Finding the right treatments for acne can help you to feel more confident in everything you do. At New York Dermatology Group, our team of board-certified dermatologists can provide you with medical or cosmetic solutions to address your acne concerns. We provide the latest and most effective acne treatment options.

Acne is a skin condition that causes inflammation of the sebaceous glands, more commonly known as the oil glands. When these glands are functioning properly, they keep skin moisturized and healthy by releasing oil through the pores of your skin. In some instances, however, the oils released by the sebaceous glands can clog pores to create issues with pimples, whiteheads and blackheads. These can mar your appearance and can often be difficult to treat without professional assistance.

Acne-related breakouts can occur anywhere on the body but are more common on the face, back, buttocks and chest. Changes in hormone levels, genetic factors and bacteria can all play a role in triggering breakouts, which generally fall into one of the following three categories:

Cysts and nodules: Nodulocystic breakouts can cause scarring or damage to skin. This condition results in abscesses and cysts that usually appear on the face, chest or back. These nodules are located deep within the skin and can cause serious and permanent damage to multiple layers of skin, which can make it even more difficult to restore a healthy skin appearance.

Whiteheads and blackheads: Also known as comedones, both whiteheads and blackheads result from sebaceous materials and bacteria that block pores. Blackheads and whiteheads are both non-inflammatory skin conditions. The primary difference between blackheads and whiteheads is that blackheads are found in open pores. Oxidation caused by exposure to air is responsible for the darker color of blackheads compared with sealed-off whiteheads which appear in closed pores.

Pimples: If left untreated, whiteheads can sometimes develop into pimples. These bumps in the skin may be red or reddish with a white center. Pimples are the result of infection or inflammation and may spread.

The options available to you at NYDG for treating acne may vary depending on whether you need cyst treatment, pimple treatment or blackhead removal services.

• AviClear treatments: AviClear is an FDA-cleared laser treatment specifically designed to target acne at its source without the need for prescription medications. It works by selectively suppressing the sebaceous glands, which are responsible for oil production that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Safe for all skin types, AviClear is a non-invasive, drug-free solution that offers long-term results, with many patients seeing significant improvement after a series of just three sessions.

• Cyst treatment options: Some of the most effective treatments we offer for treating cysts include topicals, oral and intralesional medication and incisions by our team of knowledgeable staff. In many cases, a combination of treatments can prove much more effective than any single cyst treatment solution alone. The NYDG team will work with you to find the best and most practical treatment options to leave your skin looking healthier & clearer.

• Blackhead and whitehead removal: Chemical peels are often a first line of defense in unclogging pores and providing effective treatments for blackheads and whiteheads. Topicals may also provide added help in managing this condition and include Tazorac, Retin-A and Differin treatment options. For localized blackheads and whiteheads, cosmetic treatments such as microdermabrasion can also be a practical way to remove these blemishes safely and effectively. We also offer cosmetic laser treatments that include Microneedling and Laser Genesis sessions. If you need comprehensive help in dealing with whiteheads and blackheads, our team can create a customized treatment regimen that is right for your needs.

• Pimple treatments: Since most pimples are caused by infections just under the skin, antibiotics that include Doxycycline and Dapsone can be used to treat these infections and to reduce the risk of future outbreaks. Red light therapy can be a practical option for patients in our office. Accutane and cortisone injections may be used as effective pimple treatments. For severe or deep-seated pimples, surgical extractions may be necessary to help you look and feel your very best.

Our dermatologists offer several effective treatments to improve the appearance of acne scars. Microneedling with radiofrequency is a popular option that combines the benefits of microneedling’s controlled skin injury with the skin-tightening effects of radiofrequency energy. This treatment stimulates collagen production and helps reduce the depth of acne scars. Fraxel laser resurfacing is another widely used technique that works by delivering precise laser beams to the skin, stimulating collagen synthesis and replacing damaged tissue with healthier skin. Laser Genesis is a non-invasive procedure that utilizes laser energy to improve the texture and appearance of acne scars by promoting collagen production. Vbeam is a pulsed-dye laser that effectively targets redness and vascular irregularities associated with acne scars. CO2RE laser resurfacing is a more aggressive treatment option that vaporizes the top layer of skin, revealing fresh skin underneath and reducing the appearance of scars. Finally, eTwo combines the benefits of radiofrequency energy and fractional laser resurfacing to effectively address acne scars and skin texture irregularities. Schedule a consultation with our dermatologists to receive a recommendation for the most optimal cosmetic treatment for your acne scars.