date. This technology represents a meaningful leap forward in energy-based acne solutions.
How Does Treatment Work?
A full AviClear treatment protocol typically consists of three sessions spaced about one month apart. Each session treats the entire face and not just the areas where acne tends to appear most frequently. This full-face approach ensures that all sebaceous glands are treated to prevent future breakouts.
Before each session, patients cleanse their skin at the clinic and their face is then degreased with acetone and rehydrated with water to improve the laser’s contact with the skin. Treatment time usually ranges from 15 to 30 minutes, and patients often report only mild discomfort that’s typically described as a snapping or warm sensation.
Thanks to AviClear’s integrated AviCool™ sapphire contact cooling system, the skin remains cool and protected throughout the session, improving overall comfort. After treatment, most patients experience minimal redness, which typically fades within minutes.
There’s no downtime required. In fact, many patients leave the clinic with a refreshed, glowing appearance due to mild micro-swelling, which can temporarily make acne appear less noticeable. Normal activities can be resumed immediately, making AviClear a convenient option for those with busy lifestyles.
Precautions and Post-Treatment Expectations
While AviClear is a well-tolerated and safe treatment, there are a few important precautions and post-care guidelines to keep in mind.
Who Should Avoid AviClear?
Certain individuals may need to delay or avoid AviClear treatment, including those who:
- Are currently or recently taking isotretinoin (e.g., Accutane)
- Are using anticoagulant medications
- Have inflammatory skin conditions (other than acne) in the treatment area
- Have a history of keloid formation, hypertrophic scarring, or pigmentary disorders
- Have active herpes, vitiligo, or a history of skin cancers in the treatment zone
Before your session, it’s crucial to stop using skin irritants for at least three days. These include:
- Tretinoin or retinol products
- Salicylic or glycolic acid-based exfoliants
- Astringents and Vitamin C serums
- Benzoyl peroxide
The treatment should only be performed on intact, healthy skin, so it’s best to wait until any wounds or infections have fully healed.
Caring For Your Skin Immediately After the Treatment
After your session, your dermatologist will apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen to protect your skin from sun damage. Avoiding direct sun exposure is highly recommended in the days that follow. Patients are usually given personalized advice on how to maintain skin health and reduce the risk of irritation.
At-Home Aftercare
The day following treatment, you should begin a gentle skincare routine that includes a mild cleanser and an oil-free moisturizer. These should be applied at least twice daily for the next few days. After this period, you may return to your usual skincare regimen.
Makeup is generally safe to use the day after your treatment, but daily sunscreen application remains essential. Some patients experience redness or mild dryness in the treated area for up to four weeks.
Here are a few more aftercare tips:
- Avoid saunas, hot tubs, or very hot showers for at least 3 days
- Refrain from vigorous physical activity for 24 hours
- Skip any harsh skin products or exfoliants for 72 hours
Long-Term Aftercare
Long-term results depend heavily on your ability to protect your skin and maintain a healthy skincare routine. It’s important to:
- Continue using sunscreen daily
- Avoid harsh cosmetic procedures such as waxing, peels, or depilatory creams for at least two weeks
- Monitor your skin closely for any unusual symptoms, such as blistering or irritation, and contact your provider if needed
Maintaining consistent skincare habits post-treatment may also help prevent pigmentation concerns. In fact, some individuals opt for additional pigmentation treatment in Singapore after AviClear to further enhance their overall complexion.
What Are the Results of AviClear?
One of the most exciting aspects of AviClear is how closely its results mirror those of Accutane (isotretinoin) but without the same side effect profile.
Accutane is a potent oral medication that dramatically reduces oil gland size and production, leading to long-term acne clearance. However, since it affects all sebaceous glands in the body and not locally, its use can be associated with serious side effects, including mood changes, muscle and joint aches, and liver issues, making it unsuitable for many patients.
AviClear, by contrast, offers similar outcomes without systemic risks. Like Accutane, some users experience an initial breakout or “skin purge” shortly after beginning treatment — typically within 1–2 weeks of the first session. This phase tends to be less pronounced after the second treatment. By the time three months have passed following the final session, many patients begin to see noticeable improvements in their skin.
At the six-month mark, most report significant reductions in breakouts, with smoother, clearer skin and a restored sense of confidence. According to Cutera, the manufacturer behind AviClear, 92% of patients experienced at least a 50% reduction in inflammatory acne lesions 12 months after their last session.
While AviClear’s primary benefit is active acne reduction, many patients also report improvements in skin texture over time. For individuals prone to developing acne scars in Singapore, AviClear may help reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups, an important step in preventing long-term acne scar formation.
Conclusion
AviClear represents an exciting leap forward in acne treatment, offering patients a safe, effective, and drug-free alternative that tackles breakouts at the root. With minimal downtime, FDA-cleared safety, and promising long-term results, it’s no wonder more individuals are turning to this revolutionary laser device as part of their skincare journey.
Whether you’re dealing with stubborn adult acne or looking for a long-term solution that fits your lifestyle, AviClear could be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for. As always, consult a qualified dermatologist to determine if this treatment is the right choice for your skin needs.
Reveal Your Skin’s True Potential with AviClear at The Clifford Clinic
Curious about what AviClear can do for you? From the first session to the final results, The Clifford Clinic is here to guide you every step of the way. Here at our aesthetic clinic in Singapore, our experienced doctors provide personalized care, helping you navigate the treatment journey with confidence. Whether you’re dealing with stubborn breakouts or hoping to finally achieve that smooth, even texture, AviClear offers a non-invasive, lasting solution.
If you’re interested in knowing your other options before committing, here are some of our other proven solutions that are specifically designed for getting rid of acne scars:
1. Secret RF
Secret RF revitalizes the skin by pairing microneedling with fractional radiofrequency energy. This dual-action approach penetrates deep into the dermis to reduce acne scars, refine wrinkles, and tighten skin—all without surgery or significant downtime.
2. PICO MLA
PICO MLA delivers high-speed picosecond pulses to treat acne scars, pigmentation, and enlarged pores without damaging surrounding tissue. With HEXA MLA, it creates focused micro-injuries below the skin’s surface, boosting collagen while preserving the outer layer for quicker recovery.
3. INFINI
NFINI’s microneedle-based radiofrequency system penetrates multiple layers of skin to target deep acne scars and texture irregularities. Its ability to deliver energy more deeply than traditional lasers enhances collagen remodeling with minimal surface disruption.
4. TCA CROSS
TCA CROSS uses concentrated trichloroacetic acid to precisely treat individual pitted scars, triggering collagen production and visible scar elevation over time. Especially effective for stubborn boxcar and ice-pick scars, it’s safe for all skin tones and often complements other treatments.
The Edge Fractional CO2 Laser targets damaged skin zones with pinpoint accuracy, prompting collagen regeneration and skin renewal. Ideal for acne scars and ageing signs, it offers visible results with just mild redness and minimal downtime.