Canberra Acne Clinic

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Acne is more than skin deep.

The good news: with the right plan, acne is treatable.

If you’ve been dealing with acne for months – or years – what you’re feeling is valid. The flare before an important event. The hours lost to mirrors and concealer. The frustration of products that promised results and didn’t deliver. The quiet hit to confidence that no one else sees.

Acne is a recognised medical condition with a real emotional impact – regardless of how mild or severe it looks to others. Around 85% of people experience it at some point, and for many, it continues well into adulthood.

Acne we see every day.

Hormonal & Adult Acne

Breakouts that flare with your cycle, stress, or seemingly nothing at all.

Persistent Teenage Acne

Acne that hasn’t settled with creams, antibiotics, or time.

Back, Chest & Shoulder Acne

The breakouts no one talks about, but that affect what you wear and how you feel.

Acne Scars & Marks

The marks left behind, long after the breakout has cleared.

What we treat.

Excess Oil Production

Overactive sebaceous glands, one of the root drivers of acne, addressed at the source with treatments like AviClear®.

Inflammation

Calming the redness, swelling, and sensitivity that fuel active breakouts.

Pigmentation & Post-Acne Marks

Targeting the discolouration and uneven tone left behind after breakouts settle.

Scarring & Skin Texture

Resurfacing and remodelling treatments for boxcar, rolling, and ice-pick scarring.

Why choose Canberra Acne Clinic

A multi-modality approach. A full suite of technologies. One dedicated team – under one roof.

Acne is complex. What works for one person rarely works for another – and the reality is that most acne doesn’t respond to a single product, treatment, or prescription.

That’s why we don’t rely on one. At Canberra Acne Clinic, we’ve built a multi-modality approach that brings together a broader range of treatments and technologies than you’ll find under any other roof in Canberra – and a medical team that knows how to combine them to your skin’s specific needs.

Our signature treatment approach

Effective acne care isn’t about choosing one treatment – it’s about choosing the right combination at the right time. Depending on your skin, your plan may draw from:

  • AviClear® laser – a new-generation laser that targets oil production at its source
  • Medical-grade skincare and prescription topical therapies – clinician-prescribed and adjusted as your skin responds
  • Advanced laser and energy-based treatments – for active acne, inflammation, pigmentation, and scarring
  • Skin repair and barrier support – to strengthen the skin alongside active treatment
  • Ongoing medical review and plan adjustment – your treatment evolves with your skin

Every plan is progressive, personalised, and adaptable – and every modality is delivered in-house by a team that works together on your case.

A full suite of technologies under one roof

We’ve invested in a broader range of technologies than most clinics will ever offer — from advanced lasers and energy-based devices to medical-grade prescription therapies and skin repair treatments. That breadth gives us the flexibility to match the treatment to your skin, not the other way around.

AviClear® – a medication-free alternative

We’re proud to offer AviClear®, a new-generation laser that targets acne at its source – without the need for oral medication. For patients who haven’t responded to traditional treatments, or who aren’t candidates for isotretinoin (Roaccutane), AviClear® offers a genuinely different path forward.

A multidisciplinary team behind every plan

Acne benefits from more than one perspective. Our doctors, dermal clinicians, and support team work together on every case – combining medical insight, advanced clinical treatments, and ongoing skin coaching to give you continuity of care from your first consult onwards.

What your treatment journey looks like

We understand that acne is complex. What works for one person may not work for another.

Rather than relying on a single treatment, we guide you through a structured and comprehensive plan to achieve long-term skin stability.

Start Your Skin Assessment

Step 1 – Your in-depth skin assessment

We sit down with you to understand your skin in detail: how it behaves, what’s triggered it, what you’ve already tried, and what you want to achieve.

Step 2 – A plan built around you

We identify the underlying drivers of your acne – and design a treatment plan that targets them specifically.

Step 3 – Advanced in-clinic treatment

Our signature multi-modality approach combines topical therapies in conjunction with advanced in-clinic treatments to address your stage of acne

Step 4 – Ongoing care and maintenance

Skin changes. Your plan adjusts with it – from clearing to maintenance – with our team beside you the whole way.

Introducing AviClear® – a new way to treat acne at its source

AviClear® represents a new advancement in acne treatment — designed to address one of the key underlying drivers of acne: excess oil production. Using targeted laser technology, AviClear® works beneath the surface of the skin to selectively treat sebaceous glands, helping to regulate their activity over time.

This approach moves beyond surface-level management, offering a treatment pathway focused on long-term skin stability – and one that can be tailored to a range of acne severities and skin types.

How AviClear® Works

AviClear® uses a specific wavelength of light designed to selectively target the sebaceous glands beneath the surface of the skin. These glands produce sebum (oil), which plays a central role in the development of acne.
By delivering controlled energy to the glands, AviClear® helps to:

  • Reduce excess oil production
  • Decrease pore congestion
  • Limit the environment where acne can develop

This happens beneath the surface, without damaging surrounding tissue. Over time, as sebaceous gland activity becomes more regulated, skin becomes less prone to breakouts and inflammation – supporting a more stable, balanced skin environment.

Why we use AviClear®

AviClear® combines clinical precision with patient comfort and long-term outcomes.

  • Targeted treatment – Addresses excess oil production at its source, one of the key drivers of acne.
  • Non-systemic – A treatment option that doesn’t require oral medication.
  • Minimal downtime – Most patients return to normal activities the same day.
  • Suitable for a range of skin types – Designed to treat acne across different skin tones and presentations.
  • Long-term skin stability – Supports gradual, sustained improvement well beyond the treatment period.

Who AviClear® may be suitable for

AviClear® can be a strong fit for patients who:

  • Have mild, moderate, or severe acne that hasn’t fully responded to topicals, antibiotics, or skincare regimens
  • Prefer a non-systemic alternative to oral medication
  • Are not suitable candidates for isotretinoin (Roaccutane), or have relapsed after a course
  • Experience hormonal or adult acne that flares with their cycle
  • Want a treatment focused on long-term skin stability rather than ongoing daily management

Suitability is always determined during your in-clinic consultation, where we assess your skin, medical history, and treatment goals before recommending a plan.

What Makes AviClear® Different

Targeted – addressing oil production at its source
Non-systemic – without the need for oral medication
Designed for longer-term skin stability

  • 80%
    of patients achieved ≥50% reduction in inflammatory acne at 3 months
  • 92%
    of patients showed significant improvement at 12 months
See If AviClear® Is Right For You

The Science of AviClear®

How does AviClear® Compare

AviClear® is suitable for many patients who haven’t responded to traditional treatments, or who aren’t candidates for Roaccutane.

Treatment Mild Acne Moderate Acne Severe Acne Approach Treatment Duration
AviClear® Targets oil production at source 3 x 30 min sessions
Topical Treatments Surface-level Control Daily ongoing use
Oral Antibiotics Systemic Medication Ongoing Course
Isotrentinoin Systemic Medication 15-20 week course

Meet Dr Melanie Sung

Dr Mel believes good acne care starts with listening. She designs holistic, individualised treatment plans that account for your skin, your history, your hormones, and your life — not a generic protocol. Friendly, thorough, and genuinely invested in her patients’ results, Dr Mel brings together the latest non-surgical techniques in a professional, supportive environment.

Find out more

FAQ

Have further questions or want to learn more?

Contact us
What actually causes acne?

Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin condition driven by four key factors working together: excess oil (sebum) production, blocked pores, bacterial imbalance, and inflammation. Hormones, genetics, stress, diet, and external triggers can all influence how acne presents. It is not caused by poor hygiene — and in fact, over-cleansing often makes it worse.

Is adult acne different from teenage acne?

Yes. Adult acne — particularly in women — often appears along the jawline, chin, and lower cheeks, and frequently flares around the menstrual cycle. Hormonal factors play a more significant role, and treatment often requires a different approach to teenage acne, including hormonal therapy or targeted in-clinic treatments.

What makes Canberra Acne Clinic different from other providers?

We take a structured, multi-modality approach to acne management. This includes one of the largest ranges of laser and energy-based technologies in Canberra under one roof, doctor-led care supported by an experienced team of nurses and dermal therapists, and signature programs developed in line with international dermatology guidelines. Our focus is on long-term skin stability, not short-term fixes.

Do I need a referral to book a consultation?

No. You can book a consultation directly with our team. If you have been referred by your GP or another practitioner, please bring the referral letter with you so we can integrate it into your assessment.

What happens during my first consultation?

We take time to understand your skin history, what you have tried previously, and how your acne behaves. We then assess your acne type, severity, distribution, early signs of scarring or pigmentation, and skin sensitivity. By the end, you will have a clear understanding of your acne, a personalised treatment plan, a realistic timeline, and guidance on how to use your treatments. There is no pressure to start treatment immediately.

What is AviClear®?

AviClear® is a new generation of laser technology developed specifically for acne. It uses a targeted wavelength of light to selectively reduce sebaceous (oil) gland activity – one of the key underlying drivers of acne – without affecting the surrounding skin. It offers a non-medication-based pathway to long-term acne improvement. AviClear delivers controlled laser energy beneath the surface of the skin to selectively target sebaceous glands. This helps reduce excess oil production, decrease pore congestion, and limit the environment where acne can develop. As oil gland activity becomes more regulated over time, the skin becomes less prone to breakouts.

Does AviClear® hurt?

Most patients describe a mild warming or snapping sensation during treatment. Comfort is closely monitored throughout each session, and settings are adjusted to keep discomfort within a tolerable range. The treatment is generally well tolerated by most patients.

Is there downtime after AviClear®?

Downtime is minimal. You may experience mild redness, warmth, or slight swelling after treatment, which usually settles within a few hours to a few days. Most patients return to their usual daily activities straight after the session.

Who is AviClear® suitable for?

AviClear may be suitable for patients with mild, moderate, or severe inflammatory acne, persistent or recurrent breakouts, adult-onset acne, those who have not responded to topical or oral treatments, those who prefer to avoid long-term oral medication, those who are not suitable candidates for isotretinoin, and those concerned about early scarring. Suitability is confirmed during a personalised consultation.

Can you treat acne on the chest, back, and shoulders?

Yes. Truncal acne (chest, back, shoulders) is very common but often under-treated. It responds to the same principles as facial acne but may require specific treatment strategies. We assess and treat truncal acne as part of your overall plan.

Do you treat acne in teenagers?

Yes. We see many adolescent and young adult patients and offer a dedicated Youth Program with adjusted pricing for ages 15–21 (and students under 25). Treatment plans are tailored to age, skin behaviour, and lifestyle.

Is my acne severe enough to come in?

If your acne is affecting how you feel, your confidence, your social life, or your daily decisions, it is worth seeing us — regardless of how it looks on the surface. Acne is a recognised medical condition with a known emotional impact, and severity alone is not the only reason to seek treatment.

Comprehensive Guide to Acne Treatment

Want to know more about acne and our approach to acne treatment.

Download our Comprehensive Guide to Acne Treatment

Ready for a plan that actually works?

Book a consultation with our medical team and take the first step toward clearer, calmer skin – with a program built around you.

Contact our team for a callback

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