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One of the first clinics in Ireland to offer the first and only FDA-cleared laser treatment specifically designed to target acne at its source, Laser + Skin has more than 20 years of experience under its belt. We sit down with nurse specialist and clinical director Aisling Cleary to understand AviClear more clearly.
Laser + Skin has been a leader in clinical skin solutions since its inception in 2004. Combining the latest medical technology with expert care to help clients achieve clear, radiant skin, the results-driven clinic has five locations across Ireland – three in Dublin and two in the Midlands – and has set the gold standard in aesthetics with world-leading technologies.
These include EmpowerRF, SecretRF, Morpheus8, CoolSculpting, Ultherapy, and C02 Laser Resurfacing, and our focus today, AviClear.
We caught up with nurse specialist and clinical director Aisling Cleary, a woman with over 17 years of experience in the industry, with a background as a registered general nurse. Aisling’s approach centres on achieving subtle, natural-looking enhancements that respect and highlight each individual’s unique features.
Specialising in bespoke treatment plans, Aisling combines her clinical knowledge with a keen eye for detail to deliver outstanding outcomes. She works closely with each patient to design tailored solutions that address their specific concerns, whether it be skin rejuvenation, anti-ageing, or corrective treatments. Her goal is always to achieve results that not only enhance appearance but also improve confidence and overall quality of life.
The subject of our discussion today is AviClear, the first and only FDA-cleared laser treatment specifically designed to target mild, moderate, and severe acne at its source.
What is AviClear and how does the treatment work to reduce acne?
Over the years, we have come across so many patients across different ages and different demographics who are really struggling with acne. Oftentimes, their only treatment plan would be to go on medication like Roaccutane or the contraceptive pill.
AviClear is a laser that’s specifically cleared for treating inflammatory acne. It uses a 1726 nm laser wavelength, which is a laser that targets the sebaceous glands, or the oil glands, and it lowers oil production and activity in the glands.
This means that we are treating the acne at the root cause. Acne sufferers have enlarged oil glands; they have an overproduction of oil, so what we’re doing then is basically deactivating that oil gland.
Who is the ideal candidate for AviClear and which types of acne respond best?
AviClear treats mild, moderate and severe acne. It’s suitable for teens from 15 years old onwards, and for anyone with acne that is inflamed, that has papules, pustules and cysts. Most people who suffer from acne have a combination of all of those. It can be used on any skin type, so it doesn’t matter if you’re Skin Type One or Skin Type Four or Five. It’s very safe.
How soon do patients typically see improvement and how long do results generally last?
With acne, the studies have shown that post-AviClear, the skin continues to improve six to 12 months after treatment. Acne is a complex skin condition, and we can never guarantee that your acne will not recur. Studies don’t go beyond five years yet, but up to that point, it’s very promising that your results will last up to five years post-treatment.
What does a typical AviClear treatment session involve and how many sessions are usually required?
You need three sessions. The sessions are spaced four weeks apart, and the treatment slots are 60 minutes in length. We clean the skin, we de-grease it, and the patient wears protective eyewear. It’s slightly uncomfortable, as in, it’s cold, then hot and then cold again, but it’s very doable.
We always tell our patients that there may be a purge after the first treatment, but that will settle down, and then you’re going into that healing phase again. The beauty of AviClear is that it gets better with time. By your second treatment, you’re starting to see changes in the skin. Our patients are reporting that they feel the scarring has improved, redness is going down, and the overall quality of the skin is visibly improving. This really motivates our clients to keep going with the treatment plan.
What are the most common side effects and how do you manage post-treatment care?
Side effects are mild and temporary. You’ll have redness, swelling, and you might get a little acne flare-up. The redness fades an hour after treatment, and a little bit of swelling is usually gone the next day. We also advise avoiding heavy exercise and sweating for 48 hours post-treatment. We always talk to each of our clients about how to manage at-home care; it’s really important. A gentle cleanser, an active cleanser, an SPF and a moisturiser are perfect. The beauty of AviClear is that, in addition to treating the acne, we can start addressing acne scarring as well.
How should patients prepare before starting AviClear and what aftercare do you recommend to maintain results?
We would look at our clients’ home care. We believe in keeping it simple. We don’t want people on 57 million products. But there are some key products that we recommend so that the skin is healthy. The healthier the skin, the better the laser works. Aside from that, they don’t have to prepare for this treatment. That’s the beauty of it. The only thing we would say is no fake tan!
How does AviClear compare with oral isotretinoin (Roaccutane) in terms of safety, systemic exposure, and monitoring?
There is no comparison. Roaccutane is an amazing drug, but it has a huge amount of side effects, has adverse effects on mental health, and requires strict pregnancy prevention. With AviClear, there’s no systemic exposure. It’s localised, with minimal side effects like redness and swelling.
What is the cost and are there any finance options available?
We offer a payment plan within the clinic. We offer an in-clinic payment plan over three instalments for AviClear clients. The cost for one treatment is €1,000, or €2,500 for a course of three treatments with the payment plan.
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