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AviClear: The Definitive Guide to the Best Acne Treatment Available in London

By , Founder & Clinical Director, Harley Street Injectables


I've been treating on Harley Street for over a decade. I've watched patients spend years on courses of antibiotics, cycle through topical retinoids, endure the serious systemic side effects of RoaccutaneRoaccutane (isotretinoin)A powerful oral retinoid that reduces sebaceous gland size and sebum production. Effective but carries significant systemic side effects., and still come back to my clinic with persistent breakouts. Acne is not a cosmetic inconvenience; it is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes genuine psychological distress and, left undertreated, can leave permanent scarring.


So when was FDA-cleared in 2022 as the first and only laser device cleared for the treatment of mild to severe inflammatory acne. I made it my business to understand every aspect of the science before we brought it to the clinic. I want this guide to be the resource I wish had existed when I was making that decision: a clinician's honest, evidence-based assessment of what AviClear can do, who it is right for, how it compares to alternatives, and what the realistic outcomes are. No hyperbole. Just the science, the data, and my clinical experience.


If you have already read our overview of the , this guide goes considerably deeper. Where that article introduces you to the technology, this one is designed to help you make a fully informed decision about whether AviClear is the right treatment for your specific skin.

Key Takeaways
What Is AviClear, and Why Is It Different From Every Other Acne Treatment?

Most acne treatments operate downstream of the problem. Topical retinoids normalise cell turnover and reduce comedoneComedoneA blocked hair follicle (pore) in the skin. Open comedones are blackheads; closed comedones are whiteheads. The precursor to inflammatory acne. formation. Antibiotics, both topical and oral, target Cutibacterium acnesCutibacterium acnesThe bacterium (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) that colonises blocked follicles and triggers the inflammatory response in acne., the bacteria that colonise blocked follicles. Benzoyl peroxide creates an oxygen-hostile environment to kill bacteria. Even Roaccutane (isotretinoin), the most powerful oral acne medication currently available, works primarily by reducing sebaceous gland size and sebumSebumThe oily substance produced by sebaceous glands. Overproduction of sebum is the primary driver of acne formation. production, but through a systemic mechanism that carries a significant side-effect profile, including teratogenicity, depression risk, and liver strain.


AviClear addresses the problem at its physiological origin: the sebaceous glandSebaceous glandOil-producing glands within the skin's pilosebaceous units. Overactivity of these glands is the root cause of acne. itself. These glands sit within the pilosebaceous unitPilosebaceous unitThe structural unit comprising a hair follicle, its associated sebaceous gland, and the arrector pili muscle. of the skin. When they overproduce sebum, driven by androgens, genetics, stress hormones and other factors, that excess oil mixes with dead keratinocytesKeratinocytesThe primary cell type in the epidermis. Dead keratinocytes that are not shed properly mix with sebum to create comedones. and creates the anaerobic, bacteria-friendly environment in which acne thrives. If you can reduce sebaceous gland activity selectively and sustainably, you interrupt the acne cascade before a single spot forms.


The 1726 nm wavelength that AviClear uses is selectively absorbed by the lipid content of sebum, not by water, not by haemoglobin, not by melanin. This specificity is what makes the technology transformative. Published research in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine established that sebum has a relative optical absorption coefficient of 1.8:1 over water at 1726 nm, enough differential to cause selective thermal damage to sebocytesSebocyteThe specialised cell within a sebaceous gland that produces sebum. AviClear causes thermal necrosis of up to 84.3% of sebocytes. while leaving the surrounding dermis, epidermis, and vasculature entirely intact.


This is not available from any other laser platform. Other devices including 1320 nm and 1450 nm near-infrared lasers, IPL and PDL have some incidental effect on sebaceous gland activity, but none were engineered specifically to achieve selective sebaceous photothermolysisSelective photothermolysisThe principle of using a specific wavelength of light to target a specific chromophore while leaving surrounding tissue unharmed. at this level of precision. You can read more about the broader landscape of , but AviClear occupies a unique mechanistic position in that portfolio.

How Does AviClear Actually Work? The Science in Plain Language

Understanding the mechanism is important because it explains why the results continue to improve for months after you have finished your three sessions, a pattern that surprises many of my patients and that distinguishes AviClear from treatments where results plateau or reverse.


When the 1726 nm laser pulse reaches the dermis, the energy is preferentially absorbed by the triglycerides and fatty acids within the sebaceous gland. This causes thermal injury to the sebocytes, the cells that produce sebum. The gland undergoes partial necrosis. Histological studies published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology have demonstrated irreversible necrosis of up to 84.3% of sebocytes following 1726 nm treatment, with the surrounding dermis and epidermis remaining intact. The epidermis is specifically protected by AviClear's built-in AviCool™ contact cooling system, which maintains the surface temperature throughout the treatment pulse cycle.


The necrosis of sebocytes triggers a wound-healing response in the skin. Over the weeks and months following each session, the sebaceous glands undergo progressive remodelling. Those that have been sufficiently damaged simply cannot regenerate their previous level of activity. This is why 12-month data shows better outcomes than 3-month data; the biology takes time to fully express itself.


A landmark multicenter prospective study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2025) tracked 104 patients with moderate to severe acne across FitzpatrickFitzpatrick skin typeA six-point scale (I-VI) classifying skin by its response to UV. AviClear is safe across all types because it targets sebum, not melanin. skin types II-VI through a 12-month follow-up period. At 3 months, 87% of patients achieved an IGAIGA (Investigator Global Assessment)A standardised clinical scale used to grade acne severity. A score of 0 = clear; 1 = almost clear; higher numbers indicate increasing severity. (Investigator Global Assessment) score of 1 or better; at 12 months, that figure rose to 93%. The percentage of patients rated clear or almost clear increased from 36% at 3 months to 68% at 12 months. Results do not plateau. They deepen.

Who Is a Good Candidate for AviClear: Who Should Think Carefully?

This is where I want to be particularly direct with you, because I see too many clinics oversell any new technology without adequate nuance. AviClear produces outstanding results for a well-selected patient population. The decision to proceed should always follow a thorough skin assessment, not a conversation with a booking page.


At Harley Street Injectables, every AviClear consultation begins with our , a diagnostic imaging system that allows us to assess sebum levels, pore activity, and subsurface inflammation objectively, not just visually. For patients with a complex hormonal history or a family history of cystic acne, we may also recommend to understand the genetic drivers underpinning their skin's behaviour before finalising a treatment plan.


Think AviClear might be right for your acne? Every patient starts with a full skin analysis using our Observe Skin Scanner to assess sebum levels, pore activity, and inflammation objectively. We will tell you honestly whether AviClear is the right first-line choice or whether a different approach suits your skin better.


106 Harley Street, London. CQC-registered clinic.

What Does the Clinical Evidence Say About AviClear's Results?

I am not interested in cherry-picked before-and-after photographs. Every laser manufacturer has those. What I look at when evaluating a technology is the quality of the trial design, the consistency of the outcome data across different skin types, and the durability of results at meaningful follow-up intervals.


What does not yet exist in the literature is a large, randomised, double-blinded head-to-head trial comparing AviClear to Roaccutane or systemic antibiotics. The honest answer is that such studies are methodologically complex and commercially unattractive for manufacturers. What we do have is robust prospective data demonstrating consistent, durable outcomes at a level that, in my clinical judgement, exceeds what most of my patients achieve from oral treatments, without the systemic risks.


Tried antibiotics, topicals, or Roaccutane without lasting results? AviClear targets the root cause of acne at the sebaceous gland level, with 92% of patients achieving at least 50% clearance at 12 months. No systemic side effects. No ongoing medication. Three sessions.


Complimentary consultation. Honest about what AviClear can and cannot do for your skin.

What Should You Expect During and After Your AviClear Treatment Course?

Each of the three sessions takes approximately 30 minutes. No topical anaesthetic is routinely required; the AviCool™ cooling system manages the thermal sensation throughout. Most patients describe the sensation as a rapid snapping, similar to a rubber band, that resolves almost immediately thanks to the cooling pulse. I find the vast majority of patients tolerate the procedure comfortably without any pre-treatment analgesia.


Sessions are spaced four to six weeks apart, allowing adequate time for the sebaceous gland response to develop between treatments. Completing all three sessions is essential; the cumulative effect of each session on sebocyte activity is what drives the long-term outcome.


Expect mild erythemaErythemaMedical term for skin redness caused by increased blood flow, typically a normal response to laser treatment. (redness) and possible oedema (swelling) for between one hour and 48 hours post-treatment. This is a normal inflammatory response to the thermal injury delivered to the sebaceous glands. It typically appears as a healthy flush rather than dramatic redness; some patients have described their skin as 'glowing' immediately after the session.


This is the aspect of AviClear treatment that most frequently causes patient anxiety, and it is critically important to understand: a temporary acne flare, typically occurring 7-14 days after a treatment session, is a sign that the treatment is working, not a sign of failure.


When the sebaceous glands are thermally damaged, they purge their stored contents before the necrotic process takes hold. This purging can manifest as a short-term increase in breakout activity. In the clinical trials, these flares typically lasted 5-10 days, reduced in severity with each subsequent session, and were followed by progressive improvement. Patients who understand this in advance manage it with equanimity; those who do not are unnecessarily alarmed.


Following treatment, I advise daily SPF 30+ sun protection throughout your treatment series, gentle non-comedogenic skincare, and avoidance of anything that aggressively strips the skin barrier.

How Does AviClear Compare to Roaccutane, Antibiotics, and Other Laser Treatments?

One of the most common questions I am asked in consultation is: 'Why AviClear rather than Roaccutane?' It is a fair and important question. My answer is not that AviClear is definitively better for every patient; it is that it offers a different mechanism, a different risk profile, and a different patient journey. Here is my honest comparative assessment.


One thing the table does not capture adequately: the psychological burden of a Roaccutane course. For many of my patients, monthly blood monitoring, mandatory contraception requirements, and the anxiety around mood-related side effects create a treatment experience that is genuinely arduous, even when the outcome is good. AviClear's profile is meaningfully different in this regard.


For Emsella (address here) patients who have already experienced acne-related scarringAtrophic scarringDepressed, pitted scars left by inflammatory acne. Treated with collagen-stimulating modalities (CO2 laser, RF microneedling) rather than AviClear., AviClear treats active disease but does not address existing scar tissue. In those cases, I typically recommend a combination approach, bringing in our or to treat scarring alongside or after the AviClear course. You can read more about our dedicated for a full overview of what is available.

Can AviClear Be Combined With Other Treatments for Better Results?

Yes, and in many cases I recommend a combination approach, particularly for patients presenting with both active acne and established scarring, or those whose acne has a significant hormonal or inflammatory skin component.


Our platform combines fractional radiofrequency energy with microneedling to remodel dermal collagen, the primary mechanism for scar improvement. In patients with both active acne and atrophic scarring, I often sequence AviClear first to bring the active disease under control, then introduce RF microneedling once the inflammatory load has reduced. Treating active, inflamed acne with RF microneedling is not optimal; treating stable, significantly cleared skin is.


Many acne patients also carry significant post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Our is a salicylic acid-based peel that is particularly effective at targeting comedonal acne, blocked pores, and surface pigmentation. I may recommend a peel course alongside or between AviClear sessions to address the surface-texture component while AviClear works on the underlying sebaceous activity. Patients with persistent often benefit most from this combination.


For milder scarring and overall post-acne texture improvement, our sessions create controlled microchannels in the skin to stimulate collagen production without thermal energy. This can be introduced once the AviClear course has significantly cleared active disease, and is particularly well-suited to patients who want a gradual, gentle approach to texture refinement alongside their main acne treatment.


For adult patients, particularly those in their 30s and 40s managing acne alongside early skin laxity, the combination of AviClear for sebaceous control and for collagen remodelling and mild tightening can address two distinct concerns within a single treatment programme.


Dealing with acne and scarring at the same time? We can build a combined programme: AviClear for active disease, then RF microneedling or CO2 laser for existing scars. Sequencing matters, and we plan the full programme at your initial consultation.


Every plan starts with a full skin analysis. No cookie-cutter protocols.

How Much Does AviClear Cost in London, and Is It Worth the Investment?

AviClear is a premium medical laser treatment and is priced accordingly. At Harley Street Injectables, the AviClear course is available as a three-session package; please visit our dedicated for current pricing or contact the clinic for a personalised quote.


The question of 'is it worth it' is one I take seriously. Here is the framework I ask my patients to consider:


I consider AviClear to be one of the best returns on aesthetic investment for the right patient. The qualifier 'right patient' matters: this is why every AviClear patient at our clinic has a thorough initial assessment before we proceed.


Ready to stop managing acne and start resolving it? AviClear changes the baseline function of your sebaceous glands in three sessions, with results that continue to improve for up to 12 months. No systemic side effects, no ongoing medication, no downtime.


Complimentary assessment. Honest about timelines, costs, and expectations.

Why Should You Choose Harley Street Injectables for AviClear Treatment?

I want to answer this question honestly rather than formulaically, because I understand there are a growing number of clinics in London offering AviClear and it is a fair question to ask why one clinic rather than another.


We are a medically led clinic on Harley Street, the most regulated address in aesthetic medicine in the UK. Every patient is assessed by a qualified nurse prescriber or physician. We do not treat patients we cannot appropriately manage, and we will tell you if AviClear is not the optimal choice for your skin.


Our skin specialist Hazel, who delivers the majority of our AviClear treatments, has over a decade of experience in advanced laser therapies and brings a clinical precision to treatment delivery that significantly affects outcomes; operator skill matters even with well-validated technology. Cutera's AviClear has parameters, but excellent results require a practitioner who understands how to read the skin's response in real time.


I founded Harley Street Injectables because I believe that patients with genuine skin concerns (acne among them) deserve access to the best available evidence-based treatments, delivered in a clinical environment that prioritises their safety and long-term outcomes above all else. You can read more about my background and clinical philosophy on my , but the simplest summary is this: I treat every patient's skin as if it were my own.

Frequently Asked Questions About AviClear

AviClear produces long-lasting results by permanently disrupting sebocyte activity within treated sebaceous glands. Clinical data shows results continuing to improve up to 12 months post-treatment and sustained beyond that. However, 'permanent' in dermatology is rarely absolute; new sebaceous activity can theoretically emerge over years, particularly in patients with strong hormonal drivers. The majority of patients experience significantly reduced acne long-term without requiring repeat courses, though a maintenance session may be appropriate for some individuals after 2-3 years.


The standard AviClear protocol is three sessions, each approximately 30 minutes, spaced four to six weeks apart. All three sessions should be completed to achieve the full therapeutic effect. Unlike many treatments where results plateau, AviClear's outcomes continue to develop for up to 12 months after the final session.


AviClear is generally well-tolerated without anaesthetic. The AviCool�� contact cooling system manages the thermal sensation during treatment. Most patients describe a snapping or prickling sensation that resolves immediately with the cooling pulse. Some find the first session the most intense as their skin acclimatises; discomfort typically reduces across subsequent sessions.


Yes. AviClear is safe and effective across all Fitzpatrick skin types (I-VI). This is one of its most clinically significant advantages. The 1726 nm wavelength is absorbed by sebum, not melanin, which means there is no competitive absorption in darker skin tones that would increase hyperpigmentation risk. Many laser and light-based acne treatments are unsuitable for Fitzpatrick IV-VI skin; AviClear has a well-documented safety profile across the full pigmentary spectrum.


A temporary increase in breakout activity, usually 7-14 days after each session, is a well-documented and expected response to AviClear. It reflects the purging of sebaceous gland contents following thermal injury to the sebocytes. It is a sign of treatment efficacy, not failure. These flares typically reduce in intensity with each subsequent session and resolve within a week. Patients who understand this in advance are better able to manage it with equanimity and good skincare practices.


Yes. There are no contraindications to AviClear for patients on oral contraceptives. In fact, for many female patients, AviClear complements hormonal management of acne by targeting the sebaceous gland directly rather than relying solely on hormonal modulation. During your consultation, we will take a full medication history to ensure AviClear is appropriate for your specific circumstances.


It is not a straightforward comparison because they are different modalities with different mechanisms, risk profiles, and patient journeys. AviClear acts locally on sebaceous glands via laser energy; Roaccutane acts systemically. Roaccutane carries significant systemic side effects including teratogenicity, mood effects, and liver strain requiring regular monitoring. AviClear has no systemic effects. Clinical trial data for AviClear shows 92% of patients achieving at least 50% clearance at 12 months, outcomes that are comparable to, or in many cases better than, Roaccutane, without the systemic burden. For suitable candidates, AviClear is increasingly my preferred recommendation. That said, individual assessment matters enormously.


Many patients notice improvement in skin oiliness within weeks of their first session. Visible reduction in active breakouts is typically apparent by 4-6 weeks after the second or third session. The most significant clearance generally manifests between 3 and 6 months after the final treatment, with results continuing to improve up to 12 months and beyond.


AviClear is currently FDA-cleared for facial acne. Cutera is developing a truncal handpiece for body acne, but at the time of writing, the established protocol and clinical data specifically covers facial treatment. For truncal acne, we can discuss alternative approaches including BBL HERO and chemical peel options during your consultation.


AviClear works best as part of a considered, personalised treatment plan, not as a standalone cure-all. At Harley Street Injectables, we combine AviClear with appropriate skincare prescription, consideration of dietary and hormonal factors, and complementary clinic treatments where needed. Patients with acne scarring may benefit from combining AviClear with our RF microneedling or CO2 laser resurfacing to address both active disease and existing scar tissue. Our can provide valuable insight into the genetic drivers of your acne before we finalise the optimal treatment strategy.

Glossary of Terms

Quick definitions for every clinical term marked in the article. Hover or tap a footnote number to see at a glance, or scroll here for the full list.

Clinical References

[1] Goldberg D, Kothare A, Doucette M, et al. Selective photothermolysis with a novel 1726 nm laser beam: a safe and effective solution for acne vulgaris. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2023;22(2): .


[2] Scopelliti MG, Kothare A, Karavitis M. A novel 1726-nm laser system for safe and effective treatment of acne vulgaris. Lasers in Medical Science. 2022;37: .


[3] Safe and effective acne treatment across skin types with a 1726 nm sebum-selective laser: One year data from a prospective multicenter study. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2025.


[4] Established and emerging laser treatments for acne vulgaris in diverse skin types. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 2024.


[5] Emerging lasers and light-based therapies in the management of acne: a review. PubMed Central (PMC). 2024.


[6] Mavranezouli I, Daly CH, Welton NJ, et al. A systematic review and network meta-analysis of topical pharmacological, oral pharmacological, physical and combined treatments for acne vulgaris. British Journal of Dermatology. 2022;187(5): .


[7] Anderson RR, Parrish JA. Selective photothermolysis: precise microsurgery by selective absorption of pulsed radiation. Science. 1983;220(4596): .


If you are ready to explore whether AviClear is the right choice for your acne, through our . If you are still in research mode, I would encourage you to explore our full and our for a comprehensive picture of everything we offer.


Harley Street Injectables | 106 Harley Street, London W1G 7JE | +44 (0)

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Award Winning. Voted London’s Top Cosmetic Clinic As featured in Vogue, Grazia, Vanity Fair and Tatler