Struggling with persistent or stubborn acne? Get expert assessment and a personalised treatment plan designed around your skin, your symptoms and your goals.
Private Acne & Acne Scar Treatment Manchester
- Fast access & no waiting lists
- Personalised treatment plans
- Convenient North-West Locations
- No GP referral required
When should you see a dermatologist about acne?
It's worth seeing a dermatologist if your acne hasn't improved after two or three months of pharmacy or GP treatment, if you have deep, painful nodules or cysts, or if your spots are leaving scars or dark marks. You should also see one if acne is affecting your mood or confidence.
What acne treatments do we offer?
After assessing your skin, your dermatologist may recommend one or more of these:
Prescription topical treatments - such as retinoids or combination creams and gels.
Oral antibiotics - usually combined with a topical treatment and used for a limited period.
Hormonal treatments - which can help women whose acne is linked to their hormones.
Chemical peels and in-clinic skin treatments - to reduce oil, unblock pores and improve skin texture.
Treatments for acne scars - including CO₂ laser.
Acne scarring laser treatment
Acne can leave lasting changes to the texture and appearance of the skin, even after active breakouts have cleared. Depressed or uneven acne scars can be particularly difficult to improve with skincare alone.
For suitable patients, fractional CO₂ laser resurfacing can be used to improve the appearance of acne scarring and uneven skin texture.
At Pall Mall Medical, CO₂ laser resurfacing is performed by Mr Gautham Ullas using the medical-grade Vjuve MD fractional CO₂ laser. The treatment creates precisely controlled microscopic treatment zones in the skin. This removes targeted areas of damaged tissue while leaving surrounding skin intact, helping to stimulate the body's natural healing response and collagen remodelling.
Over time, this can help improve skin texture and make selected acne scars less noticeable.
What types of acne scarring can CO₂ laser treat?
Acne scars are not all the same. Your dermatologist or specialist will assess the type, depth and distribution of your scarring before recommending treatment.
CO₂ laser resurfacing may be considered for suitable patients with:
- Depressed or atrophic acne scars
- Boxcar-type acne scars
- Rolling or uneven acne scarring
- Uneven skin texture following acne
- Enlarged pores associated with uneven skin texture
Some deeper or tethered scars may require a different treatment or a combination approach. CO₂ laser is not automatically the right treatment for every type of acne scar.
How does CO₂ laser resurfacing improve acne scars?
Fractional CO₂ laser delivers controlled laser energy into microscopic areas of the skin. The treatment removes targeted damaged tissue while stimulating collagen production and remodelling beneath the skin.
As the skin heals, new collagen develops and the treated areas gradually become smoother. Improvements continue to develop over the weeks and months following treatment.
The treatment is tailored to your skin, the characteristics of your acne scarring and the level of resurfacing considered appropriate.
Is CO₂ laser suitable for everyone with acne scars?
No. A consultation is an important part of the treatment process.
Your specialist will assess your skin, the type and severity of your acne scarring, your skin characteristics and your expectations. They will also discuss potential risks, recovery time and alternative treatment options.
If CO₂ laser is not the most appropriate option for your scars, your specialist will explain this and discuss alternatives where appropriate.
Meet our Consultant Dermatologists & Acne scarring specialists
Our skin specialists have had specialist training in the field, with years of experience treating Acne. Their goal is to provide a comprehensive, long-term solution that not only clears your skin but also helps prevent future breakouts.
We put your skin's health at the heart of our care.
Pall Mall is medical care owned and led by doctors –which means care without compromise. We’re driven by how best we can deliver what will make you feel great about yourself – from your first call right through to total, attentive aftercare.
- Convenient clinic loactions
- Rated Excellent on Trustpilot
- No waiting lists.
- No referrals required.
Dermatologist top tips to manage acne before your consultation:
To get an accurate assessment of your skin's condition, we recommend following these simple tips to manage your acne before your consultation. Doing so will help us create the best long-term solution for you. Here are some of our top tips to help prepare your skin and get the most out of your consultation.
Keep your routine simple: Before your consultation, simplify your skincare routine by using only a gentle cleanser and moisturizer to avoid irritation.
Be gentle: Avoid picking, squeezing, or popping your spots. This can lead to increased inflammation, scarring, and a risk of infection.
Don't Start New Treatments: Resist the temptation to try new over-the-counter products just before your visit. This can make it difficult for your dermatologist to determine what's working and what's causing irritation.
Don't Over-Cleanse: Washing your face too often can strip away natural oils, which can lead to your skin producing even more oil. Stick to washing your face twice a day—once in the morning and once at night.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acne
What does private acne treatment involve at Pall Mall Medical?
Private acne treatment at Pall Mall Medical starts with a thorough skin assessment by an expert dermatologist. From this detailed consultation, a personalised treatment plan is created, which may include topical medications, oral treatments, scarring solutions, chemical peels or specialist skincare tailored to your skin type and acne severity.
What causes acne and how is it treated?
Acne happens when oil, dead skin cells and bacteria clog pores, leading to blackheads, pustules and inflammation. Dermatologists treat acne with a combination of topical creams, oral medications and targeted therapies designed to reduce oil production, fight bacteria, and prevent scarring
Can acne treatment help with acne scars?
Yes. Beyond clearing active breakouts, specialist dermatologists can recommend effective acne scarring treatments, such as dermaroller, chemical peels and other procedures that improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of scars.
Do I need a GP referral for private acne treatment?
No referral is needed. You can book direct access to a private dermatology consultation at Pall Mall Medical without going through a GP or NHS referral.
How soon can I expect results from acne treatment?
Acne improvement timelines vary depending on the severity of your condition and the treatments used. Many patients start noticing changes within weeks of following their personalised plan, though longer treatment may be needed for persistent or more severe acne
Can CO₂ laser resurfacing help with acne scars?
Fractional CO₂ laser resurfacing can be used to improve the appearance of selected acne scars and uneven skin texture. Your dermatologist will assess the type and severity of your scarring and discuss whether CO₂ laser resurfacing is appropriate for you. Other treatments may be recommended depending on the type of scarring.
How much does a private acne consultation cost?
A private acne consultation at Pall Mall Medical costs £250. Your dermatologist will assess your skin, review your symptoms and any previous treatments, and create a personalised treatment plan. You can spread the cost with interest-free payments through Klarna or Clearpay, and you don't need a GP referral.
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