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Acne can affect patients from their teens through adulthood. For teens, it can feel like an uphill battle against their rapidly changing bodies. For adults, persistent acne often feels frustrating and unfair, especially when you’re doing “everything right” with your skincare. Breakouts can impact self-confidence, interfere with social or professional interactions, and serve as a constant reminder that clear skin isn’t always guaranteed, no matter your age or product regimen.
At Bellissimo Plastic Surgery & Medi Spa, we understand how deeply acne affects your appearance and confidence. We offer the Aerolase Laser, a gentle, noninvasive treatment effective for teens and adults. Unlike traditional acne treatments, Aerolase is safe to use even on active breakouts and works without irritation, pain, or downtime. The Aerolase Laser uses rapid micro-pulses of light energy to reach the deeper layers of skin, reducing oil production and bacteria while maintaining a soothing, cool sensation on the surface.
What Is the Aerolase Laser?
The Aerolase laser is a cutting-edge, noninvasive device that uses short bursts of energy to rejuvenate the skin and clear acne. Unlike harsher ablative lasers, Aerolase delivers powerful results with minimal discomfort or recovery time.
It operates with two wavelengths — 1064 nm for deeper rejuvenation (targeting scarring, redness, and pigmentation) and 1320 nm for more superficial concerns like fine lines and rosacea. Each pulse of energy lasts just 650 microseconds, making the treatment exceptionally comfortable while preserving the surrounding tissue.
How Aerolase Works for Acne
The Aerolase laser is designed to treat acne safely and effectively at multiple levels of the skin:
- Targets overactive sebaceous glands: Helps regulate oil production to prevent future breakouts.
- Destroys acne-causing bacteria: Reduces Cutibacterium acnes (formerly P. acnes) without antibiotics or topical irritation.
- Calms inflammation and redness: Minimizes swelling and promotes faster healing.
- Improves tone and texture: Encourages collagen remodeling for smoother, clearer skin.
Because of its gentle heat delivery, Aerolase can be used even on active acne, something most lasers can’t safely treat. Patients at Bellissimo have been treated with Aerolase to reduce and even eliminate acne on the face and body, including acne on the back, chest, and shoulders.
Types of Acne Treated
Aerolase effectively treats nearly every acne subtype, including:
- Inflammatory acne (papules, pustules, and cysts)
- Comedonal acne (blackheads and whiteheads)
- Hormonal acne
- Cystic acne
- Teen and adult acne
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Because it’s safe for all skin tones and types, Aerolase is also an excellent option for patients who may have experienced pigmentation issues or scarring from other treatments.
The Benefits of Aerolase for Acne
Clinical Benefits
- Quickly reduces active breakouts
- Kills acne-causing bacteria
- Decreases excess oil production
- Calms redness and inflammation
- Prevents future breakouts
- Improves texture and overall skin clarity
Patient Experience Benefits
- No pain or numbing cream required
- No downtime or peeling
- Quick 15–30 minute sessions
- Makeup can be applied just two hours after treatment
- Safe for all skin tones (Fitzpatrick I–VI)
- No sun restrictions — can be performed year-round
Comprehensive Skin Benefits
- Gently improves tone, texture, and clarity
- Ideal for sensitive or reactive skin
- Completely hygienic: no-contact treatment and no consumables
- Enhances skin health without chemicals or topical medications
What to Expect During Treatment
Before your treatment, your Bellissimo provider will conduct a thorough consultation to evaluate your skin and determine the best plan for your acne concerns. The skin is gently cleansed before treatment — no numbing cream is necessary.
Patients typically feel a warm or tingling as the laser passes over the skin. Sessions typically last 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the area treated. Afterward, the skin may appear slightly flushed, but this fades within an hour or two.
Patients should avoid wetting the treated area or applying skincare for two hours after treatment. Then, patients may resume their regular activities.
Results and Timeline
Many patients begin to see improvement within 48 to 72 hours, including reduced inflammation and fewer active blemishes. The skin’s clarity, tone, and smoothness improve dramatically with continued treatments.
A typical protocol includes four to five sessions spaced two to three weeks apart, followed by necessary maintenance treatments. This schedule helps control breakouts long-term while supporting skin renewal and balance.
Safety, Side Effects, and Aftercare
Aerolase is one of the safest acne laser treatments available. It’s non-ablative, non-invasive, and contact-free, eliminating the risk of infection or pigmentation changes. Because of its short energy pulses, it doesn’t overheat the skin, making it safe for all Fitzpatrick skin types. After treatment, use a gentle cleanser and sunscreen daily. Avoid active skincare (like retinoids or acids) for 48 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aerolase
What is the Aerolase laser, and how does it treat acne?
How is Aerolase different from other acne lasers?
Is Aerolase laser treatment painful?
How many Aerolase treatments will I need?
Does Aerolase work for cystic or hormonal acne?
Is Aerolase safe for all skin types?
Is there downtime after Aerolase?
Can Aerolase be combined with other treatments?
Does Aerolase help with acne scars?
The Takeaway
The Aerolase Laser offers a noninvasive solution for acne-prone skin to help patients achieve real results. With no pain, downtime, or complex skincare routines, it’s a fast, effective way to restore confidence and achieve clearer, healthier skin.
To learn more about the Aerolase acne treatment near Pittsburgh, schedule a consultation at Bellissimo Plastic Surgery in Monroeville to discover whether Aerolase or another treatment in our aesthetic menu is right for you.
