Breakouts are frustrating on their own, but having to deal with what they leave behind for years afterward can be downright defeating. Whether you're managing active acne right now or trying to fade the scars from years of breakouts, you deserve a treatment plan that actually works. At Augusta Aesthetics, we offer advanced, medical-grade solutions for acne treatment and acne scar reduction that go well beyond over-the-counter options.
Our experienced providers take the time to understand your skin, your concerns and your goals, then build a personalized approach that addresses both what's happening on the surface and what's driving it underneath.
Active Acne vs. Acne Scars: Understanding the Difference
Before diving into treatment options, it helps to understand what you're actually dealing with, since acne and acne scars are two distinct conditions that call for different approaches.
Active acne refers to current breakouts: pimples, cysts, blackheads and whiteheads caused by clogged pores, excess oil production, bacteria and inflammation. It can range from mild and occasional to severe and persistent, and hormonal fluctuations, diet, stress and skincare habits can all play a role.
Acne scars, on the other hand, are the result of skin damage caused by past breakouts. When pimples (especially inflammatory ones) heal, they can leave behind discoloration, uneven texture or depressed areas in the skin. Common types include:
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): Dark spots or patches that linger after a pimple heals
- Atrophic scars: Indented scars like icepick, boxcar or rolling scars caused by collagen loss
- Post-inflammatory erythema (PIE): Red or pink marks that persist after the inflammation resolves
Treating both at the same time is absolutely possible, but only successful with a well-informed strategy in place. At Augusta Aesthetics, we'll assess your skin during a consultation to determine the best path forward for your specific combination of concerns.
How BBL Hero Forever Clear Targets Acne
One of the most powerful tools we offer for active acne treatment is BBL Hero™ Forever Clear, a broadband light therapy that targets the root causes of breakouts with minimal downtime and side effects.
An Advanced Treatment Approach
This sophisticated acne reduction treatment platform uses pulses of broad-spectrum light to penetrate the skin at multiple wavelengths. The Forever Clear setting works through a three-step process:
- Blue light targets and destroys Cutibacterium acnes (formerly P. acnes), the bacteria responsible for most inflammatory breakouts
- Yellow light reduces inflammation and calms the redness associated with active lesions
- Infrared light triggers the skin's healing response, promoting tissue repair and reducing future breakout potential
The result is a treatment that actively fights breakouts while simultaneously improving skin tone, texture and overall health. Unlike topical acne treatments that work only on the surface, BBL Forever Clear reaches deeper into the skin to address inflammation at its source.
What to Expect During Treatment
A BBL session at Augusta Aesthetics is quick, typically taking no longer than 20 minutes for the treatment portion, and is designed with your comfort in mind. The handpiece glides across your skin while a built-in sapphire cooling system keeps the treatment comfortable throughout. Most patients describe the sensation as a mild snapping or warmth.
After your appointment, you may notice some light redness, similar to a mild flush, that typically resolves within a few hours. There's no significant downtime, so you can head back to your day right after. BBL Hero can be used to treat acne on the face, chest and back.
Treating Acne Scars: Microneedling and RF Microneedling
Once active acne is under control, the focus shifts to repairing the damage left behind. Microneedling, including radiofrequency (RF) microneedling, is widely regarded as one of the most effective treatments available for stubborn acne scars and uneven skin texture.
Standard Microneedling
Microneedling uses fine, sterile needles to create controlled micro-channels in the skin. This process triggers the body's natural wound-healing response, stimulating collagen and elastin production in the deeper tissue layers (dermis). As new collagen moves into the area and matures over time, the skin begins to fill in depressed acne scars, smooth out rough texture and improve overall tone.
Results build over several weeks as the skin continues to remodel itself. A series of three to six sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart, is typically recommended for acne scar treatment.
VirtueRF Microneedling
Augusta Aesthetics offers VirtueRF, an advanced RF microneedling device that combines the collagen-stimulating effects of traditional microneedling with the added power of radiofrequency energy. The RF energy is delivered precisely at the tip of each needle, heating the deeper layers of the dermis to powerfully stimulate the collagen remodeling effect.
For acne scars, particularly deeper atrophic scars, RF microneedling produces more dramatic results than standard microneedling alone. The combination of mechanical stimulation and thermal energy accelerates the skin's repair process, resulting in smoother, firmer skin over time.
VirtueRF is safe for most skin tones and types, making it an inclusive option for patients who may not be candidates for certain laser treatments.
Additional Treatment Options for Acne and Acne Scars
Every patient's skin is different, and a multifaceted approach often yields the best results. Depending on your specific concerns, your provider may recommend one or more of the following in addition to or instead of the treatments above.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels use carefully selected acids to exfoliate the outer layers of the skin, accelerating cell turnover and fading post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. They can also help unclog pores and reduce mild surface-level acne scarring. At Augusta Aesthetics, peel strength and formulation are customized to your skin type and tolerance level. We offer skinBetter Science’s AlphaRet Professional Peels and Skin Medica’s Illuminize Peel, Vitalize Peel and Rejuvenize Peel.
Medical-Grade Facials and DiamondGlow
Our DiamondGlow facial uses a diamond-tipped wand to simultaneously exfoliate, extract and infuse the skin with customized serums. It's an excellent option for patients with mild acne concerns or those looking to maintain skin clarity between more intensive treatments. The infusion step can be tailored with anti-inflammatory or brightening serums to support acne scar fading.
MOXI Laser
MOXI laser is a gentle, non-ablative fractional laser that improves overall skin tone and texture with minimal downtime. While it's not specifically designed to target blood vessels or active bacteria like BBL Hero, it's an excellent option for addressing post-inflammatory discoloration and the dullness or uneven texture that often comes with acne scarring. MOXI pairs beautifully with BBL treatments for patients who want well-rounded results.
BBL Hero vs. MOXI: Which Is Right for Your Skin?
Both BBL Hero and MOXI are powerful laser-based treatments, but they serve somewhat different purposes when it comes to acne and acne scars.
| BBL Hero | MOXI | |
| Best for | Active acne, redness, vascular concerns | Texture, tone, mild scarring |
| How it works | Broadband light targets bacteria and inflammation | Fractional laser triggers collagen and renewal |
| Downtime | Minimal (a few hours of redness) | Light flaking for three to five days |
| Treatment time | 15 to 20 minutes | 15 to 20 minutes |
| Skin tone suitability | Ideal for lighter to medium tones | Suitable for a broader range of skin tones |
For many patients dealing with both active acne and old acne scars, a combined approach using BBL Hero and MOXI offers the most complete results. Our team at Augusta will help you determine the smartest sequencing for your goals and timeline.
Building a Skincare Routine That Supports Your Results
Professional treatments deliver better, longer-lasting results when they're supported by a consistent at-home skincare routine. If you're working on acne treatment or acne scar improvement, a few key habits make a major difference.
Cleanse gently and consistently. Twice-daily cleansing removes excess oil, bacteria and environmental debris without stripping the skin's natural barrier. Avoid harsh scrubs or foaming cleansers with sulfates. At Augusta Aesthetics, our go-to cleansers for acne are SkinBetter Science Refining Foaming Wash and SkinMedica Pore Purifying Gel Cleanser.
Use SPF every single day. Sun exposure can worsen post-inflammatory pigmentation and slow the fading of acne scars. A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher is a non-negotiable!
Know your targeted actives. Ingredients like niacinamide, azelaic acid and retinoids support cell turnover, reduce inflammation and fade discoloration over time. Not all actives are appropriate for every skin type or acne treatment stage; we are happy to guide you toward the right formulations.
The SkinBetter Science® and SkinMedica® medical-grade skincare products we carry are formulated at clinical concentrations that over-the-counter options can’t achieve. We will recommend a routine tailored to your skin at your consultation.
Why Choose Augusta Aesthetics for Acne Treatment?
We know you have more than one option for acne treatment in Cincinnati, but Augusta Aesthetics offers something unique: a team of advanced nurse practitioners who genuinely care about your outcomes and take the time to get your treatment right.
Our providers, Erin, Rachel, Suzanne, and Brianna bring years of clinical expertise to every consultation. They stay current on the latest devices and techniques, and they take an educational approach to patient care, encouraging you to ask questions and understand exactly what's happening with your skin.
We also offer the Laser Lux Membership, which makes it more affordable and convenient to maintain your results with regular laser treatments. Members enjoy exclusive pricing on laser services, priority scheduling and special perks, including a 10% discount on all skin care products and facials for the year.
Ready for Clear Skin? Let's Talk.
Whether you've been dealing with acne for years or you're looking to finally address the scars that have been bothering you, Augusta Aesthetics is here to help. We'll take a close look at your skin, walk you through your options and build a plan you feel confident in.
Call or text us at 513-914-6062 or book your consultation online to get started.
Acne Treatment FAQs
Can I treat active acne and acne scars at the same time? Yes. In many cases, treating both at the same time is the most efficient and effective approach. BBL Hero can address active acne while microneedling and other treatments begin improving acne scars.
How long does it take to see results from microneedling for acne scars? Collagen remodeling takes time. Most patients begin noticing smoother texture and reduced acne scar depth within four to six weeks of their first session, with more significant improvement appearing after three or more treatments.
Is BBL Hero safe for darker skin tones? BBL Hero is best suited for lighter to medium skin tones. Patients with deeper skin tones may be better candidates for VirtueRF microneedling or MOXI. Your provider will assess your Fitzpatrick skin type during your consultation to recommend the safest and most effective approach.
What's the difference between acne scars and dark spots? Dark spots, also called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, are discoloration left behind after a breakout heals. They're flat and tend to fade over time with proper treatment and sun protection. True acne scars involve changes in skin texture and structure, such as pitting or indentation, and require more targeted collagen-stimulating treatments.
Do you offer payment plans? Yes! Augusta Aesthetics offers Cherry payment plans to help make your treatment plan more accessible. Ask our team for details when you contact us.