Acne: A Stubborn Skin Condition | Med Aesthetics Miami
Med Aesthetics Miami treats acne using the GentleYAG laser, manufactured by Candela, which delivers controlled heat that destroys acne-causing bacteria and reduces oil production.
This dual action addresses acne at its source, so clients see clearer skin rather than temporary symptom relief. Rosana Bermejo, ARNP, oversees treatment protocols at our three locations.
Key Takeaways
- GentleYAG laser treatment targets acne-causing bacteria and excess oil production using controlled heat
- GentleYAG treatment begins with weekly sessions for four weeks, followed by a clinical reevaluation
- GentleYAG sessions typically run 30-45 minutes with minimal downtime
- GentleYAG can be combined with chemical peels for more severe or persistent acne
Stubborn breakouts don’t have to control your confidence — schedule a GentleYAG consultation with Bermejo’s clinical team today.
What Is the GentleYAG Laser Treatment for Acne?
The GentleYAG laser, manufactured by Candela, is a 1064nm Nd: YAG laser system used to treat active acne by targeting bacteria and oil production at the source. During treatment, the device generates controlled heat that destroys acne-causing bacteria and reduces sebum output from the sebaceous glands, without damaging surrounding tissue.
Is There Clinical Evidence That GentleYAG Works for Acne?
Long-pulsed 1064nm Nd: YAG lasers, the wavelength and pulse category to which GentleYAG belongs, have been studied in peer-reviewed clinical research for acne treatment.
In a split-face comparative study, the Nd: YAG-treated side of patients’ faces showed a 70.2% reduction in inflammatory acne lesions after a series of sessions.
Additional peer-reviewed research on long-pulsed Nd: YAG lasers describes the mechanism behind these results: selective photothermolysis of small blood vessels and reduced inflammatory signaling within the follicle, both of which support the reductions in sebum and bacteria that GentleYAG is designed to achieve.
What Causes Acne?
Acne develops when sebaceous glands respond to hormonal signals by overproducing oil, which combines with dead skin cells to clog hair follicles.
According to the AAD, acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, and effective treatment addresses clogged pores, bacteria, inflammation, and excess oil together, so clients see meaningful improvement rather than treating symptoms in isolation.
What Types of Acne Does GentleYAG Treat?
GentleYAG treats all three severity categories of acne, from mild breakouts to severe cystic acne. The table below outlines how each type presents:
| Acne Severity | Key Signs |
| Mild | Whiteheads and blackheads |
| Moderate | Whiteheads, blackheads, small red bumps (papules), and pus-filled pustules |
| Severe | Large, painful nodules or cysts, carrying the highest scarring risk |
What Happens During a GentleYAG Acne Treatment?
A GentleYAG session follows a consistent process from prep through aftercare. Before treatment, the skin is cleansed, and protective eyewear is worn to shield the eyes from the laser.
The table below summarises the full protocol:
| Detail | What to Expect |
| Session frequency | One session per week for four weeks |
| Session length | 30-45 minutes |
| During treatment | Warm, tolerable sensation as the laser targets acne-causing bacteria |
| Downtime | Minimal; most clients resume normal activities the next day |
| Reevaluation | Clinical team reassesses skin after four weeks to determine further treatment |
Per Med Aesthetics Miami’s laser aftercare protocol, clients should avoid direct sun exposure and apply SPF 30 or higher to treated skin following each session.
How Does GentleYAG Compare to Other Acne Treatments in Miami?
Miami med spas treat acne with several laser and light-based technologies, each suited to different skin types and concerns. The comparison below outlines how GentleYAG differs from IPL:
| Factor | GentleYAG (Nd: YAG) | IPL |
| Technology | Single 1064nm laser wavelength | Broad spectrum pulsed light |
| Best for | All skin tones, including darker skin | Lighter to medium skin tones |
| Primary target | Acne-causing bacteria and sebaceous glands | Bacteria plus pigmentation and redness |
| Downtime | Minimal | Minimal |
Med Aesthetics Miami also offers Nordlys IPL for clients whose acne is accompanied by pigmentation or redness; a consultation determines which technology fits a client’s specific skin.
Who Is a Good Candidate for GentleYAG Acne Treatment?
GentleYAG is designed to treat acne safely across all skin types and tones, including darker skin tones, because laser strength can be adjusted based on Fitzpatrick skin type without damaging natural pigment.
Med Aesthetics Miami uses the GentleYAG as one of its systems of choice for Fitzpatrick IV-VI patients.
Med Aesthetics Miami follows a precautionary protocol and does not perform GentleYAG treatment on pregnant patients, since the safety of medical laser treatments during pregnancy has not been conclusively established.
A skin assessment with the clinical team confirms candidacy and determines the right settings for each client’s skin.
Can GentleYAG Help With Acne Scarring Too?
GentleYAG treats active acne directly, and clients with more aggressive or scarring-prone acne often combine it with chemical peels and post-treatment skincare products for additional results.
For acne that has already left scarring, Med Aesthetics Miami’s acne scarring treatments address the marks left behind after breakouts heal. Real results from a combined clinical approach are documented in this acne case study.
Bottom Line
The practice treats acne with the GentleYAG laser, a Candela-manufactured Nd: YAG device that targets acne-causing bacteria and excess oil. Most patients start with weekly sessions for four weeks, followed by a clinical reevaluation.
The treatment works across all skin tones and can be combined with chemical peels for more persistent cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is acne and who gets it?
Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. It most often begins during puberty but can develop later in life.
Why does acne occur?
Acne develops when sebaceous glands overproduce oil in response to hormones, while dead skin cells fail to shed properly and clog the follicle. This buildup creates an environment where acne-causing bacteria multiply, triggering the inflammation and breakouts associated with active acne.
How does acne appear on the skin?
Acne typically presents as a combination of oily skin, blackheads, whiteheads, red bumps, and pus-filled pimples. More severe cases can produce large, tender cysts that either resolve on their own or rupture. Some clients also experience scarring after breakouts heal.
Is acne hereditary?
Acne has a genetic component and can run in families, though a family history doesn’t guarantee it will develop. Hormonal fluctuations, diet, stress, and certain medications also contribute, so genetics is one factor that determines acne severity for any individual.
What are the different types of acne?
Acne falls into three categories: mild, characterized by whiteheads and blackheads; moderate, which adds small red bumps and pus-filled pustules; and severe, marked by large, painful nodules or cysts that carry the highest risk of permanent scarring if left untreated.
Why does acne cause scarring?
Scarring occurs when acne damages deeper skin tissue, prompting the body to produce collagen during healing. Too little or too much collagen production during this repair process can leave a visible scar. Picking or squeezing breakouts significantly increases the risk of scarring.
How does the GentleYAG laser treat acne?
The GentleYAG laser, manufactured by Candela, delivers controlled heat that destroys acne-causing bacteria and reduces oil production in the sebaceous glands. This dual action addresses acne at its source rather than only treating visible breakouts, supporting clearer skin over a treatment series.
How many GentleYAG sessions are needed to see results?
Most patients begin with one GentleYAG session weekly for four weeks, after which the clinical team reevaluates the skin and recommends further treatment if needed. Many clients notice improvement after their first session, with continued progress across the full series.
Is GentleYAG safe for all skin tones?
Yes. The GentleYAG’s Nd: YAG wavelength is designed to treat all skin types and tones, and the clinical team adjusts the laser intensity to target acne without damaging natural pigmentation. A consultation confirms the appropriate settings for each client’s specific skin tone.
How much does GentleYAG acne treatment cost in Miami?
Pricing depends on the treatment area, acne severity, and the number of recommended sessions. Contact Med Aesthetics Miami directly or schedule a consultation to receive accurate, individualized pricing based on your specific skin condition and treatment goals, as every acne protocol is tailored to the individual.
What should I expect immediately after a GentleYAG session?
Most clients experience mild redness or warmth in the treated area immediately after a GentleYAG session, which typically subsides within a few hours. Applying a cold compress can help manage discomfort, according to the Mayo Clinic, and most patients resume normal activities the following day.
Is GentleYAG acne treatment painful?
Most clients describe GentleYAG treatment as a warm, tolerable sensation rather than significant pain, since the device features cooling technology that protects the skin during each pulse. Any discomfort is typically brief and subsides quickly once the session ends.
Can I get GentleYAG acne treatment while taking Accutane (isotretinoin)?
Isotretinoin increases skin sensitivity and affects healing, so many providers recommend waiting several months after completing treatment before laser sessions. Discuss your isotretinoin history with your prescribing physician and the clinical team at Med Aesthetics Miami before scheduling GentleYAG treatment.
Will acne come back after GentleYAG treatment?
GentleYAG reduces active acne and oil production, but new breakouts can still develop from ongoing hormonal or lifestyle triggers. Many clients maintain results with periodic maintenance sessions, since GentleYAG treats existing acne rather than permanently altering the skin’s oil production.
Ready to stop battling breakouts? Schedule a GentleYAG consultation with Bermejo’s clinical team at any location today.