Whether a reminder of stressful teenage days, or the remnant of adult blemishes, acne scars are not fun. And, cystic acne scars can be among the worst, with hollowed depressions that can make your face look like a lunar landscape.

Acne forms when oil (sebum) producing glands on your skin get blocked and infected with bacteria. That’s when you see the white pus of an active pimple. Here are 4 ways to treat active acne in Boston:

  1. Soothing the skin (with the right moisturizers, or tea tree oil), unclogging blocked glands (perhaps with salicylic acid), and eliminating the bacteria (such as with oral or topical antibiotics).
  2. Sometimes you’ll be prescribed stronger medications such as tretinoin (Retin-A) or isotretinoin (accutane). Oral contraceptives or androgen blockers (such as spironolactone) may also help.
  3. Other times, we recommend IPL (intense pulsed light) in Boston to treat your active acne. The special wavelengths of light get into the skin and kill the bacteria causing the acne. Just a few quick IPL treatments can greatly improve your skin.
  4. And, if you have a large cyst, we may inject these with a steroid medication to reduce the inflammation and allow the cyst to calm down and resolve.


Meet Our Doctors

Dr. Jeffrey Spiegel


Dr. Jeffrey Spiegel

With special expertise in all aspects of facial plastic surgery, and a particular skill for revision surgery, it’s clear why Dr. Spiegel is one of the most celebrated facial plastic surgeons in the world. If you are seeking the best possible results, or have a uniquely challenging problem, you’ve found the right doctor.

Learn More About Dr. Jeffrey Spiegel

Dr. Onir L. Spiegel


Dr. Onir L. Spiegel

Dr. Onir (pronounced “oh-near”) has years of experience in facial aesthetics and treats some of the most recognizable and famous faces. Dr. Onir started her career in oral health, earning doctorate degrees from both New York University and Boston University. She has been the recipient of numerous awards for her cutting-edge medical research as well as her technical skills in dentistry.

Learn More About Dr. Onir L. Spiegel

Dr. Jacob Tower


Dr. Jacob Tower

A board-certified specialist in facial plastic surgery, Dr. Jacob Tower brings a thoughtful approach and an artistic eye to New England’s premier plastic surgery practice, The Spiegel Center in Newton, Massachusetts. In addition to being an in-demand surgeon, Dr. Tower is an assistant professor at the Boston University School of Medicine, a sought-after lecturer, and an expert in facial plastic surgery.

Learn More About Dr. Jacob Tower
Back to Blog

Sticky bar popup.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Ad alias animi commodi distinctio doloremque eum exercitationem facilis in ipsum iusto magnam, mollitia pariatur praesentium rem repellat temporibus veniam vitae voluptatum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Ad alias animi commodi distinctio doloremque eum exercitationem facilis in ipsum iusto magnam, mollitia pariatur

Button

Contact us media
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at 617-566-3223.
Contact Us