AviClear Cystic Acne Treatment

AviClear: the 1^st FDA Approved Device for Cystic Acne

The excitement and anticipation of prom, graduation, and other significant milestones in a teenager’s life are at fever pitch this time of year. And for seniors, there’s even more exhilaration with all-night parties, senior trips, grad night bashes, visits to colleges, and more.  However, for many teens, these joyous events can be overshadowed by the frustration and embarrassment of acne.

The presence of acne can dampen self-confidence, leading to feelings of self-consciousness and the fear of being the center of attention for all the wrong reasons. And for teens with cystic acne – which causes the most severe type of breakouts – the social anxiety of acne can be debilitating.

Goldenberg Dermatology in NYC specializes in treating even the most severe acne – including cystic acne – so that teens can enjoy this important time in their lives with newfound confidence and a radiant complexion. Our dermatologists offer AviClear laser acne treatment, the first FDA approved device specifically formulated to target cystic acne.

In this article, our dermatologists explain the causes of cystic acne and discuss how new AviClear laser acne treatment can give teens and adults a new lease on life with clear, glowing skin!

What is Cystic Acne?

While most people experience mild forms of acne, there is a severe and often painful variant known as cystic acne. Cystic acne differs from other types of acne due to its deep-rooted nature, causing large, inflamed cysts beneath the skin’s surface.

Cystic acne is characterized by large, painful, red, inflamed lesions, often referred to as cysts. These cysts are filled with pus and can be highly sensitive to touch. Unlike other types of acne, cystic acne tends to leave deep scars and can significantly impact one’s self-esteem and overall well-being.

Causes of Cystic Acne

Cystic acne occurs due to a combination of factors, including heredity, hormonal imbalances, excess oil production, and inflammation. Teens are particularly prone to cystic acne due to the “perfect storm” of these factors occurring simultaneously.

Hormonal fluctuations – especially those that occur during puberty – are at the heart of cystic acne. Androgens, male hormones present in both males and females, stimulate the sebaceous glands, leading to increased oil production and clogged pores. Menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and hormonal disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can also trigger cystic acne.

The sebaceous glands produce sebum, an oily substance that helps keep the skin lubricated. However, excessive sebum production – which increases during puberty – can contribute to the development of cystic acne. When excess oil combines with dead skin cells and bacteria, it can clog the hair follicles and result in inflammation, infection, and deep cysts.

Propionibacterium acnes, a bacterium found on the skin, can multiply rapidly within clogged pores, leading to inflammation and the formation of cystic acne.

How Cystic Acne Differs from Other Types of Acne

Cystic acne stands apart from other types of acne due to its severity. Cystic acne lesions are highly inflamed and often tender to touch. They can cause redness, swelling, and significant discomfort. Cystic acne is usually much more painful than other forms of acne.

Cystic acne is also more prone to leaving scars compared to milder forms of acne. The inflammation and damage caused by cysts can result in permanent indentations and/or pigmentation on the skin. These acne scars can result in a lifetime of feeling self-conscious, which is another reason to seek professional treatment for cystic acne.

Treating Cystic Acne

The deep-rooted nature of cystic acne cysts beneath the skin’s surface makes them larger and harder to treat. At-home and over-the-counter remedies are simply not strong enough to penetrate the lower layers of the skin where cystic acne occurs.

Seeking guidance from a dermatologist is crucial for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment options. The doctors at Goldenberg Dermatology in NYC are among the first in New York to offer the revolutionary new AviClear laser acne treatment, the first FDA approved device specifically formulated to target cystic acne. Our acne treatment experts can also prescribe topical or oral medications, including Accutane, retinoids, antibiotics, or hormonal therapies, depending on the individual patient’s specific type of acne.

AviClear Cystic Acne Treatment

AviClear was FDA approved for the treatment of mild to severe inflammatory acne on March 24, 2022. AviClear uses a “non-ablative” laser – which means that it targets the acne without damaging the surrounding skin, so there is no downtime.

AviClear acne treatment uses a wavelength of 1726 nm to target and suppress the sebaceous glands, which are the glands that produce sebum, the oily substance that can clog pores and lead to acne. And less oil means less clogged pores, resulting in fewer breakouts.

In clinical trials, AviClear was shown to be effective in reducing the number of acne lesions and improving the overall appearance of the skin. It was also well-tolerated, with few side effects reported.

Clinical Trials on AviClear Cystic Acne Treatment

One double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involved 120 patients that were randomly assigned to receive either AviClear treatment or a placebo treatment. Treatment was given once a month for three months.

The results of the study showed that patients who received AviClear treatment had a significantly greater reduction in the number of acne lesions than patients who received the placebo treatment. The average reduction in the number of lesions was 57% for the AviClear group and 19% for the placebo group.

In a second clinical study that involved 100 patients, those who received AviClear treatment had a significantly greater reduction in the number of acne lesions than patients who received the placebo treatment. The average reduction in the number of lesions was 72% for the AviClear group and 30% for the placebo group.

In addition to reducing the number of acne lesions, AviClear was also shown to improve the overall appearance of the skin. Patients who received AviClear treatment had significantly smoother, less oily, and less red skin than patients who received the placebo treatment.

AviClear Cystic Acne Treatment | NYC

AviClear laser cystic acne treatment available at Goldenberg Dermatology in NYC is a safe and effective option for the treatment of mild to severe inflammatory acne – including cystic acne. It’s deep cleansing, anti-inflammatory properties, bacterial control, skin regeneration, and non-comedogenic formulation make it a valuable tool in combating cystic acne.

It is a non-ablative laser, which means that it does not damage the skin’s surface and there is no downtime. AviClear laser cystic acne treatment also offers the important advantage of being less likely to cause scarring.

Because everyone’s skin (and acne!) is unique, what works for one person may not work for another. That’s why it is essential to consult with Goldenberg Dermatology in NYC to determine the most effective treatment(S) for your specific conditions.

With accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment, our dermatologists can help you or your teen manage cystic acne and regain confidence in your skin’s health and appearance. As the pivotal events of prom, graduation, college, and more draw near, schedule an acne consultation at Goldenberg Dermatology in NYC, so your teen can enjoy flawless, blemish-free skin!

AviClear Cystic Acne Treatment | NYC:  212-405-8202