Treat Your Acne and Acne Scars with Professional Help
Acne is more than what you see in the mirror. It can impact confidence, comfort, and long-term skin health. If you are dealing with stubborn breakouts, lingering acne scars, or uneven texture, professional treatments help you regain control of your skin.
At WIFH, our practitioners create personalized treatment plans using advanced facials and laser technology designed to safely treat acne and scarring for all skin types and tones. With over 1.5 million laser treatments performed and 20 years of experience, WIFH is one of Atlanta’s most trusted names in medical aesthetics.
Understanding Different Types of Acne
Acne is not one-size-fits-all and neither is treatment. Breakouts look and behave very differently depending on your skin type, tone, age, and internal factors like hormones and inflammation. At WIFH, our practitioners take the time to evaluate what is truly driving your acne so we can create a plan that treats the cause, not just the surface.
- Comedonal acne: Clogged pores that form blackheads and whiteheads.
- Inflammatory acne: Red, swollen pimples caused by bacteria and inflammation.
- Cystic acne: Deep, painful cysts beneath the skin’s surface.
- Nodular acne: Large, firm bumps that can increase the risk of scarring.
- Hormonal acne: Breakouts linked to hormonal fluctuations, often around the jawline
What Is Acne Treatment?
Acne treatment is about addressing the bacteria, oil production, inflammation, and skin renewal processes that drive the acne. Professional acne treatments combine medical-grade technology with personalized care to create clearer skin that lasts, not just short-term improvements.
At WIFH, we use advanced laser technology, medical-grade chemical peels, and targeted facials to treat active acne, prevent future breakouts, and support healthy skin regeneration. These in-office treatments work alongside a customized at-home skincare regimen to deliver real, sustainable results.
Laser Treatment for Acne
Laser treatments are one of the most advanced methods for treating acne and acne scars. The beauty of laser therapy is its precision. Controlled light energy kills acne-causing bacteria, reduces inflammation, and stimulates collagen remodeling to improve texture and tone. It also shrinks sebaceous glands (small glands that produce an oily substance) to reduce oil output. The result is clearer skin, fewer breakouts, and improved overall skin health without damaging the surrounding tissue.
Laser Facial
Laser facials are especially effective for inflammatory acne and for patients who experience frequent or persistent breakouts. This treatment helps reduce the overall bacterial load on the skin while calming redness and balancing oil production.
During a laser facial, non-ablative laser energy gently heats the deeper layers of the skin without harming the surface. The light targets bacteria and hemoglobin within blood vessels, converting to heat that destroys acne-causing bacteria while preserving healthy skin. This controlled heat also signals sebaceous glands to reduce oil output and stimulates collagen production, leading to smoother texture and clearer skin over time.
The treatment begins with a thorough cleanse, followed by protective eyewear. Sessions typically last 20 to 45 minutes. Patients often describe a warming sensation or light snapping feeling as the laser passes over the skin. Mild redness or swelling may occur afterward but usually resolves within a few hours to one day.
For active inflammatory acne, most patients achieve the best results with a series of 4 to 6 treatments spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart.
CoolPeel
CoolPeel excels at treating acne scars, particularly rolling and shallow boxcar scars. It’s excellent for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and best used when active acne is under control. We often recommend combining CoolPeel with laser facials or microneedling for comprehensive treatment.
CoolPeel precisely vaporizes microscopic columns of skin tissue, removing damaged cells layer by layer. The laser also penetrates deeper to stimulate fibroblasts, triggering collagen production that fills in depressed scar tissue. This dual action addresses both active acne by removing bacterial hiding spots and acne scars by triggering collagen remodeling that fills in depressed scar tissue over time.
After cleansing, numbing cream is applied for 30-45 minutes. During the 15-30 minute procedure, you’ll feel warm sensations. Skin will look pink to red afterward and feel warm. Over 3-5 days, you’ll experience dryness and flaking. Most patients return to activities within a few days.
Facials for Acne
Medical-grade facials combine deep cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, and customized serums to target the root causes of breakouts. They’re particularly beneficial for maintaining results between more intensive treatments and for patients whose acne responds best to consistent pore-care and barrier support.
HydraFacial
HydraFacial combines cleansing, extraction, and hydration in one treatment. It’s great for blackheads, congestion, and oily or combination skin needing regular pore maintenance. It’s also an excellent maintenance treatment between more intensive procedures like laser facials or CoolPeel.
The HydraFacial process begins with a gentle chemical exfoliation using a blend of glycolic and salicylic acids. Next, the patented vortex extraction uses a vacuum-like suction combined with hydrating serums to painlessly remove blackheads, whiteheads, and debris from pores. Finally, the treatment infuses skin with customized serums containing ingredients like niacinamide (which reduces inflammation and regulates sebum), hyaluronic acid (which hydrates without clogging pores), and antioxidants (which protect against oxidative stress that can worsen acne).
HydraFacial is often described as a transformative treatment. The procedure takes about 30-60 minutes and involves absolutely no discomfort. You’ll feel cool serums being applied to your skin as the wand glides over your face in circular motions. There’s no downtime whatsoever; in fact, your skin will have an immediate glow. You can return to your normal activities directly after treatment.
We offer three types of HydraFacials at WIFH:
- Express HydraFacial
- Signature HydraFacial
- HydraFacial Plus
We recommend a Signature HydraFacial or HydraFacial Plus for acne treatment, as they both go deeper and offer a more personalized solution customized to your specific concerns.
Oxygen Facial
Oxygen facials are especially beneficial for inflammatory and hormonal acne, as well as skin that has become sensitized from active acne treatments. If your skin feels irritated from retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or recent laser treatments, an oxygen facial offers calming, restorative support without adding additional stress to the skin.
Acne-causing bacteria thrive in low-oxygen environments. By infusing the skin with pressurized oxygen, this treatment creates an environment that is unfavorable for bacteria while supporting healing and repair. Oxygen is delivered alongside targeted vitamins and botanicals, allowing hydrating and anti-inflammatory ingredients to penetrate deeper and promote cellular regeneration.
The facial itself feels as good as the results, with the process lasting around 60 minutes. An airbrush device sprays pressurized oxygen with customized serums that feels like a cool, refreshing mist. There’s no downtime, and skin immediately looks radiant with noticeable plumping.
More Acne Treatment Options
Beyond lasers and facials, several other professional treatments offer powerful results for managing acne. We create customized plans that are tailored to your unique skin needs. Learn more about chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and microneedling treatments for acne below.
Chemical Peels to Help with Acne: VI Peel
The VI Peel is a medical-grade chemical peel used to improve acne, acne scarring, and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. While the VI Peel family treats a wide range of skin concerns, there are two specific VI Peel formulations designed for acne prone skin.
At WIFH, our practitioners select the appropriate VI Peel based on your acne type, skin tone, and treatment goals to ensure safe and effective results.
VI Peel Purify
- Formulated to treat active and hormonal acne
- Targets acne-causing bacteria, excess oil production, and inflammation
- Contains salicylic acid and retinoic acid to clear congested pores and support cell turnover
- Includes benzoyl peroxide and antimicrobial ingredients to reduce acne-causing bacteria
- Best suited for oily, congested, acne-prone skin with ongoing breakouts
VI Peel Purify Precision Plus with Peptides
- Designed for patients with active acne plus post-acne pigmentation or textural scarring
- Combines acne-targeting ingredients with pigment-correcting agents
- Features Smart Peptide Technology to support healing, collagen stimulation, and brightness
- Helps address post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation while treating active breakouts
- Especially appropriate for melanin-rich skin tones and patients concerned with dark marks after acne clears
During your VI Peel treatment, your practitioner will cleanse your skin thoroughly and apply the peel solution in precise layers. The solution remains on your skin and keeps working after you leave our office, with peeling beginning 48–72 hours after treatment. Over the following 7–10 days, your skin will continue to peel as the old, damaged layer sheds to reveal fresh, healthy skin underneath.
Microneedling to Help with Acne
Microneedling uses fine needles to create thousands of microscopic channels in the skin. It’s one of the most effective treatments for acne scars. Microneedling triggers three-phase wound-healing over 4-6 weeks, with new collagen filling in depressed areas.
At WIFH, we offer two types of microneedling: SkinPen (traditional microneedling) and RF (radiofrequency) microneedling:
- SkinPen:
- Uses medical-grade needles with adjustable penetration depths for precise treatment
- Stimulates collagen and elastin to improve acne scarring and overall skin texture
- Allows controlled injury without heat, making it safe for all skin tones
- Great for patients focused on scar refinement and skin quality improvement
- RF Microneedling:
- Combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy for deeper dermal remodeling
- Delivers controlled thermal energy to enhance collagen production
- Helps reduce sebaceous gland activity, supporting acne control
- Ideal for deeper acne scars and patients seeking more intensive correction
PRP and PureGF Add-Ons
For enhanced results, we can combine microneedling with PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) or PureGF (growth factors derived from stem cells). When applied during microneedling, these biologics are driven deep into the micro-channels, delivering concentrated growth factors directly to the dermal layer where healing and collagen production occur.
- PRP is derived from a small sample of your own blood. The platelets are isolated and concentrated, then applied during microneedling to amplify the skin’s natural healing response.
- PureGF requires no blood draw and contains over 450× more growth factors than PRP, removing variability related to patient age, health, diet, and lifestyle for more consistent regenerative outcomes.
Microdermabrasion to Help with Acne
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive exfoliation treatment that mechanically removes the outermost layer of dead skin cells using a precision-controlled diamond tip device. By clearing surface debris and unclogging pores, it helps improve comedonal acne such as blackheads and whiteheads while refining skin texture.
This treatment is best suited for mild acne, congestion, and superficial acne scarring and is often used as a maintenance option or in combination with other acne treatments rather than as a standalone solution for inflammatory acne.
It’s also excellent for improving rough texture and dullness associated with acne-prone skin. For post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark marks after acne), microdermabrasion can help by removing the pigmented surface cells, though deeper pigmentation may require additional treatments like chemical peels.
The treatment uses controlled mechanical exfoliation combined with vacuum suction to remove the outer layer of dead skin cells and clear surface debris. By reducing buildup on the skin, this process improves pore clarity and allows topical acne treatments to penetrate more effectively.
Regular microdermabrasion sessions (every 2–4 weeks) help maintain clear pores and smooth texture as part of an ongoing acne management plan. Microdermabrasion requires little to no downtime. Immediately after treatment, the skin may appear mildly pink. This response is normal and typically resolves within a few hours but can last up to 24 hours in some patients.
| Treatment | Best For | How It Works | Downtime | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laser Facial | Inflammatory Acne | Heats dermis, reduces bacteria & oil | None | Improves over 4–6 sessions |
| CoolPeel | Acne scarring, texture | Removes top layer of skin, revealing a new layer with fresh collagen | 1–3 days | Visible in 2–3 weeks |
| HydraFacial | Oily, congested skin | Cleanses, exfoliates and hydrates | None | Instant clarity & hydration |
| Oxygen Facial | Sensitive or inflamed acne | Infuses oxygen and vitamins | None | Immediate calming & hydration |
| VI Peel | Breakouts & scars | Medical-gradechemical exfoliation | 5–7 days | Brighter, clearer skin after 1 week |
| Microneedling | Acne scarring & enlarged pores | Stimulates collagen | 1–2 days redness | Gradual improvement over several weeks |
| Microdermabrasion | Mild acne & congestion | Mechanical exfoliation removes dead skin cells | None | Smoother texture immediately |
Best Skincare Products for Acne-Prone Skin
While professional treatments provide the foundation for clear skin, your at-home skincare routine is equally important for maintaining results and preventing future breakouts. At WIFH, we carefully curate our product selection to include only medical-grade formulations proven effective for acne-prone skin. Learn more about the best products for your specific skin type below.
Best Products for Acne-Prone Skin
If you’re addressing acne but not looking for a specific type of skin treatment, we recommend these products for the best overall approach to managing your acne.
For morning use:
- SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser: Purifies acne-prone skin by decongesting pores, exfoliating, and brightening.
- SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel: This hydrating facial gel soothes and calms sensitive skin.
- SkinCeuticals Metacell Renewal B3: This lightweight lotion for skin with niacinamide (vitamin B3) improves signs of early aging.
- EltaMD Recovery SPF: A mineral-based, non-comedogenic sunscreen designed to calm acne-prone or post-treatment skin while providing gentle, broad-spectrum UV protection.
For evening use:
- SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser
- SkinCeuticals Retinol or Obagi Tretinoin: Vitamin A-based treatments that support cellular turnover to improve tone, texture, and the appearance of fine lines over time.
- SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel: A lightweight botanical gel designed to soothe visible redness and hydrate skin without clogging pores.
- SkinCeuticals Metacell Renewal B3: A daily corrective lotion that helps improve skin firmness, clarity, and uneven tone while supporting the skin barrier.
For tailored solutions, check out our specialized products for oily skin and combination skin.
Best Acne Treatment Atlanta
If you’re ready to take control of your acne, WIFH is here to help. With over 20 years of experience and 1.5 million successful laser treatments performed, we’ve built our reputation on delivering real results for even the most challenging acne cases.
Our comprehensive, personalized approach sets us apart. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. During your consultation, our experienced providers will thoroughly assess your skin type, acne type, scarring patterns, and lifestyle factors to create a customized treatment plan designed specifically for you. Our acne program combines lasers, facials, peels, and skincare to deliver clear, healthy skin. Schedule your consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
The timeline for visible results depends on the treatment type and severity of your acne. For treatments targeting active breakouts, laser facials, HydraFacial, or chemical peels, many patients notice improvement within 1–2 weeks as inflammation decreases and pores clear.
However, for treatments addressing acne scars and collagen remodeling, such as microneedling or CoolPeel, patience is key. You may see initial changes within 3–4 weeks, but optimal results typically develop over 2–3 months as new collagen forms and remodels. Your WIFH practitioner will set realistic expectations based on your specific treatment plan.
Absolutely! In fact, combining treatments often produces the best outcomes. At WIFH, our practitioners design personalized treatment plans that target breakouts, inflammation, and scarring together rather than relying on a single approach.
For example, a treatment plan may begin with laser facials to control active inflammatory acne. Once breakouts are stabilized, microneedling can be introduced to improve residual acne scarring and texture. Or we may combine a VI Peel to target active acne, post-acne pigmentation, or scarring, while oxygen facials are scheduled between peel treatments to deeply cleanse the skin, calm inflammation, and support barrier recovery. This allows corrective treatments to work effectively while keeping the skin balanced and resilient.
Yes, but treatment selection and parameters must be carefully customized for darker skin tones to prevent complications like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. At WIFH, we have extensive experience treating all Fitzpatrick skin tones (I-VI). For laser and light-based treatments, darker skin requires longer wavelengths and lower energy settings to avoid excessive absorption by melanin. We use advanced technologies like Nd:YAG lasers specifically designed for darker skin tones.
Chemical peels, microneedling, and HydraFacial are generally safe for all skin tones when performed correctly. The VI Peel, in particular, has a strong safety profile for darker skin because it contains ingredients that inhibit melanin production, reducing hyperpigmentation risk. Your practitioner will conduct a thorough skin assessment and may perform a test spot before full treatment to ensure safety.
Purging can occur with treatments that accelerate cell turnover, such as chemical peels, retinoids, and some laser treatments. These treatments bring underlying microcomedones (tiny clogs you couldn’t see yet) to the surface faster, making them appear as visible breakouts. While frustrating, purging is actually a sign that the treatment is working. Your practitioner will warn you if purging is likely to occur with your specific treatment plan.
Longevity depends on the treatment type and your commitment to maintenance. For acne scar treatments like microneedling with PRP or CoolPeel, results can be long-lasting because they’re based on actual collagen remodeling with the new collagen becoming part of your skin structure.
However, your skin continues aging and experiencing environmental damage, so touch-up treatments every 6–12 months help maintain optimal results. For active acne management, treatments like laser facials or HydraFacial provide temporary bacterial reduction and pore clearing, typically lasting 4–8 weeks. We recommend regular maintenance sessions. The most sustainable results come from combining professional treatments with an appropriate at-home skincare routine. Your WIFH practitioner will recommend a maintenance schedule tailored to your skin’s needs and your treatment goals.
Post-treatment skincare is crucial for both healing and maximizing results. Immediately after most treatments (24–48 hours), stick to gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers. Avoid all active ingredients. Don’t use retinoids, acids, vitamin C, or benzoyl peroxide during the initial healing period, as these can irritate compromised skin.
Sun protection is absolutely non-negotiable. Use a mineral-based (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) SPF 50+ sunscreen daily, as treated skin is extremely vulnerable to UV damage and hyperpigmentation. After the initial healing phase, you can gradually reintroduce activities, but follow your provider’s specific timeline. Your practitioner will recommend specific medical-grade products from WIFH that complement your professional treatments.
Active acne and acne scars require different treatment approaches because they involve different skin concerns.
For active inflammatory acne, the goal is to kill bacteria, reduce inflammation, and regulate oil production. The most effective treatments include laser facials (which target bacteria directly), VI Peel (which exfoliates and provides antimicrobial action), HydraFacial (for pore clearing), and oxygen facials (which create an oxygen-rich environment hostile to bacteria).
For acne scars, the goal is collagen remodeling to rebuild damaged tissue. The best treatments include microneedling with PRP or PureGF (triggers collagen synthesis), CoolPeel (resurfaces and stimulates collagen), and RF microneedling (combines mechanical injury with thermal energy for robust remodeling).
For comedonal acne (blackheads and whiteheads), HydraFacial, VI Peel, and microdermabrasion work best by clearing pores and preventing buildup.
At WIFH, we often recommend treating active acne first to bring breakouts under control, then addressing scarring once inflammation has resolved. This approach prevents new scars from forming while we treat existing ones.
Choosing the right acne treatment requires professional evaluation of multiple factors: your acne type (comedonal, inflammatory, cystic, hormonal), severity, scarring patterns, skin type (oily, dry, combination, sensitive), skin tone (Fitzpatrick type), previous treatments you’ve tried, lifestyle factors (like sun exposure or exercise habits), budget, and tolerance for downtime. This complexity is exactly why we don’t recommend self-diagnosing or choosing treatments based on internet (or ChatGPT) research alone.
During your complimentary consultation at WIFH, our practitioners conduct a thorough skin analysis using advanced imaging technology that can reveal concerns not visible to the naked eye. We’ll start by talking through your goals, concerns, and expectations. From there, we’ll recommend a treatment plan tailored to your skin so your time and investment are focused on treatments that truly work.
WIFH provides medical-grade acne treatments in Atlanta, backed by extensive experience and advanced technology. With more than 1.5 million laser treatments performed, our team brings deep expertise to treating all types of acne and acne scarring. Our practice is equipped with FDA-approved lasers, chemical peels, microneedling devices, and facial treatments, allowing us to tailor care based on each patient’s skin and needs.
What truly sets WIFH apart is our commitment to personalized care and never taking a cookie-cutter approach. Every treatment plan is customized based on your unique skin concerns, type, and goals. Our practitioners take the time to explain what’s happening with your skin and build a treatment plan that combines in-office care with the right at-home routine. If you’re ready to take a more informed, personalized approach to acne treatment, we invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation with our team and discover why Atlanta residents trust WIFH for their acne treatment needs.
