At Thames Skin Clinic, we are a leading acne clinic in Twickenham, London, using AviClear laser, medical skincare and scar treatments. As a CQC-registered and doctor-led skin clinic, we regularly see acne patients in London for AviClear.
AviClear is the first FDA-approved energy device for mild to severe acne. Thames Skin Clinic was one of the first five clinics outside the United States to offer it and the first to bring it to southwest London.
So if you’re exploring acne treatments, are interested in AviClear or already have your appointment booked, here is what you can expect from an aviclear acne treatment at Thames Skin Clinic.
What Happens at Your AviClear Consultation?
To start your AviClear acne treatment at Thames Skin Clinic, you will first have a personalised and in-depth consultation with Dr Anna Hemming. Dr Anna Hemming (MBChB BSc MRCGP) is a qualified medical doctor and former Buckingham Palace GP with over 20 years of medical experience. During your first acne or AviClear consultation, we first assess your skin and the severity of your acne.
How do we evaluate your acne severity?
We use the IGA (Investigators Global Assessment) score to evaluate the severity of your acne as well as its improvement during the course of your treatment. The score ranges from 0 to 4, where each score corresponds to a specific level of acne severity.
0-Clear = No acne lesions
1-Almost Clear = Rare non-inflammatory lesions (a few comedons) with no more than one small inflammatory lesion
2-Mild = Some non-inflammatory lesions (comedones) and a few inflammatory lesions (papules/pustules) but no nodules.
3-Moderate = Many non-inflammatory lesions and some inflammatory lesions with up to 1 nodule
4-Severe = Significant number of inflammatory lesions, several nodules, (potentially many non-inflammatory lesions)
During your consultation, we will also:
- Review your skin history and any previous treatments or medications you’ve had.
- Discuss your acne concerns and goals openly.
- Confirm whether AviClear is the right treatment for you.
- Explain the full process so you know exactly what to expect.
No blood tests, prescriptions or hormonal treatments are required beforehand for AviClear.
If you have been dealing with acne scarring alongside active breakouts, Dr Hemming can also discuss treatment, such as chemical peels, microneedling and laser options, as part of a wider skin plan.
How Does the AviClear Laser Work?
AviClear uses a high-power, 1726 nanometre, 100-watt laser. That specific wavelength is the reason this treatment is so different from anything that came before it. It targets the chromophore of sebum, meaning the laser energy is absorbed directly into the sebaceous glands (oil glands) that cause acne in the first place.
Rather than treating the surface of the skin, AviClear goes to the root of the problem. It suppresses oil gland activity, reduces sebum production and prevents the follicle blockages that lead to acne lesions and inflammation.
Find out more about how AviClear works in our complete guide to AviClear.
How Many AviClear Sessions Do You Need?
The standard course for AviClear is three sessions, spaced one month apart. This is the protocol Dr Hemming and our team follow with all AviClear patients at Thames Skin Clinic. Each session takes around 30 minutes, so you are looking at a total time commitment that is manageable.
Some patients with more persistent or severe acne may benefit from a fourth session. This will be discussed at your consultation and reviewed throughout your course.
How Much Does AviClear Cost in London?
AviClear is a private treatment and is not available on the NHS. At Thames Skin Clinic in Twickenham, each AviClear laser treatment is £1,300.
For patients choosing the recommended course of 3 treatments, we offer a fixed package:
- 3 x AviClear sessions for £2,995
- This is a saving of over £900 compared to paying for each session individually (£3,900)
This makes Thames Skin Clinic one of the most affordable and best‑priced AviClear providers in the UK for a doctor‑led, CQC‑registered clinic, without compromising on safety or outcomes.
During your consultation, Dr Anna Hemming will confirm whether you need the full 3‑session course or a bespoke plan, and give you a clear, final quote.
What Happens at an AviClear Session?
Here is the step-by-step of what to expect when you arrive for your AviClear laser session at Thames Skin Clinic in London:
- Arrival and skin preparation: Your skin will be cleansed and prepared before treatment begins. No numbing cream is required.
- The laser handpiece: The AviClear device uses a built-in sapphire cooling system called AviCool. This keeps your skin at a comfortable temperature throughout the session.
- The sensation: Most patients describe AviClear as mild warmth or a gentle tingling. It is not described as painful, and there is no need for an anaesthetic.
- The session itself: Treatment takes around 30 minutes from start to finish. You can come in on a lunch break and return to normal activities afterwards.
- Immediately after: You may notice some redness and mild swelling, similar to a light flush. This usually settles within a few hours to a couple of days. There is no downtime.
Thames Skin Clinic’s team has completed extensive AviClear training directly with Cutera, the manufacturer. Dr Hemming also holds a Lifetime Achievement Award from Cutera (2024), recognising her long-standing expertise with their technology.
Is AviClear Painful?
No. AviClear is not typically painful at all. The AviCool sapphire cooling technology built into the handpiece works continuously to regulate the skin’s temperature during treatment. The vast majority of patients at Thames Skin Clinic find the experience comfortable throughout, with no need for pain relief before or after.
What Should You Do After Your AviClear Session?
There is no downtime with AviClear, which is one of the reasons it suits busy lives. That said, there are a few simple aftercare steps that we advise:
- Avoid heavy exercise and direct sun exposure for 24 to 48 hours after each session.
- Apply a high SPF sunscreen daily throughout your course of treatment and daily.
- Keep your skincare routine gentle in the days immediately following treatment.
- Attend all three sessions as scheduled for the best results.
The Thames Skin Clinic team will give you specific aftercare guidance at your appointment. If you are looking for medical-grade skincare to support your skin during treatment, ZO Skin Health products are available at the clinic.
Who is a Good Candidate for AviClear?
AviClear is suitable for all skin types and tones. It is appropriate for both adolescents and adults dealing with a range of acne and oil-related skin concerns. It is particularly well-suited for:
- Mild to severe acne, including hormonal acne and persistent adult acne
- Oily skin and congestion
- Rosacea with an acne-based component
- Anyone who has not responded well to topical treatments, antibiotics or other oral treatments
- Patients who want a drug-free, chemical-free alternative to medication
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, AviClear is not currently recommended. This is something Dr Hemming will discuss openly at your consultation. To understand more about your acne type, read our article on the difference between teen acne and hormonal acne in adults.
It is also worth considering whether your current skincare products could be contributing to your breakouts. Our article on skincare ingredients to avoid if you have acne covers this in detail.
Ready to Book your AviClear Consultation?
If you are looking for AviClear acne treatment in London carried out by an award-winning medical team, Thames Skin Clinic in Twickenham is one of the most experienced providers in the UK. Hundreds of patients have already completed their Aviclear journey, receiving award winning results.
Dr Anna Hemming holds the qualifications MBChB, BSc, and MRCGP and was named Best Medical Practitioner UK and Ireland at the 2026 Aesthetic Awards and won the same category at the 2025 Aesthetic Medicine Awards. Some more of her industry awards include:
- Medical Aesthetic Practitioner of the Year at The Aesthetics Awards 2026
- Women in Aesthetics Empowerment Award 2026
- Aesthetic Practitioner of the Year (Doctor) at the Aesthetic Medicine Awards 2025
- Best Injectable Results at the Aesthetics Awards 2025
- Lifetime Achievement Award from Cutera 2024 in recognition of outstanding results in acne, scarring and rosacea treatment
- Best Clinic South UK at the Safety in Beauty Awards 2024
Book a consultation to discuss your skin with Dr Anna Hemming or a member of the team, and find out whether AviClear is the right next step for your skin.