Acne Treatment with the Venus Versa

While acne can vary in severity in different people (from a few spots appearing once in a while; to prolonged, significant issues that can potentially leave deep scarring), and the condition can present in different areas of the body, generally, all forms of acne can have a detrimental impact on self-confidence.

At Derma, we understand that choosing the correct acne treatment can be a tricky and daunting task. With so many options to choose from it can be hard to decide which treatment plan best suits your needs. Here at Derma there are various remedial options, which will be advised by our expert dermatologists according to the patient’s acne and their individual requirements.

At Derma we offer the following acne treatments:

Topical treatments: For most people with mild acne, spots can be controlled using topical treatments that can be obtained from a pharmacist. These have a variety of anti-acne agents, such as benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is an anti-inflammatory cream, helping to decrease the number of whiteheads and blackheads, whilst lessening the acne-causing bacteria on the skin.

Antibiotics: Antibiotics are often administered alongside topical treatments for more moderate to severe acne. Like Benzoyl Peroxide, they work by clearing the skin of the acne-causing bacteria whilst calming inflammation. They usually take a couple of months to see their full effects.

Isotretinoin (Roaccutane): Roaccutane is prescribed to patients suffering with severe acne, and acne that is at risk of causing permanent scarring. Roaccutane works by shrinking the oil glands in the skin, stopping sebum from clogging the pores and creating spots. The side effects of isotretinoin treatment can be serious, so only dermatologists can prescribe it, and close monitoring of the patient is required during the treatment.

Venus Versa IPL: If you would prefer to avoid the use pharmaceuticals in the treatment of your acne, then the Venus Versa IPL system an advanced treatment for mild to moderate acne, which addresses both the cause and visible symptoms of acne. Please find the information regarding the Venus Versa IPL acne treatment below.

Whatever your needs, you can rest assured that Derma will provide the very best care for your skin, with access to the latest research and treatments. Dr Clayton has a very high success rate in treating acne, with almost all patients seeing significant improvements with time

What is Acne Treatment with the Venus Versa?

While acne can vary in severity in different people (from a few spots appearing once in a while; to prolonged, significant issues that can potentially leave deep scarring), and the condition can present in different areas of the body, generally, all forms of acne can have a detrimental impact on self-confidence.

At Derma, we offer the gold standard of dermatological treatment – meaning every treatment we provide is state-of-the-art and backed by scientific evidence. This is why we’ve chosen to offer treatment for mild to moderate acne with the Venus Versa – the very best in cutting edge technology.

Using dual-light technology, the treatment works in two ways: to heal existing inflammation caused by acne vulgaris, while simultaneously destroying acne-causing bacteria (p. acnes) to minimise the likelihood of future breakouts. The result is clearer, healthier skin that is less oily and less prone to the clogged pores that can cause blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts.

More than half of the population suffers from acne, and while advanced acne treatments are not essential for every person, for many, they can be life-changing, in helping patients to resolve their acne, restore their confidence and better match how they feel on the inside with their outward appearance.

At Derma, we offer dermatologist-led care, and our patients are only ever treated by the most qualified practitioners in a sterile clinical setting.

While acne treatment with the Venus Versa can have a significant positive impact on a person’s self-confidence, it is not suitable for everyone. This is why before undergoing any treatment, it is essential to first have a consultation with the dermatologist, whose expertise in the medical treatment of the skin can best determine whether it will be suitable and effective, and who can identify how many sessions you will likely need in order to attain the desired outcome.

What is the Benefit of Acne Treatment with the Venus Versa?

Acne treatment with the Venus Versa will optimise conditions so that the skin’s inflammation is being healed while acne-causing bacteria are destroyed, restoring healthy, clear skin and helping to improve self-confidence.

Because the treatment targets the skin directly, you may not need to take additional measures (such as topical creams or prescription tablets) to treat acne, although, in some more severe cases, the treatment may be combined with another routine.  

Acne treatment with the Venus Versa is safe for use on all skin types.

Treatment can be performed by an expert practitioner on multiple areas of the body, so patients can be reassured that no matter where the problem is, they don’t have to feel embarrassed, and there is a good chance that their acne can be treated.

There is no downtime and treatment can often be performed in as little as 20 minutes, depending on the area being treated. An appointment can often be carried out during a lunch break.

A course of between 8 and 10 sessions are typically needed to achieve the desired results.  The number of sessions will depend on the individual patient, and the type of acne that they suffer from.



Acne treatment with the Venus Versa is safe for use on all skin types. A course of between 8 and 10 sessions are typically needed to achieve the desired results.  The number of sessions will depend on the individual patient and the type of acne that they suffer from.



Who is Acne Treatment with the Venus Versa Suitable For?

Patients wishing to treat their mild to moderate acne would be potential candidates, however not all patients are medically suitable for treatment; or they may have to wait before they can safely undergo the procedure.

Those who might not be suitable for treatment include people;

  • Who have a metal implant in or near the area to be treated
  • Who have any diseases that can be stimulated by light (for example, epilepsy or lupus);
  • Who have any active conditions in the area to be treated (for example, eczema, psoriasis, or a rash);
  • Who have a history of skin disorders, keloid scarring, unusual wound healing or extremely dry skin (this will be discussed in consultation);
  • Who either have cancer, or have had cancer in the past 5 years;
  • Who are pregnant or breastfeeding;
  • Who have a history of disease near the area to be treated that could be triggered by heat (for example, herpes);
  • Who have poorly controlled endocrine disorders (for example,  diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome);
  • Who have undergone surgery within the past 6 months;
  • Whose areas to be treated would mean passing over tattoos or permanent makeup;
  • Whose skin is very tanned after being exposed to UV rays, either from the sun or from artificial tanning.

Any aesthetic treatment such as anti-wrinkle injections or dermal fillers must have appropriately settled before acne treatment with the Venus Versa would be suitable. You can discuss this confidentially in consultation so that you can plan ahead.

What is the Process of Acne Treatment with the Venus Versa?

Prior to undergoing acne treatment, you may need to prepare, and if you are taking certain medications, or have underlying medical conditions, your dermatologist will advise you of any special considerations prior to your appointment.

The area to be treated will need to be clean, so you cannot use any makeup, creams or lotions beforehand, so you may want to keep that in mind when planning your day. If you have a lot of hair in the area that’s being treated, you might be asked to shave it ahead of your appointment, so that the treatment can work optimally. 

To determine whether you are a suitable candidate for treatment,  it is recommended that you book in for a consultation with the dermatologist, who will take your medical history and examine the area to be treated. The dermatologist will advise on the best course of treatment for your acne.  If it is appropriate to treat your acne with the Venus Versa then he/she will explain all of the potential side-effects, to enable you to decide whether acne treatment with the Venus Versa is the right treatment option for you. You can take time to consider this – you don’t have to decide on the spot. If it is suitable to proceed, and you meet the criteria to have the treatment performed, you may be able to have the spot test performed that day.

The spot test is carried out to ensure that your skin reacts as expected to the treatment without any adverse effects. This involves a pulse of the Intense Pulsed Light to be delivered to a small patch of skin in the area to be treated. The spot test is performed at least 24 or 48 hours (depending on skin type) before the full treatment can be carried out.

After the spot test, for the actual treatment, you will be asked to lie down comfortably on a couch, and the expertly-trained practitioner will pass the device over the area to be treated. Acne treatment with the Venus Versa may feel like a light elastic snap on the surface of the skin, but the treatment is not usually considered painful, and doesn’t normally require any anaesthetic beforehand. Some areas might be more sensitive than others – for example, the upper lip – so if it is a little intense during your first treatment, you can let the practitioner know, and they can adjust the intensity to make you more comfortable during the process.

You will be given follow-up care instructions on what to expect and what to avoid after your treatment, and it is important to follow these instructions to the letter.

Usually you can leave the clinic straight away after, as there is no downtime. You are able to use products on your skin straight away and you will be given advice about which creams to use to protect your skin.

Acne treatment usually requires multiple sessions, typically twice a week for 4-6 weeks, and the effects can be subtle initially, but patients undergoing subsequent sessions are likely to see the results more quickly.

What are the Risks and Complications of Acne Treatment with the Venus Versa?

If the patient meets all criteria to have the treatment, it is quite safe and effective in properly trained hands, but it is possible to have complications, and in most cases, they would be minor – such as;

  • Scabbing;
  • Tenderness or swelling in the areas that have been treated;

If complications occur, follow your aftercare instructions, and the clinic will be able to recommend a prescription antibiotic cream if necessary. Never use any treatment other than what the dermatologist has advised if you have complications.  

If you have underlying medical conditions or are regularly taking medications, it is essential that you let your dermatologist know when they take your medical history during the consultation.

What is the Recovery Time and Outcome for Acne Treatment with the Venus Versa?

If you are suitable for acne treatment with the Venus Versa, and it is the right option for you, the procedure usually takes about 20-30 minutes, and any redness usually disappears within 5-10 days.

During this time, you will want to ensure you are following the appropriate follow-up care instructions. While you’ll need to be staying well away from exposure to UV rays (whether sunlight or other sources) for up to 4 weeks depending on your skin type, once you have been told it is appropriate to use a lotion on the skin, make sure you are using an SPF of at least factor 30 in the area that’s been treated.

You should also avoid hot baths and rigorous exercise for at least 24 hours after treatment.

The full effects of the treatment are visible after multiple sessions, and you may want to undergo subsequent treatments to maintain your healthy clear skin.

Whatever your needs, you can rest assured that Derma will provide the very best care for your skin, with access to the latest research and treatments.

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