This New Acne Laser May Make Accutane a Thing of the Past

“Physicians and patients have long sought a modern alternative to the acne pills, peels and topicals that have been static for nearly 30 years,” said David Mowry, CEO of Cutera, AviClear’s parent company, in a press release. “Developed with extensive physician and patient input, AviClear was created to redefine the treatment of acne — all without a prescription.”

How long do AviClear results last? 

In addition to reducing existing acne, clinical trials show that future breakout episodes are shorter, less intense, and more infrequent following the AviClear treatment. In clinical studies, 91 percent of patients responded to treatment and 80 percent saw at least half of their acne clear, and nine out of 10 patients were satisfied or very satisfied with their results one month after treatment. 

David J. Goldberg, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Hackensack, New Jersey, participated in the studies that led to AviClear’s FDA approval and says he’s seen lasting results immediately following the laser treatment’s standard three sessions — and beyond. 

“Over 90 percent of people were [looking] better three months after the third treatment. We now have six-month results on that group, and all are even better at six months after the third treatment,” he says. “We have some early data at nine months that shows the results are staying.” 

That said, it won’t be a one-and-done situation for absolutely everyone who tries it. “Much like we have seen with Accutane, there will be some people who will need further treatment, [but without] the same side effects.”

Who’s a candidate for AviClear?

Without exaggeration: almost everyone. Unlike many other lasers, AviClear is suitable for all skin tones, thanks to its breakthrough technology: rather than targeting and aversely affecting the melanin found in deeper skin tones, AviClear seeks out the source of the sebum that’s causing and worsening breakouts.

“The unique wavelength (1726nm) is only absorbed by the sebaceous gland — the culprit of acne — not by pigment,” says Dr. Goldberg, which is the reason why this laser won’t cause hyperpigmentation in patients with deeper skin tones. “In our FDA study and in real life, we treated and are treating the lightest and darkest of skin colors with equal benefits.” 

Age isn’t a factor either. Dr. Goldberg says that any body with acne will respond to the treatment, and according to Dr. Engelman, it can be a generational solution.