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Acne and acne scars

Acne and acne scars

Acne is one of the most common skin diseases and affects adolescents as well as adults. In most cases, it is easily treatable - early, individually tailored therapy is crucial. Our treatment is based on the updated Swiss practice recommendations 2025 and international guidelines that define evidence-based strategies for categorisation, treatment and aftercare.

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Cause

Cause

Acne is not a question of poor hygiene, but a chronic inflammatory disease of the sebaceous gland follicles.

Four mechanisms work together:

  • Excessive sebum production (hormonally influenced)
  • Cornification disorder in the hair follicle
  • Proliferation of Cutibacterium acnes
  • Inflammatory immune reaction

Depending on the severity, blackheads, papules, pustules or deep nodules develop.

Acne forms

Acne forms

  • Mild acne (acne comedonica): mainly blackheads, low inflammation
  • Moderate acne (acne papulopustulosa): inflammatory lesions with a medium risk of scarring
  • Severe acne (acne conglobata / acne fulminans): deep lumps, abscesses, high risk of scarring
  • Adult acne (acne tarda): common in adults, often in the chin area

Acne therapy

Acne therapy

The Swiss Practice Recommendations 2025 stipulate that acne patients should be clearly assessed according to severity and receive a structured treatment concept.

Therapy principles

Induction therapy (initial treatment)

  • Topical retinoids as a basis
  • Combination with benzoyl peroxide (BPO) for moderate acne
  • An additional systemic antibiotic for inflammatory acne
  • For severe acne with a tendency to scarring: systemic retinoids (e.g. isotretinoin)

Success is defined as a reduction of the inflammatory lesions by more than approx. 50 % within 3 months.

Maintenance therapy

After successful induction, maintenance therapy should be given in all cases - regardless of severity - usually with topical retinoids with or without benzoyl peroxide.

Aftercare

Aftercare depends on the chosen treatment method.

In general, direct sunlight (UV light, solarium) should be avoided for 4 weeks after treatment.

You will receive detailed information during your consultation.

Acne scars

Acne scars

Scars are caused by deep inflammatory processes and can be psychologically stressful. The earlier acne treatment begins, the lower the risk of scars. Several dermatological procedures are available today for existing scars.

In a personal consultation, we determine the most suitable procedure for your skin type and scar type

Laser therapy

Different lasers are used depending on the clinical findings. Vascular lasers are the method of choice for inflammatory acne and flat or hypertrophic reddened acne scars. Pigment-selective lasers are mainly used for post-inflammatory pigment shifts. Fractionated ablative and non-ablative lasers are the method of choice for the treatment of atrophic acne scars.

Laser therapy in combination with autologous blood therapy

Fractional laser treatment can be combined with autologous blood therapy. Autologous blood therapy contains highly concentrated growth factors that accelerate the healing process. In this combination, a small amount of blood is taken, centrifuged and the growth factors isolated. After the laser treatment, several injections are made and the outer layer of the skin is treated, allowing it to penetrate the skin through the microchannels created by the laser. The benefits of this combination are improved skin renewal, accelerated wound healing with shorter downtime and stimulation of collagen production.

Skinbooster

Skin boosters can also help with atrophic acne scars. They improve the skin structure and can reduce the appearance of scars.

Prices

The costs for the diagnosis and treatment of acne are covered by basic health insurance. Follow-up treatments for scar correction with skin boosters, laser therapies or deep needling are not covered by health insurance. These services must be paid for directly after the treatment.

Laser treatment

Laser (partial areas depending on extent) from 400.

Skinbooster

Skinbooster from CHF 1000.-

Why is dermatological support important?

Why is dermatological support important?

Acne can have a significant impact on everyday life, self-esteem and quality of life. Studies show that these psychosocial consequences of moderate to severe acne are comparable to chronic internal diseases. Early, structured and guideline-compliant treatment reduces inflammation, prevents scars and significantly improves quality of life.

Your personal skin check

Your personal skin check

Do you suffer from acne or acne scars? Our practice offers you:

  • Personalised diagnostics
  • Evidence-based, customised treatment according to the latest Swiss, German, European and American recommendations
  • Continuous follow-up
  • Holistic advice on skin care, lifestyle and prevention

Make an appointment now - for clear skin and a better quality of life.

We are happy to advise you personally

We would be happy to inform you about the details of a treatment in a personal consultation.

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PD Dr Laurence Imhof, Head of dermatology