Does AviClear® Help with Acne Scars? What You Need to Know
If you’ve struggled with acne, you’re probably familiar with the scars it can leave behind—those stubborn marks that linger long after a breakout has healed. At CLEAR Acne Treatment Centers, many clients come to us not only hoping to stop their acne but also wondering if AviClear® can help improve their acne scars. While AviClear® is a revolutionary treatment for active acne, its effect on scarring is a bit more nuanced.
In this article, we’ll walk you through exactly what AviClear® can and can’t do when it comes to acne scars, what types of scars you may be dealing with, and the best options for achieving smoother, clearer skin.
UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ACNE SCARS
Before we dive into what AviClear® can address, it helps to understand the different types of acne scars. Not all scars are created equal, and the way they respond to treatment varies.
POST-INFLAMMATORY HYPERPIGMENTATION (PIH)
These are the flat brown, red, or purple marks that remain after a pimple heals. Technically, they aren’t “true scars,” but they can take months to fade on their own.
ATROPHIC SCARS
These are the classic “pitted” scars many people associate with long-term acne. They fall into three categories:
Ice pick scars – narrow, deep holes that look like tiny punctures
Boxcar scars – wider depressions with sharp edges
Rolling scars – shallow indentations with a wavy texture
HYPERTROPHIC OR KELOID SCARS
These are raised scars, more common on the chest, shoulders, and jawline, and they result from excess collagen during healing.
WHAT AVICLEAR® CAN DO FOR ACNE SCARS
AviClear® is the first FDA-cleared laser that targets the sebaceous (oil) glands responsible for acne. It doesn’t resurface the skin or stimulate collagen like some scar-focused lasers do—but it can indirectly help reduce future scarring by addressing acne at its root.
1. PREVENTS NEW SCARS BY TREATING ACNE AT THE SOURCE
The most powerful thing AviClear® does for acne scars is stop new ones from forming. When your breakouts are under control, your skin has the chance to heal and repair without repeated trauma.
Think of it this way: the best time to treat acne scars is after your acne is gone. And AviClear® is one of the most effective ways to make that happen—without pills, blood tests, or long-term side effects.
2. REDUCES POST-INFLAMMATORY HYPERPIGMENTATION OVER TIME
AviClear® doesn’t directly target pigment, but as breakouts calm and inflammation fades, many clients notice their dark marks and discoloration naturally begin to fade faster. This is especially true when combined with a simple skincare routine that includes sunscreen, gentle exfoliation, and brightening agents like azelaic acid or niacinamide.
3. SUPPORTS SKIN HEALTH LONG-TERM
Because AviClear® gently recalibrates oil production, many clients find their skin feels less congested, less inflamed, and more even over time. That reduction in inflammation plays a key role in skin regeneration—which may slightly improve the overall look of skin texture and tone.
WHAT AVICLEAR® DOES NOT DO FOR ACNE SCARS
AviClear® is not a scar treatment laser, and it isn’t designed to rebuild collagen or resurface the skin. If you have deeper, indented scarring—like ice pick or boxcar scars—you’ll likely need additional treatments to improve those areas.
Here’s what AviClear® won’t do:
It won’t significantly improve indented or raised scars on its own
It doesn’t exfoliate the skin or resurface the top layers
It doesn’t stimulate collagen production the way lasers like Fraxel or microneedling RF might
SO WHAT ARE THE BEST TREATMENTS FOR ACNE SCARS?
Once your acne is under control with AviClear®, there are several great options to help with the appearance of leftover scars. These can be done months after completing your laser treatment, once your skin has stabilized.
MICRONEEDLING
Creates controlled micro-injuries to stimulate collagen, improve texture, and soften the appearance of indented scars.
CHEMICAL PEELS
Help fade hyperpigmentation and resurface uneven skin tone—especially effective for post-inflammatory discoloration.
LASER RESURFACING (LIKE FRAXEL OR CO2)
Best for deeper pitted scars. These treatments work by stimulating collagen to “plump” indented areas.
INJECTABLE FILLERS
Used in select cases to temporarily lift depressed scars for smoother skin.
TOPICALS FOR PIGMENTATION
Retinoids, azelaic acid, or vitamin C serums can support ongoing pigment reduction after AviClear®.
WHEN SHOULD YOU START SCAR TREATMENT?
At CLEAR, we always recommend clearing the acne first. Otherwise, you’re chasing an uphill battle—new breakouts can continue to damage the skin and undo any progress made on scar repair.
After completing your AviClear® series and giving your skin a few months to stabilize (usually around 9 months), we can evaluate whether scar-specific treatments are a good next step. At that point, the skin is calmer, inflammation is lower, and results tend to be better.
AVICLEAR®’S ROLE IN THE BIGGER PICTURE
AviClear® is a powerful tool in your acne journey—but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution for scars. What it does offer is freedom from the cycle of breakouts, so your skin can finally begin to heal. And in that sense, AviClear® is the foundation. Once your acne is under control, you can start focusing on texture, tone, and long-term clarity.
If you’re tired of cycling through creams, antibiotics, and harsh treatments—and you want to finally stop the acne before it leaves another scar behind—AviClear® might be the perfect place to start.
READY TO TAKE THE FIRST STEP?
Book a free consultation at CLEAR Acne Treatment Centers and talk with one of our specialists. We’ll walk you through your options, answer all your questions, and create a custom plan to help you achieve clear, healthy skin—without the guesswork.
Let’s put breakouts (and new scars) behind you—for good.
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