Curious About AviClear®? Here’s What to Expect From Start to Finish

If you’re dealing with acne that just won’t quit—whether it’s hormonal breakouts, cystic flare-ups, or stubborn blackheads—you’re not alone. At CLEAR Acne Treatment Centers, we know how exhausting it can be to try treatment after treatment, hoping something will finally work. That’s why we specialize in AviClear®, the first FDA-cleared laser for acne that directly targets the source of oil production in your skin.

Unlike medications that you have to take every day, AviClear® is a series of just three laser treatments that deliver long-term results. No harsh side effects. No downtime. Just healthier, clearer skin over time. In this article, we’ll walk you through exactly how the AviClear® process works—before, during, and after treatment—so you can feel confident in your decision and know what to expect every step of the way.

WHAT IS AVICLEAR®?

AviClear® is a 1726 nm wavelength laser designed specifically to treat acne by targeting your oil glands—also called sebaceous glands. These glands are responsible for producing sebum, the oily substance that can clog pores and trigger breakouts.

AviClear® works by delivering energy to these glands to safely reduce their activity over time. This isn’t a temporary fix—it’s a long-term solution that retrains your skin to produce less oil, meaning fewer breakouts and clearer skin in the months and years ahead.

WHO CAN GET AVICLEAR®?

One of the great things about AviClear® is that it’s suitable for nearly all skin types and acne severities. Whether you have teenage hormonal acne or adult cystic acne, this treatment may be a great fit. At CLEAR Acne Treatment Centers, we start with a free consultation to assess your skin, understand your history, and make sure AviClear® is the right path for you.

Minimum age: We treat clients as young as 13

Maximum age: There’s no strict upper limit—adult acne is very common, and AviClear® is safe for mature skin too.

PREPARING FOR TREATMENT

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to stop your current skincare products or medications before starting AviClear®. That includes topical retinoids (like tretinoin or adapalene), exfoliants (like glycolic or salicylic acid), antibiotics, or even Accutane®.

The only things we ask you to avoid are:

  • Sunburns in the area to be treated

  • Self-tanner or spray tan on the treatment area

  • Other laser treatments in the previous 2–4 weeks, depending on the intensity of the treatment

  • Facials within 2 weeks of your AviClear® appointment

That’s it—no need to overhaul your skincare routine. We want you to feel comfortable and continue your current regimen unless we advise otherwise.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING EACH AVICLEAR® SESSION?

Each AviClear® appointment takes about 45–60 minutes. You’ll come into one of our CLEAR Acne Treatment Centers in Austin, Houston, or Dallas, and we’ll walk you through every step.

Here’s what a typical session looks like:

1. CLEANSE AND PREP

We begin by cleansing your skin with a soap-and-water solution to remove surface oils, makeup, sunscreen, and residue. After that, we take it a step further with a medical-grade acetone degreasing step, which ensures the skin is completely clean and oil-free—this helps the laser perform evenly and safely.

Once the skin is fully cleansed and degreased, we rehydrate the face to ensure it’s comfortable and properly prepped for treatment. If we’re treating the chest, back, or other areas, we follow the same process for those zones as well.

2. LASER TREATMENT BEGINS

The AviClear® handpiece uses a sapphire contact cooling tip to keep your skin comfortable as we pulse the laser across the treatment area. You may feel a warm, prickly sensation in more sensitive areas.

As we treat, we continue to hydrate your skin to keep it calm and protected. The laser is applied in a methodical, grid-like pattern, and we may make multiple passes to ensure full and even coverage especially in your problem areas. Each treatment builds on the last, gradually reducing oil production at the source—your sebaceous glands.

The treatment is generally very well tolerated by teens and adults alike.

3. IMMEDIATE AFTERCARE

Once the laser portion is complete, we gently apply sunscreen to protect it before you leave. There’s no peeling and no downtime—you can head straight back to your day, whether that’s school, work, or anything else on your schedule.

HOW OFTEN ARE TREATMENTS?

AviClear® is completed in a series of three sessions, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. These aren’t one-size-fits-all passes—they’re designed to provide thorough, even coverage at every single visit.

This spacing gives your skin time to respond, heal, and recalibrate oil production between sessions. By the end of the series, your oil glands have been consistently and precisely treated, giving you the best shot at long-term, meaningful results.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER TREATMENT

One of the most important things to understand about AviClear® is that results take time—but they’re worth the wait. This isn’t a quick fix; it’s a long-term reset for acne-prone skin.

1-3 MONTHS IN

Some clients experience a purge after one or more sessions, where breakouts temporarily increase. This is completely normal and expected as your skin begins clearing out congestion that was already forming beneath the surface.

To help ease this phase, we send clients home with a few supportive skincare products that help reduce inflammation and encourage healing.

OVER 3-6 MONTHS

Breakouts become less frequent, less severe, and heal more quickly. Oil production starts to decrease, and the skin often feels calmer and more balanced overall.

BY 9-12 MONTHS

Most clients see their full results around 9 months after their final treatment. For some, that means 90%+ clearance. For others, it may mean no more cystic breakouts, significantly reduced oil production, and skin that finally feels manageable and under control.

These results are considered long-lasting and often permanent, with no maintenance sessions needed for most people.

DOES AVICLEAR® WORK ON MORE THAN JUST THE FACE?

Yes! Acne isn’t just a facial issue, and we get that. AviClear® can safely and effectively be used on the:

  • Chest

  • Back

  • Shoulders

  • Jawline/neck

  • And other areas affected by acne

During your consultation, we’ll map out your treatment plan based on where you’re breaking out and what you’d like to focus on.

SKINCARE AFTER AVICLEAR®

While AviClear® significantly reduces oil production and acne activity, acne-prone skin is still acne-prone skin. That’s why your skincare routine matters—especially after treatment.

One of the most important things you can do is avoid pore-clogging ingredients. Look for products that are clearly labeled non-comedogenic, but don’t stop there. Not all marketing claims are trustworthy, and many products that say “won’t clog pores” still contain ingredients that absolutely can.

We always recommend doing your own homework:

  • Check ingredient lists carefully

  • Use online tools or apps that flag comedogenic ingredients

  • Avoid heavy oils, thick silicones, and other common culprits

This goes for both skincare and makeup—if it goes on your skin, it should be clean and acne-safe. AviClear® gives you a powerful reset, but maintaining those results means staying thoughtful about what you put on your skin.

If you’re ever unsure, our team is always happy to review your current products and help you spot any hidden acne triggers.

IS AVICLEAR® RIGHT FOR YOU?

If you’ve tried prescriptions, over-the-counter solutions, or even Accutane® and still feel stuck in the cycle of breakouts, AviClear® may be your answer. It’s safe, effective, and designed to treat acne at the root without disrupting your life.

Whether your acne is hormonal, cystic, or chronic and unresponsive to medications, we’re here to help you find a long-term solution. AviClear® is more than a quick fix—it’s a smarter way forward.

🚀 Get your Treatment Estimate: https://www.clearacne.com/estimate

⏰ Book a Free Consultation: https://www.clearacne.com/schedule

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The Science Behind 1726nm: How AviClear®’s Wavelength Targets Acne at the Source

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The AviClear® Journey: What to Expect From Start to Clear Skin