Acne Treatments

Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Carnegie Hill and Flatiron, NY

An acne treatment is any approach that targets whiteheads, blackheads, inflammatory breakouts, and acne scarring to promote a smoother, healthier complexion. While over-the-counter solutions may work for some patients, others need specialized care and guidance from an expert dermatologist. If your acne seems to resist store-bought remedies, we encourage you to seek advanced care at Dermatology, Laser & Surgery of Carnegie Hill and Dermatology, Laser & Surgery of Flatiron.

Whether you are suffering from recurring acne breakouts, acne scarring, or both, our team of NYC-based dermatologists can help you find the proper treatment to achieve clear, glowing skin.

To learn more about our treatments and determine which one is best for you, please schedule a consultation online. If you have any questions, we invite you to call the practice closest to you:

About Acne

Acne can be caused by clogged pores, bacteria, dead skin cell buildup, as well as excess sebum (oil) that can result in blockages and inflammation. Acne can manifest as blemishes or pimples, such as whiteheads or blackheads. In more severe cases, acne lesions or nodules may form.

Acne is often seen in younger patients, with 85% of affected patients ranging between the ages of 12 to 24. (1) While many patients see their acne improve over time, it can also be a lifelong skin condition that requires proper treatment. (2) It is commonly seen on the face, forehead, chest, upper back, and shoulders, as these areas have the most active oil glands.

Acne Scarring

Acne scarring can develop as a result of the skin’s natural healing response to inflammation, irritation, or prolonged breakouts, and may occur regardless of skincare habits or treatment history. Picking at blemishes can also contribute to scarring.

Acne scars appear as bumps and divots on the skin, and can either be atrophic or keloidal. Atrophic scarring manifests as indents on your skin and is caused by a loss of collagen and damage to the tissue. Keloidal scarring appears as raised bumps and is caused by excessive collagen production. (2) Our team of specialists can help you smooth acne scarring so that you can feel more confident in your daily life.

Adult Acne

Although acne is often associated with adolescence, many adults experience the condition in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond. Adult acne can be triggered by a variety of factors, including hormonal fluctuations, stress, skincare or cosmetic products, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions. Our dermatologists can treat patients of all ages, tailoring their approach according to patient needs.

Available Acne Treatments

We offer a wide range of different treatments and products to help you address your acne. We will determine which will be most effective for you during your consultation.

  • Steroid Injections: If you are suffering from cystic acne or keloidal scars, steroid injections can be administered to help reduce local inflammation rapidly.
  • Antibiotics: Both topical and oral antibiotics can be prescribed to help reduce the facial bacteria that may be contributing to your breakouts.
  • Topical Retinoids: Topical retinoids are vitamin A-derived treatments that can unclog pores and enhance cellular turnover.
  • Medical Grade Skincare Products: Medical-grade skincare products include powerful topical products, cleansers, and more that contain higher concentrations of active ingredients to help you reduce breakouts and scarring. These products are stronger than over-the-counter treatments, offering an effective boost to your skincare regimen.
  • Oral Vitamin A/Isotretinoin: Vitamin A helps your body reduce inflammation and oil production from within. These treatments can be effective for more moderate to severe cases of acne. The very effective oral medication, isotretinoin, commonly known as Accutane®, is made from a high dose of Vitamin A.
  • Chemical Peels: Chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution to the surface of the skin. These solutions exfoliate the top layers of the skin, revealing fresher, smoother skin. We offer several different strengths of peels to help address acne and uneven skin texture/tone.
  • Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy: IPL therapy uses broad-spectrum, non-laser light energy to target and reduce the appearance of redness, active pimples, and other acne-related lesions. By penetrating the skin’s surface, it helps calm inflammation, diminish pigmentation irregularities, and promote a clearer, more even-toned complexion over time.
  • Laser Treatments for Acne: Several lasers exist to help shrink the sebaceous (oil-producing) glands and decrease acne breakouts.
  • Laser Skin Resurfacing: Laser skin resurfacing treatments use beams of focused light energy to address concerns such as scarring, redness, or pigmentation. By precisely removing damaged skin layers and stimulating collagen production, this treatment promotes smoother, more even-toned, and rejuvenated skin.

Benefits

With our expert guidance, patients frequently see benefits like:

  • Clearer Skin: Our treatments can help you achieve visibly clearer skin, free of acne lesions or blemishes.
  • Reduced Scarring: We offer several treatments that can address both keloidal and atrophic scarring, restoring a smooth and even texture.
  • Prevention of Future Breakouts: Seeing a professional dermatologist can help you find an effective skincare regimen and management strategies to lower the risk of future acne flare-ups.
  • Customized Treatment Plans: Each treatment is tailored around your skin type, skin quality, underlying acne causes, and acne severity.
  • Safe and Effective Treatment Options: Each treatment is overseen by a qualified skin expert, ensuring your safety and well-being when undergoing more advanced treatments.
  • Improved Confidence: Clearer skin can elevate your sense of self-esteem, leading to an overall improvement in your confidence.

Candidates

Our acne treatments are suitable for both teenagers and adults who are either currently experiencing acne breakouts or have acne scarring from previous breakouts. Many of our patients opt for our treatments after having little success with their skincare routines.

All candidates for professional acne care should be in generally good health with realistic expectations regarding their results. Our team of specialists will determine each individual’s eligibility during their consultation.

Personal Consultation

During your consultation, one of our expert specialists will meet with you to determine the root cause of your acne and tailor your treatment to your needs. They will explain what each treatment entails and how it will work to improve the appearance of your skin. They will also ask you about your medical history, past acne treatments, skin concerns, and treatment goals.

To schedule this consultation and learn how our treatments can benefit you, please submit our online contact form. If you have any questions, please call your closest office:

Results

After undergoing your acne treatment, you can expect clearer, more radiant skin. Dermatology, Laser & Surgery of Carnegie Hill and Dermatology, Laser & Surgery of Flatiron use the latest technology and most trusted treatments to help you achieve more even and youthful-looking skin. Patients of all backgrounds report being able to live life more freely and confidently. By identifying and addressing the cause of your concerns, our acne treatments can provide long-lasting results that leave you glowing.

Individual results may develop gradually over time, and multiple sessions may be needed to achieve optimal outcomes.

Cost of Acne Treatments in Flatiron and Carnegie Hill, New York

The cost of your acne treatment will vary depending on the type of treatment performed, the number of treatment sessions required, and the starting condition of your skin. We will discuss the pricing of your treatment during your consultation after establishing an effective plan.

To schedule a consultation and discover the cost of your personalized procedure, please submit our online contact form. For any questions or to schedule a consultation over the phone, please contact the practice closest to you:

FAQ

What causes acne?

Acne is associated with several different causes, such as hormonal imbalances or changes, excessive oil production, clogged hair follicles, as well as the presence of bacteria on the skin.

Is acne only a teenage concern?

While acne is most prevalent in adolescents, many adults also experience acne. This is referred to as “adult acne.”

How long will the results of my acne treatment last?

The results of your acne treatment will vary depending on the procedure performed, as well as your skin type. Regular treatments and a good skincare routine can help you achieve long-lasting improvements.

How long will my acne treatment take?

The duration of each treatment session can range from 30 minutes to one hour, depending on the size of the treatment area and the type of treatment being performed. The specialist will discuss the duration of your specific treatment with you during your consultation.

Can I combine my acne treatment with another to achieve clearer skin?

Yes, many patients choose to combine several treatments for more comprehensive, longer-lasting results. We recommend scheduling a consultation for personalized suggestions and further information.

Is acne treatment safe for all skin types?

This depends on the type of treatment performed. In most cases, acne treatments can be tailored to suit different skin types and tones. Your specialist will evaluate your skin and recommend the safest and most effective treatment options to minimize side effects while achieving optimal results.

When will I start seeing results from my acne treatment?

Results can vary depending on the type of treatment and individual skin response. Some patients may notice improvements within a few weeks, while others may require longer before seeing significant changes. Your specialist will provide a timeline based on your personalized treatment plan.

References

  1. Wong CM, Guo C, Scheufele CJ, et al. Presentations of Cutaneous Disease in Various Skin Pigmentations: Acne Vulgaris – Comedonal Acne. HCA healthcare journal of medicine (Online). 2024;5(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.36518/2689-0216.1634
  2. Sutaria AH, Schlessinger J. Acne vulgaris. National Library of Medicine. Published 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459173/