AviClear is a laser-based option that may be considered for some people with persistent acne, after assessment by an appropriately qualified practitioner.
AviClear is a laser-based option that may be considered for some people with persistent acne, when other treatments have not been effective, tolerated or appropriate, after assessment by an appropriately qualified practitioner.
- targets sebaceous (oil) glands
- available at Aesthetix Auchenflower and Nundah
- Device-based treatment that targets sebaceous (oil) glands involved in acne
- May be considered when standard treatments have not been effective, tolerated or appropriate
- Available at Aesthetix clinics in Auchenflower and Nundah
WHAT IS AVICLEAR?
AviClear is a medical laser system that delivers light at a wavelength of 1726 nm to target the sebaceous glands in the skin. These glands produce sebum (oil), which plays an important role in many forms of acne.
AviClear may be discussed as one option for certain people with facial acne where:
- Acne has remained persistent
- Other treatments have not worked well, have not been tolerated, or are not suitable
- A 1726 nm laser treatment is considered clinically appropriate after assessment
AviClear is a regulated medical device. Any use must comply with its approved indications and relevant Australian regulations.
Who Might Consider an AviClear Assessment?
AviClear is not suitable for everyone with acne. An individual consultation is required to determine whether it may be appropriate.
You may wish to discuss AviClear if you have:
- Ongoing facial acne despite standard prescription or over-the-counter treatments
- Difficulty using certain acne medicines because of side effects or medical reasons
- A preference to explore a device-based option as part of a broader acne plan
During your consultation we will:
- Review your medical history and previous acne treatments
- Examine your skin and acne pattern
- Discuss a range of management options, which may or may not include AviClear
Important: Advertising for cosmetic procedures must not be directed at people under 18. Additional safeguards apply for younger patients and are discussed in person where relevant.
HOW DOES AVICLEAR TREAT ACNE?
Acne often involves a combination of increased sebum production, blocked pores and bacteria within the hair follicle. The sebaceous glands that produce sebum are one of the key structures involved.
AviClear uses a 1726 nm laser wavelength that is selectively absorbed by sebaceous glands. This process (selective photothermolysis) delivers energy to the glands with the aim of modifying their activity while limiting effects on surrounding tissue.
Clinical studies of 1726 nm acne lasers, including AviClear, suggest that:
- Many participants experienced a reduction in inflammatory acne lesions over time
- Improvements often continued to develop in the months after a short course of treatment
However:
- The degree and timing of improvement differ between individuals
- Some people notice a meaningful change; others may experience only modest or minimal improvement
- No specific result can be promised or guaranteed
What to Expect With AviClear at Aesthetix
Before Treatment – Consultation
Before any treatment is scheduled, you’ll have a consultation with an appropriately qualified practitioner. This includes:
- Medical history and review of prior acne treatments
- Examination of your skin and acne pattern
- Discussion of suitable options, which may include AviClear, other treatments or no procedure
- Information about potential benefits, risks, limitations, alternatives, costs and recovery
Only if AviClear is considered appropriate for you, and you choose to proceed, will treatment be booked.
During Treatment – Sessions
A typical AviClear course usually involves a series of three sessions, often spaced around four weeks apart.
At each session:
- Your skin is cleansed and eye protection is used
- The handpiece is applied to the treatment area and delivers laser pulses
- Integrated cooling is used to help protect the skin surface and support comfort
- No topical anaesthetic is routinely required, although this may be discussed if clinically appropriate
People describe the sensation differently. Some experience warmth or a brief snapping feeling. Discomfort levels vary from person to person.
After Treatment – Recovery and Follow-Up
After treatment, it is common to experience:
- Redness and warmth in treated areas
- Temporary swelling
- Short-term changes in acne activity, including the possibility of a flare before improvement, if any, is seen
You will be given written aftercare instructions, including guidance on skincare and sun protection. Follow-up appointments allow your practitioner to:
- Monitor your skin’s response
- Discuss any changes in acne over time
Consider whether further treatment or alternative options are appropriate
What Results Are Possible – and What Are the Limits?
Studies of 1726 nm lasers used for acne show that many participants experienced a reduction in inflammatory acne lesions over the months following a short treatment course. Some individuals maintained improvement for extended periods; others required additional or alternative management.
It is important to keep in mind that:
- Responses vary widely between individuals
- Improvement, if it occurs, may be gradual and may not be complete
- Acne is influenced by multiple factors, and no single treatment works for everyone
- Ongoing care or additional treatments may still be required
Your practitioner will discuss realistic expectations based on your history and current skin, and will avoid overstating likely benefits.
No particular outcome can be guaranteed.
Risks, Side Effects and Safety Considerations
All medical and cosmetic procedures carry potential risks, side effects and limitations. Your individual risk profile depends on your skin type, medical history, medicines and other factors.
Possible side effects and risks of a 1726 nm acne laser such as AviClear can include, but are not limited to:
- Redness, swelling and temporary discomfort in treated areas
- Temporary darkening or lightening of the skin (pigment changes), especially in darker skin types
- Temporary flare or change in acne pattern
- Blistering, crusting or, rarely, scarring
- Infection or delayed healing in uncommon cases
There are also limitations:
- AviClear may not be suitable for all acne types or severities
- It does not directly treat established acne scars (separate treatments may be required)
- For some people, other treatments may be safer or more appropriate
Your practitioner will discuss these issues, along with alternative options, before you decide whether to proceed.
Where Does AviClear Fit in Acne Management?
Acne care often involves more than one approach, including:
- Topical preparations
- Oral medicines
- Skincare and lifestyle measures
- Device-based treatments such as lasers or light therapies
AviClear is generally considered when:
- Standard therapies have been tried and have not provided sufficient control, or
- Certain medicines are not suitable or are not preferred, and
- Your practitioner believes that targeting the sebaceous glands with a 1726 nm laser is reasonable in your case
At Aesthetix, AviClear is discussed as one option within a broader acne management plan, not as a stand-alone solution for every person with acne.
Is an AviClear Assessment Appropriate for You?
If you have ongoing acne and would like to understand whether AviClear might be considered as part of your management plan, the next step is a consultation. At this appointment we will:
- Review your medical history and current concerns
- Examine your skin and acne pattern
- Discuss a range of options, which may include AviClear, other treatments or no procedure
- Provide information about potential benefits, risks, limitations, recovery and costs so you can make an informed decision
AviClear at Aesthetix
Aesthetix is a Brisbane-based clinic providing medical and cosmetic treatments for a range of skin conditions, including acne and acne scarring.
AviClear treatments are performed at Aesthetix by an experienced clinical team under the direction of Dr Russell Hills. Dr Hills has a strong focus on procedural and laser-based dermatology as well as skin cancer management, and participates in ongoing professional development to stay up to date with developments in acne treatments and laser technology.
Further details about qualifications, training and professional memberships are available on our Dr Russell Hills page.
Important Information
The information on this page is general in nature and does not account for your individual medical circumstances. It is not a substitute for a consultation with an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
All medical and cosmetic procedures, including 1726 nm laser treatments for acne, carry potential risks, complications and limitations. Outcomes differ between individuals, and no specific result can be guaranteed.
Before deciding whether AviClear or any other treatment is right for you, you should obtain personalised advice about potential benefits, risks, alternatives, recovery and costs in relation to your situation.