Serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and surrounding areas
If acne has left you searching for a solution beyond birth control or harsh oral medications like Accutane that can have harmful side effects, AviClear may be your answer. Now, you can achieve clearer skin, brighter skin, and smoother skin with AviClear, an acne treatment that works. At our AM Facial Plastics locations in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara, CA, we proudly offer this effective laser treatment that will give you a clear, beautiful complexion without the side effects.
Dr. Arash Moradzadeh is a dual board-certified ENT/head and neck surgeon and facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, one of the few in the world with these certifications. Dr. Moradzadeh is a globally recognized expert and trainer in AviClear, ensuring that his patients receive the highest standard of care and expertise. Whether you are local to California or are traveling across the globe, AM Facial Plastics offers a personalized, evidence-based, and results-driven experience for your skin’s unique needs.
What Causes Acne?
To best understand how AviClear works, you must first understand how breakouts happen. Acne often occurs when sebum, or oil, mixes with dead skin cells and clogs your pores. Sebum is created by sebaceous glands, which is what AviClear targets. While often associated with adolescence, acne can affect individuals of all ages. Other causes of acne include:
- Hormonal Fluctuations: Hormonal changes are heightened during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and stress. This stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, which can, in turn, cause more acne.
- Inflammation: Inflammation is an under-recognized cause of acne. When the body recognizes clogged pores and the subsequent bacterial growth, the result is redness, swelling, and discomfort. Inflamed acne will appear as papules, pustules, cysts, and nodules. These are most often considered severe acne and can lead to scarring if not treated correctly.
- External Factors: Multiple external factors can exacerbate acne.
- Diet: For those who have sensitivities to high-glycemic foods or dairy products, this can contribute to breakouts.
- Stress: Stress affects each body system in a negative way. While it doesn’t directly cause acne, it can trigger hormone fluctuations which can cause acne.
- Skincare Products: Not all skincare products are created equal. Comedogenic products can clog pores or cause skin irritation, which can cause acne.
- Friction and Pressure: Have you ever broken out on your chest or back when you didn’t shower immediately after a workout? Trapped sweat and oil can cause acne in tight clothing, hats, or masks.
- Environmental Factors: Breathing in quality air doesn’t only benefit your lungs and bodily functions, but also your skin. Pollution, and even humidity, can clog pores and increase the risk of breakouts.
- Genetics: Sometimes, there are causes outside of your control. If your parents or other close family members have struggled with acne, you may struggle with it too. Genetics can determine how much oil your skin produces, how prone you are to experiencing inflammation, how your skin reacts to bacteria or environmental factors. This can lead to the production of more acne.
Acne Treatment With AviClear
Welcome AviClear. Regardless of if your cause of acne is from genetics, stress, inflammation, or puberty, AviClear may be your answer. This 1726nm wavelength laser system is so effective as it specifically targets sebaceous glands with light energy and, in doing so, helps treat current breakouts, prevent future ones, and creates a more even skin tone. AviClear is the only FDA-approved laser device that can effectively treat mild to severe forms of acne.
The laser light energy penetrates beyond the skin’s surface to regulate sebum production and reduce excess oil to help you achieve a clear complexion. It’s a painless and effective treatment with a built-in contact cooling system that helps patients maintain optimal comfort throughout the treatment process. There’s no downtime, treatment times are quick, and you will see results. Three sessions are recommended for AviClear. Research has found that 90% of patients experienced visible improvement six months after the third session. After 12 months, this number rises to 92%.
AviClear Specifics
We mentioned the 1726nm wavelength laser system above, but what does that mean? The unit nm stands for nanometer, which is one billionth of a meter (for reference, a strand of human hair is 60,000 nanometers thick). The 1726nm lasers have been labeled as “pivotal in acne pathophysiology” and have shown to be safe and effective for moderate to severe acne.
AviClear vs. Accutane: A Comparison
AviClear and Accutane are both FDA-approved treatments to treat acne, specifically reducing oil production. Accutane is a powerful oral medication that is typically used as a last-resort treatment for acne. Let’s look into how AviClear and Accutane compare.
Pros of Accutane:
- Highly effective
- May result in complete remission
- Addresses the root cause of acne, which are the sebaceous glands
- Typically lasts 4-6 months
Cons of Accutane:
- Dries out sebaceous glands all over the body. This can lead to dry skin, eyes, and lips
- Acne can worsen before it gets better
- Increases sensitivity to the sun as patients are extremely sensitive to sunburn
- Can cause liver damage with long-term use
- Can cause birth defects, so extreme care to prevent pregnancy is required
- Requires close medical supervision, such as monthly lab tests and monthly pregnancy tests
- Cost varies depending on insurance
Pros of AviClear:
- Highly effective
- Non-invasive and virtually painless
- Addresses the root cause of acne, which are the sebaceous glands
- Safe for most skin types
- Requires no lab tests or medical monitoring
Cons of AviClear:
- Requires three sessions spaced one month apart
- Cost varies depending on the treatment area
- Acne can worsen after the first and second treatments, but this usually lasts about a week
AviClear eliminates most of the concerns that occur with Accutane, such as medical supervision and other side effects. As AviClear is non-invasive, it is suitable for patients of all ages and genders, including teens and adult men.
Benefits of AviClear
- Safe for All Skin Types: AviClear is designed to be safe for a variety of skin types and tones. Traditional laser treatments can often darken, or lighten, darker skin tones or those who suffer from hyperpigmentation.
- Clearer Skin Without Harsh Chemicals: The number one benefit of this acne treatment is that it helps patients achieve clearer skin. You won’t have to use harsh topical solutions that dry your skin or increase sun sensitivity to achieve clearer skin; instead, you can simply schedule this laser treatment to target acne at its source. It will help treat current acne and prevent future acne so that you can enjoy clear skin long term.
- Smoother Skin Texture: Blemishes detract from your skin and create an irregular skin texture. This treatment will help reduce sebum production so that you can live blemish-free and, by default, achieve smoother skin. Smoother skin is envy-worthy skin, and not only will your makeup apply better, but you will achieve a smooth complexion that will make you feel more confident in your appearance.
- Brighter, More Even Skin: This laser treatment will also help promote skin health and help you achieve brighter skin. You’ll see an immediate improvement in the appearance of your skin post-treatment, and it will have a brighter, healthier glow. If you’re tired of living with inflamed skin, redness, and painful breakouts, this laser treatment may be the perfect option for you.
- Time-Efficient: With only three sessions over three months, each lasting 30 minutes, AviClear can fit any busy lifestyle.
What to Expect During AviClear Treatment
The Consultation
To accommodate patients from any location, Dr. Moradzadeh can arrange a virtual consultation online or on the phone. By reviewing your photos and relevant medical information, he can establish a tentative treatment plan. While a virtual consultation is not a replacement for a face-to-face consultation, which is still required, this option can determine your candidacy for AviClear without having to travel. Once Dr. Moradzadeh determines you are a good candidate for AviClear, you can be seen for a face-to-face consultation in the office.
Prior to your first session, it is recommended to:
- Avoid retinol, AHAs, or BHAs for at least 3 days
- Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, blood-thinners, and alcohol for a few days
- Stop smoking, as smoking can cause skin damage and prevent optimal healing
- Drink plenty of water
- Wear SPF 30 sunscreen and limit direct exposure to the sun
- Get plenty of rest!
During the Procedure
Each session lasts approximately 30 minutes and starts with a cleansing of the skin. Once the treatment begins, you may notice a slight warming sensation. However, AviClear utilizes a unique skin cooling technology that maintains your skin temperature during the treatment, making it virtually pain free.
Aftercare and Recovery
After your session is complete, the skin is cooled with a compress for 10 to 15 minutes to reduce any potential redness or swelling. Dr. Moradzadeh and his team will provide detailed aftercare instructions to help your skin heal, but these typically include:
- Avoiding direct sun exposure
- Wearing sunscreen
- Using gentle skincare products, such as cleanser and moisturizer
- Make your follow-up appointment, if applicable
- Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and strenuous exercise
Who Is a Candidate?
The best candidates for AviClear are those who want a safe and effective solution that will treat acne and want that solution to be free of chemicals and side effects. If acne has drained your confidence in your appearance, you may be the perfect candidate. Most adolescents or adults who suffer from mild, moderate, and severe acne can have AviClear. The following would not be a candidate, or would need to speak with Dr. Moradzadeh, prior to scheduling:
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Have active skin cancer
- Extremely dry skin
- Rosacea
- Compromised immune systems
Adolescents who have experienced acne and want to clear their skin, especially before special high school events like proms and graduations, or even just be acne-free for good, can schedule this treatment to achieve their skin goals.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
This treatment is the perfect option for those who want to treat and heal acne and have busy lifestyles. A typical treatment plan includes a series of three 30-minute treatments over three months. The treatments are quick and effective and won’t require hours of your time. This allows you to get back to your daily routine faster.
What Kind of Results Can I Expect?
Patients who began using AviClear to treat their acne can expect immediate improvements after their first treatment. Your results will continue to improve as you follow the recommended treatment plan. When you come in for your initial consultation, we can provide you with a better idea of what your treatment plan will look like, when you can expect to see results, and how soon you can expect them.
How to Maintain AviClear Results
AviClear is not a permanent solution, but it can last a few years before a follow-up session is needed. Specifically, how long depends on your unique skin type and condition. However, there are multiple ways to maintain your results.
- Sun Protection: Wearing appropriate sun protection, especially if you live in the Los Angeles/Beverly Hills area, is imperative. An SPF 30 is typically recommended for daily use.
- Stick to Your Skincare Routine: Keeping a mild routine, such as a cleanser and moisturizer, is best. Avoid excessive exfoliation or other products with irritating ingredients, such as fragrance.
- Clean Habits: Many times, keeping your results looking great involves simple changes that you can do immediately. These include changing your pillowcase frequently, keeping fingers away from your face, and washing your towels often.
- Lifestyle Changes: Diet, sleep, stress reduction, and exercise are big change makers. Eating a balanced diet can help repair and regenerate skin cells. Sleep deprivation can cause issues in the skin, such as dryness and decreased skin cell metabolism. Too much stress can overload your body systems, making them work less functionally. Finally, physical exercise increases blood circulation in the body, removes waste products from the skin, and can help manage stress.
- Optimal Hydration: Everything works better when you are adequately hydrated, including your skin! Keeping hydration levels high also promotes healing.
How Much Does AviClear Cost?
The cost of AviClear depends on the number of treatment areas, how many sessions are needed, and the total treatment time. As we treat each patient as the unique person they are, it is difficult to give an estimated cost. After your initial consultation, we can provide an approximate cost for your treatment.
While the initial cost for AviClear may seem higher than other traditional treatments, such as topical prescriptions or oral medications, AviClear presents long-term benefits without side effects that makes it a solid investment. Financing options are available to ensure this innovative treatment is accessible to all patients.
Frequently Asked Questions on AviClear
Is AviClear safe?
Yes, AviClear is safe for most skin types and tones. Because it is externally applied, you don’t suffer from internal side effects that other medications, like Accutane, may cause. It is a great alternative to other acne treatments.
Does AviClear work for cystic acne?
Yes, AviClear is very effective for cystic acne. It’s important to remember that results are seen after more than one AviClear treatment, and effectiveness of treatment is based on the severity pf the cystic acne.
Does AviClear help with acne scars?
Yes and no. AviClear does help prevent new acne scars from occurring by preventing future breakouts. However, AviClear cannot eliminate or reduce acne scars that are already present.
Will I need a local anesthetic, or a pain-relieving medication to numb the treatment area before the session?
No! AviClear’s innovative skin cooling technology eliminates pain from a laser due to heated-up skin. By keeping your skin temperature even, AviClear is virtually pain-free.
Is there any downtime after AviClear?
While you may experience mild redness and swelling for a few days, most patients can resume their normal activities immediately.
Does AviClear cause scarring?
No, in fact AviClear prevents further scarring by preventing further breakouts.
Can teenagers get AviClear treatments?
AviClear is safe and suitable for teenagers. There is no age limit on AviClear, but we understand that puberty and other hormonal changes can wreak havoc on your skin. Look your best at school and all the fun events that come with it by scheduling your consultation today.
Why Choose AM Facial Plastics for AviClear?
At AM Facial Plastics, we take pride in being the front-running pioneers for AviClear treatments. Our practice:
- Was the first in the world to offer AviClear, which displays our expertise.
- Is led by the world renowned trainer on AviClear technology, ensuring that patients receive safe and cutting-edge care.
- Caters to a diverse clientele, from local Californians, international patients, social media influencers, and celebrities.
AM Facial Plastics provides an environment tailored to your specific needs. Regardless of gender, age, or skin type, we can help you achieve your specific skin care goals.
Achieve a Clear Complexion Once and for All
Life is too short to struggle with acne. Now that you know there is a solution that will work and won’t result in any harmful side effects, what are you waiting for? With AviClear, you can achieve smoother, brighter, and clearer skin while avoiding harsh systemic side effects. Let us help you take that first step and schedule your initial consultation so that we can help you begin a treatment plan that will finally enable you to achieve a beautiful and clearer complexion.
