AviClear Acne Treatment in Owings Mills

Understanding acne: why it develops and why most treatments fail

To appreciate how AviClear® works, it’s essential to understand acne development:

How acne forms: The skin contains thousands of sebaceous glands that produce sebum—an oily substance that protects and lubricates skin. In acne-prone individuals, these glands become overactive, producing excess sebum. When excess sebum combines with dead skin cells, it clogs hair follicles. Within these clogged follicles, bacteria (primarily Cutibacterium acnes, formerly Propionibacterium acnes) proliferate, causing inflammation and the characteristic pimples, pustules, cysts, and nodules of acne.

Why this matters: Acne isn’t just a surface problem—it originates deep in the sebaceous gland where sebum production occurs. Most acne treatments address only surface symptoms:

• Topical treatments (benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, antibiotics) address bacteria and dead skin cells on the surface but don’t suppress sebaceous gland activity. Results are temporary; acne returns when treatment stops.
• Oral antibiotics reduce bacteria but don’t address sebum overproduction. Antibiotic resistance develops over time, reducing effectiveness.
• Isotretinoin (Accutane) is the only treatment that actually shrinks sebaceous glands—highly effective but carries significant side effects and requires rigorous monitoring.

The breakthrough: AviClear® is the first technology to safely target and suppress sebaceous gland activity without systemic side effects or daily treatment requirements. It addresses acne at its source rather than just treating surface symptoms.

How does AviClear® work? The science behind sebaceous gland suppression

AviClear® uses a proprietary 1726-nanometer wavelength specifically engineered to target sebaceous glands. Here’s how it works:

Selective photothermolysis: The 1726nm wavelength is selectively absorbed by water and lipids within sebaceous glands while being minimally absorbed by surrounding skin. This selectivity means the laser energy targets glands specifically without damaging surrounding tissue.

Sebaceous gland suppression: The laser energy heats sebaceous glands to therapeutic temperatures, causing controlled suppression of sebum-producing activity. Unlike isotretinoin, which permanently shrinks glands, AviClear® suppresses gland function temporarily—sebaceous glands remain functional but produce significantly less sebum for extended periods.

Reduced sebum production: With 40-50% reduction in sebum production, the primary factor driving acne development is eliminated. Without excess sebum combining with dead skin cells, pore clogging decreases dramatically. Even if bacteria are present, they cannot proliferate in the absence of their primary nutrient source (sebum).

Reduced acne formation: Fewer clogged pores means fewer new breakouts. Existing inflammatory acne resolves as the environment favoring bacteria proliferation is eliminated.

Long-term benefit: The suppression of sebaceous gland activity persists for months after treatment, explaining why results continue improving and new breakouts remain reduced long-term.

Safety profile: Because AviClear® energy targets sebaceous glands selectively and doesn’t require systemic absorption, side effects are minimal—primarily temporary redness and mild sensitivity that resolve within days.

AviClear® benefits and advantages over other acne treatments

Why choose AviClear® over traditional acne solutions?

• First and only FDA-cleared energy device for acne—Rigorously tested and approved specifically for treating acne. No other energy-based device has this distinction.
• Treats mild to severe acne—Effective across the acne spectrum, from persistent comedonal acne to severe cystic acne
• Addresses acne at the source—Targets sebaceous glands directly rather than just treating surface symptoms
• Virtually painless—Unlike some laser treatments or extractions, AviClear® is gentle and comfortable. Most patients describe it as warm tingling.
• Minimal downtime—Return to normal activities immediately. Temporary redness resolves within hours to days.
• No daily medication required—Unlike topical treatments (which must be applied daily) or oral medications (which must be taken continuously), AviClear® treatment is completed in three sessions. No daily treatment burden thereafter.
• No systemic side effects—Unlike isotretinoin (which causes dry skin, lips, eyes, and potential mood effects) or oral antibiotics, AviClear® has no systemic side effects
• Long-term results—Clinical studies show 91% of patients respond to AviClear®, with results continuing to improve for months after treatment
• Progressive improvement—Unlike treatments that require perfect compliance, AviClear® results are automatic and progressive—you can’t “forget” to get benefits
• AviCool™ contact cooling—Integrated cooling technology maximizes comfort throughout treatment
• Can be combined with other treatments—AviClear® can be used alongside laser facials, HydraFacial, or microdermabrasion for comprehensive skin improvement

For patients tired of ineffective daily treatments, AviClear® offers a fundamentally different approach: permanent suppression of the biological mechanism driving acne.

AviClear® clinical results: what the research shows

AviClear® efficacy is supported by rigorous clinical studies:

• 91% of patients responded to AviClear® treatment—Nearly all treated patients experienced improvement in acne
• 80% achieved at least 50% acne clearance—Most patients saw substantial reduction in acne lesions
• Progressive improvement continues post-treatment—Results don’t peak immediately but continue improving for months as sebaceous gland suppression fully manifests and existing inflammatory acne resolves
• Breakout episodes become less frequent, less intense, and shorter-lived—Even patients with occasional residual breakouts experience significant improvement in breakout characteristics
• Long-term efficacy—Results persist 12+ months—Clinical data demonstrates sustained acne suppression throughout follow-up periods. Some patients may benefit from occasional maintenance treatment to sustain maximum benefit.
• Safe across skin types—Efficacy and safety profiles are consistent across diverse skin tones and types

These clinical results represent a significant advancement in acne treatment. No other non-prescription acne treatment achieves this level of efficacy or durability.

AviClear® before and after results

Visual transformation is striking. Here are representative before and after results from actual AviClear® patients:

What these images demonstrate: Dramatic reduction in acne lesion count, significant improvement in skin texture and clarity, resolution of inflammatory erythema (redness), and restoration of clear, healthy-appearing skin. Results vary by individual, but the transformation is typically substantial and highly satisfying.

What should you expect: AviClear® treatment process and timeline

Before treatment: During your consultation, Dr. Snyder will assess your acne severity, discuss your concerns and goals, examine your skin, and explain exactly what AviClear® will accomplish for your specific acne type. You’ll discuss realistic expectations, cost, and treatment schedule.

Treatment sessions: AviClear® typically requires three 30-minute treatment sessions spaced 3-4 weeks apart. Each session is quick and convenient—you can schedule during a lunch break if desired.

During treatment: The handheld AviClear® applicator is moved systematically across acne-affected areas. You’ll feel warm, gentle sensations as the 1726nm laser energy is delivered. The integrated AviCool™ cooling system keeps skin comfortable throughout treatment. Most patients tolerate it very well—pain is minimal to none.

Immediately after: Minimal redness or warmth, similar to mild sun exposure, that resolves within hours to days. No blistering, peeling, or significant irritation. You can return to normal activities immediately—no downtime, no restrictions on showering, makeup, or exercise.

Results timeline:

• Weeks 1-2: Redness from treatment resolves. Skin begins showing early improvement as sebaceous gland suppression begins.
• Weeks 2-4: Noticeable reduction in new breakout formation. Existing inflammatory acne begins resolving as sebum production decreases.
• Weeks 4-8: Continued improvement as sebaceous gland suppression becomes more pronounced. Acne lesion count decreases significantly.
• Weeks 8-12: Substantial acne clearance in most patients. Skin texture and clarity continue improving.
• Months 3-6: Maximum benefit as sebaceous gland suppression is fully established and any residual inflammatory acne completely resolves. Progressive improvements may continue throughout this period.

Long-term: Results typically persist 12+ months. Some patients maintain clear skin indefinitely. Others may experience gradual sebaceous gland reactivation over 12-24 months and may choose occasional maintenance treatments to sustain maximum benefit.

Who is an ideal AviClear® candidate?

AviClear® is ideal for:

• Mild to severe acne—Effective across acne spectrum
• Persistent acne despite topical treatments—If benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, antibiotics, or other topicals haven’t worked or require constant use
• Acne resistant to oral antibiotics—If you’ve tried multiple oral antibiotics with diminishing returns
• Patients wanting to avoid isotretinoin—If severe enough for Accutane but wanting to try alternatives first
• Patients unable to tolerate other treatments—If sensitive to topicals, oral medications, or other side effects
• Hormonal acne—Acne triggered by hormonal fluctuations responds well to AviClear® sebaceous gland suppression
• Teens and adults—Suitable for patients 12+ years old (typically once acne is established)
• All skin types and tones—Safe and effective across diverse ethnicity, skin type, and skin color

Not ideal candidates include: Patients with very mild acne (topical treatments usually sufficient), active severe cystic acne requiring urgent systemic treatment (may need isotretinoin first), pregnancy or plans to become pregnant, or those using isotretinoin currently.

During your consultation, Dr. Snyder will assess whether AviClear® is optimal for your specific acne or whether combining it with other acne treatment approaches would better serve your goals.

AviClear® vs. other acne treatments: how it compares

Understanding how AviClear® compares to alternatives helps clarify why it’s revolutionary:

• vs. Topical benzoyl peroxide/retinoids—Topicals address surface bacteria and cell turnover but don’t suppress sebum production. Require daily application. Temporary results; acne returns upon discontinuation. AviClear® addresses the root cause and provides lasting results.
• vs. Oral antibiotics—Reduce bacterial population but don’t address sebum overproduction. Effective short-term but antibiotic resistance develops. Systemic side effects possible. AviClear® directly addresses sebaceous gland activity without resistance development.
• vs. Isotretinoin (Accutane)—Highly effective; permanently shrinks sebaceous glands. However, significant side effects (dry skin/lips/eyes, mood effects), requires monthly pregnancy tests if female, requires liver monitoring. AviClear® provides comparable acne clearance without systemic side effects.
• vs. Hormonal contraceptives (for hormonal acne)—Reduce hormonal trigger of sebaceous gland activity. Helpful for some women but not all, and carries systemic effects. AviClear® addresses acne regardless of hormonal status.
• vs. Spironolactone—Reduces androgen-driven sebaceous gland activity. Can help hormonal acne but requires daily dosing and systemic absorption. AviClear® provides direct sebaceous gland suppression without systemic medication.
• vs. Other laser treatments—Laser facials may help acne through antibacterial effects but don’t suppress sebaceous glands. Limited long-term benefit. AviClear® directly targets gland activity for sustained results.

AviClear® is fundamentally different—it’s the only non-prescription treatment addressing acne’s root cause: sebaceous gland activity.

Combining AviClear® with other skin treatments

While highly effective alone, AviClear® can be combined with complementary treatments for comprehensive skin improvement:

• AviClear® + Laser facials—AviClear® treats acne formation; laser facials address redness, post-inflammatory erythema, and overall skin quality. Powerful combination.
• AviClear® + HydraFacial—AviClear® treats breakouts; HydraFacial optimizes hydration and skin quality. Excellent for maintaining clear skin long-term.
• AviClear® + Microdermabrasion—AviClear® treats acne; microdermabrasion addresses texture and post-acne scarring. Good combination for comprehensive improvement.
• AviClear® + Morpheus8 radiofrequency microneedling—For patients with significant post-acne scarring, combining AviClear® (to eliminate ongoing acne) with Morpheus8 (to address scarring) yields comprehensive results.
• AviClear® + targeted topical treatments—While daily topicals aren’t necessary after AviClear®, occasionally using targeted treatments for specific needs can enhance results.

Dr. Snyder will assess your skin comprehensively and recommend combination approaches if they would serve your goals better than AviClear® alone.

Schedule your AviClear® consultation with Maryland’s premier provider

Tired of fighting acne with daily treatments that don’t work? Dermatology Laser Center & Medispa is proud to be the first and only AviClear® provider in Maryland. Dr. Steven Barry Snyder brings this breakthrough acne treatment to Owings Mills, MD, , offering acne elimination without daily medications, harsh prescriptions, or painful procedures.

Schedule your consultation today. Dr. Snyder will assess your acne severity, explain how AviClear® can transform your skin, discuss realistic expectations, and create a personalized treatment plan. The consultation is the ideal opportunity to learn whether AviClear® is right for your specific acne.

Call (410) 356-0000 to book your AviClear® consultation. Experience why patients across Maryland are choosing AviClear® for permanent, progressive acne elimination.