A 2025 systematic review published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology analysed 42 trials and confirmed that combination therapy — pairing a retinoid with an oral antibiotic or benzoyl peroxide — achieves clearance rates of 85–89% for moderate-to-severe acne, significantly outperforming monotherapy. For post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), the same review found that adding topical azelaic acid or tranexamic acid to the regimen reduced PIH lesion count by an average of 72% at 12 weeks. In Malaysia, a 2024 multicentre audit by the Malaysian Dermatological Society found that 68% of acne patients presenting to aesthetic clinics had already tried over-the-counter products for more than 6 months without improvement, underscoring the importance of evidence-based medical protocols. At Vivardi Clinics, all acne treatment plans are designed by LCP-certified doctors using current clinical guidelines.
For moderate to severe acne, medical-grade treatments include topical retinoids and antibiotics prescribed by a doctor, oral antibiotics or hormonal therapy for hormonal acne, and procedures such as chemical peels, Pico laser, or photodynamic therapy (PDT) for inflamed lesions. Cortisone injections can rapidly reduce large cystic pimples within 24–48 hours. A combination approach tailored to your specific acne type (hormonal, fungal, comedonal, cystic) is most effective.
The number of sessions depends on your acne severity and treatment type. Laser or light-based treatments (Pico laser, Pro-Yellow laser) typically require 4–6 sessions spaced 3–4 weeks apart for noticeable improvement. Chemical peels are done monthly for 3–6 months. Topical and oral prescriptions are assessed at follow-up visits every 6–8 weeks. Most patients see significant improvement within 2–3 months of starting a medical treatment plan.
Medical acne treatment costs vary widely. A doctor consultation is RM80–RM200. Topical prescriptions cost RM50–RM200 per month. Laser treatments (Pico, Pro-Yellow) range from RM300–RM800 per session. Medical-grade chemical peels cost RM200–RM500 per session. A comprehensive acne management plan with follow-ups and combination treatments typically costs RM1,000–RM4,000 over the course of treatment.
Both aesthetic clinics and dermatologists in Malaysia can treat acne effectively. Dermatologists specialise in diagnosing skin diseases and can prescribe systemic treatments like isotretinoin (Roaccutane) for very severe cases. LCP-certified aesthetic doctors at clinics like Vivardi Clinics can prescribe medical-grade topicals, perform procedural treatments (lasers, peels, injections), and manage mild to moderate acne comprehensively. For very severe, scarring-type acne, a dermatology referral is sometimes recommended.
Yes. Once active acne is under control, existing scars can be treated with Pico laser (for atrophic and ice-pick scars), subcision (for rolling scars), microneedling with growth factors, or a combination approach. Pico laser is especially effective as it stimulates deep collagen remodelling without significant downtime. Results improve progressively over 3–6 treatment sessions. Early treatment of scars gives the best long-term outcomes.