AviClear: The Definitive Guide to the Best Acne Treatment Available in London
By Alice Henshaw, Founder & Clinical Director, Harley Street Injectables
Published: March 2026 | Updated: March 2026 | Reading time: ~12 minutes
I've been treating acne 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 Roaccutane, 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 Cutera's AviClear 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 AviClear treatment at Harley Street Injectables, 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
• AviClear is the first FDA-cleared laser specifically engineered to suppress sebaceous glands, targeting the root cause of acne rather than its surface symptoms.
• Three 30-minute sessions, four to six weeks apart, is the standard protocol. No anaesthetic required.
• Clinical trial data shows 92% of patients saw at least 50% clearance of inflammatory acne at 12 months after their final treatment, with results continuing to improve over time.
• AviClear is safe for all Fitzpatrick skin types (I–VI) because the 1726 nm wavelength is absorbed by sebum, not melanin.
• A temporary post-treatment acne flare is normal: it is a sign the sebaceous glands are responding, not a sign the treatment has failed.
• AviClear does not replace a comprehensive acne assessment. At Harley Street Injectables, every AviClear patient begins with a full skin analysis to ensure it is the optimal first-line or combination choice.
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 comedone formation. Antibiotics, both topical and oral, target Cutibacterium acnes, 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 sebum 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 gland itself. These glands sit within the pilosebaceous unit of the skin. When they overproduce sebum, driven by androgens, genetics, stress hormones and other factors, that excess oil mixes with dead keratinocytes 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 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 photothermolysis at this level of precision. You can read more about the broader landscape of acne treatments we offer at Harley Street Injectables, 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.
Selective Sebaceous Photothermolysis
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.
Why Results Improve Over Time
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 Fitzpatrick skin types II–VI through a 12-month follow-up period. At 3 months, 87% of patients achieved an IGA (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.
Ideal Candidates
Adults aged 16 and over with mild to severe inflammatory acne, including comedonal, papulopustular, and nodulocystic presentations
Patients who have tried topical treatments (retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics) without sufficient long-term control
Patients who want to avoid, have contraindications to, or have not responded well to systemic antibiotics or Roaccutane
Patients with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV–VI) who are not suitable candidates for many other laser and light-based acne interventions due to hyperpigmentation risk
Anyone with acne-related sebum overproduction who wants a durable, drug-free, no-downtime solution
Candidates Who Require Careful Assessment
Current or recent (within six months) Roaccutane users: Isotretinoin impairs wound healing and significantly increases risk of abnormal scarring. We request a minimum six-month washout period before treating.
Patients with active inflammatory skin conditions other than acne in the treatment area
Pregnant patients: AviClear is contraindicated in pregnancy
Patients with a history of keloids or hypertrophic scarring require an in-depth assessment prior to treatment
Those taking anticoagulant medication
At Harley Street Injectables, every AviClear consultation begins with our Observe Skin Scanner, 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 Fagron DNA Acne Testing to understand the genetic drivers underpinning their skin's behaviour before finalising a treatment plan.
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.
Key Published Data Points
92% of patients in AviClear's FDA clearance study demonstrated at least 50% reduction in inflammatory acne at the 12-month follow-up [Goldberg et al., Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023]
93% of patients in the multicenter JAAD study achieved IGA 1+ (almost clear or better) at 52 weeks, with 68% rated clear or almost clear, up from 36% at week 12 [Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2025]
Histological biopsy studies confirm up to 84.3% necrosis of sebocytes with complete sparing of the epidermis [Scopelliti et al., Lasers in Medical Science, 2022]
Safety data across 52 weeks showed no instances of blistering, scarring, vesiculation, or hypo- or hyperpigmentation [JAAD, 2025]
A review published in PMC (2024) confirms the 1726 nm wavelength is safe and effective across all Fitzpatrick skin types due to its lack of melanin absorption, an important finding for the diverse population we treat in London [Emerging Lasers and Light-Based Therapies in Acne Management, PMC 2024]
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.
What Should You Expect During and After Your AviClear Treatment Course?
The Treatment Itself
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.
Immediately After Treatment
Expect mild erythema (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.
The Post-Treatment Flare: What It Means and Why You Should Not Panic
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.
The Timeline of Results
Weeks 1–4 after each session: possible flare, then gradual clearing
3 months after final session: majority of patients see significant visible improvement; 87% with at least 50% clearance
6–12 months after final session: continued progressive improvement; results typically peak around 9–12 months
12+ months: sustained results; many patients experience dramatically reduced breakout frequency and severity indefinitely
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.
| AviClear | Roaccutane | Antibiotics | Other Lasers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Targets sebaceous glands | ✓ Directly | Indirect (systemic) | ✗ | Partial |
| Suitable all skin tones | ✓ All types | ✓ | ✓ | Often not |
| Systemic side effects | None | Significant | Antibiotic resistance risk | None |
| Downtime | None | Dry skin, monitoring | None | Variable |
| Duration of course | 3 sessions | 4–6 months | Indefinite | Variable |
| Ongoing medication | No | No (after course) | Often ongoing | No |
| Results improve over time | ✓ Yes | Can relapse | Often relapse | Often plateau |
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 patients who have already experienced acne-related scarring, AviClear treats active disease but does not address existing scar tissue. In those cases, I typically recommend a combination approach, bringing in our Cutera CO2 laser or Cutera Secret PRO RF Microneedling to treat scarring alongside or after the AviClear course. You can read more about our dedicated acne scarring treatment page 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.
AviClear + RF Microneedling (for Active Acne + Scarring)
Our Cutera Secret PRO RF Microneedling 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.
AviClear + Chemical Peels (for Comedonal Acne + Pigmentation)
Many acne patients also carry significant post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Our Obagi Blue Radiance Peel 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 blocked pores often benefit most from this combination.
AviClear + SkinPen Microneedling (for Post-Acne Texture)
For milder scarring and overall post-acne texture improvement, our SkinPen microneedling 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.
AviClear + Morpheus8 (for Acne + Skin Laxity)
For adult patients, particularly those in their 30s and 40s managing acne alongside early skin laxity, the combination of AviClear for sebaceous control and Morpheus8 RF microneedling for collagen remodelling and mild tightening can address two distinct concerns within a single treatment programme.
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 AviClear treatment page 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:
A standard Roaccutane course in the UK, through a private dermatologist, costs between £1,500 and £3,000 including monitoring blood tests and prescriptions. There is no guarantee against relapse. A significant percentage of patients require a second course.
Years of over-the-counter topical treatments, private dermatology consultations, and antibiotic prescriptions represent a meaningful cumulative expenditure with often modest long-term outcomes.
The psychological cost of undertreated acne is well-documented. Research published in the British Journal of Dermatology has consistently linked acne severity with anxiety, depression, and social avoidance, a health burden that has genuine economic implications beyond skincare costs.
AviClear results, once achieved, are sustained. Patients are not managing a chronic condition with ongoing medication. They are changing the baseline function of their sebaceous glands.
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.
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 about page, but the simplest summary is this: I treat every patient's skin as if it were my own.
If you are ready to explore whether AviClear is the right choice for your acne, book a consultation through our AviClear treatment page. If you are still in research mode, I would encourage you to explore our full acne condition page and our acne scarring treatment options for a comprehensive picture of everything we offer.
Frequently Asked Questions About AviClear
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):486–496.
[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;37:3639–3647.
[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):639–649.
[7] Anderson RR, Parrish JA. Selective photothermolysis: precise microsurgery by selective absorption of pulsed radiation. Science. 1983;220(4596):524–527.
Book Your AviClear Consultation
If you are ready to explore AviClear as a solution for your acne, we would welcome the opportunity to assess your skin and advise you honestly on whether it is the right choice. Visit our AviClear treatment page to learn more and book a consultation at 106 Harley Street, London. You can also explore the full range of acne treatments we offer to understand every option available to you.
Harley Street Injectables | 106 Harley Street, London W1G 7JE | +44 (0) 3455 485658
