Professional Acne Treatment in Lansing, MI
Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting nearly 50 million Americans each year according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Yet most people in the Lansing area are still relying on topical creams, antibiotics, or over-the-counter products that treat the surface — not the source. At Maison Zolara, our licensed registered nurse (RN) clinicians deliver a clinically validated laser protocol that goes deeper: targeting the sebaceous glands, eliminating Cutibacterium acnes bacteria, and reducing inflammation — all in a single comfortable session with no downtime.
Whether you are dealing with persistent hormonal breakouts, inflammatory cystic acne, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation left behind by past blemishes, our MD-supervised team creates a personalized treatment plan built around your skin, your schedule, and your goals. Sessions start From $350, and final pricing is confirmed at your complimentary consultation.
- ✓Aerolase NeoElite
- ✓FDA-cleared technology
- ✓All skin types
- ✓MD-supervised
- ✓RN-performed
- ✓Free consultation
- ✓Package pricing available
How It Works
Acne develops when four interconnected factors converge: excess sebum production driven by androgens, abnormal follicular keratinization, Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) bacterial proliferation, and a resulting inflammatory cascade. According to the NIH's StatPearls resource, androgens stimulate sebaceous gland growth and secretory function, providing a growth medium in which C. acnes hydrolyzes triglycerides into free fatty acids — the trigger for the inflammatory response that produces papules, pustules, and nodules. ↗
Effective medical-grade treatment must address all four pillars simultaneously. The Aerolase NeoElite does exactly that — without contact, without gels, and without the recovery time associated with traditional resurfacing devices.
"Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting nearly 50 million Americans each year." — American Academy of Dermatology, 2024 ↗
What It Treats
Our acne treatment protocol addresses a broad spectrum of concerns across all skin types and all ages.
Inflammatory Acne
Active papules, pustules, and nodules driven by C. acnes bacteria and sebaceous gland overactivity. The laser's thermal energy destroys bacteria within the follicle and reduces sebum production at the source.
Cystic & Hormonal Acne
Deep, painful cysts common in adult women and those with hormonal fluctuations. The 1064 nm wavelength penetrates to the depth of the sebaceous gland without damaging overlying skin.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Red and brown marks left after breakouts — especially common in Fitzpatrick skin types III–VI. The Aerolase NeoElite's low thermal profile makes it one of the safest options for treating PIH in melanin-rich skin.
Back & Body Acne
Breakouts on the back, chest, and shoulders respond well to the same 1064 nm protocol used for facial acne, with no gels or consumables required.
Aerolase NeoElite
The Aerolase NeoElite is a 650-microsecond pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser — a proprietary pulse duration that sets it apart from conventional Nd:YAG devices, which typically operate between 3 and 30 milliseconds. That ultra-short pulse delivers high-energy photons deep into the dermis while the epidermis cools naturally between pulses, eliminating the need for contact cooling, topical gels, or numbing agents.
1064 nm Wavelength
The 1064 nm wavelength passes through the epidermis with minimal melanin absorption, penetrating to the depth of the sebaceous gland and the pilosebaceous unit where acne originates. This deep reach is what makes it effective where surface treatments fail.
650-Microsecond Pulse
The ultra-short 650-microsecond pulse duration delivers sufficient thermal energy to destroy C. acnes bacteria and thermally damage sebaceous glands — reducing oil production — without overheating surrounding tissue or triggering post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Contact-Free & Gel-Free
Unlike many laser platforms, the NeoElite requires no cooling gel, no contact tip, and no consumables. Treatment is cleaner, faster, and more comfortable — and there is no risk of cross-contamination between patients.
Safe for All Skin Types
Aerolase's proprietary technology is specifically designed for safe treatment of all Fitzpatrick skin types I–VI, including patients with deeper skin tones where traditional lasers carry elevated PIH risk. ↗
FDA-Cleared
The Aerolase NeoElite is FDA-cleared for the treatment of acne vulgaris and multiple other dermatological indications. All treatments at Maison Zolara are performed under strict on-staff Medical Director supervision.
No Downtime
Most patients return to normal activities immediately after treatment. There is no peeling, no prolonged redness, and no sun-sensitivity window that would prevent daily routines.
The Science: How the Laser Targets Acne
The Aerolase NeoElite's 1064 nm Nd:YAG wavelength is selectively absorbed by oxyhemoglobin and water in the dermis, allowing it to reach the sebaceous gland and the follicular unit without significant epidermal absorption. Once the laser energy reaches the pilosebaceous unit, three simultaneous mechanisms occur:
- Bacterial elimination — Direct photothermal heating destroys C. acnes bacteria within the hair follicle, reducing the bacterial load that drives inflammatory lesions.
- Sebaceous gland suppression — Thermal damage to the sebaceous gland reduces sebum output, removing the nutrient-rich environment that sustains bacterial proliferation.
- Anti-inflammatory action — The laser's energy reduces inflammatory mediators in the dermis, calming active lesions and reducing the risk of post-inflammatory scarring.
A 2020 double-blind randomized controlled study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology by Kesty and Goldberg demonstrated that a 650-microsecond 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser effectively treats acne — the first study of its kind to compare laser treatment against a sham control. ↗
Safety & Risks
The Aerolase NeoElite's ultra-short pulse duration and 1064 nm wavelength make it one of the most favorable safety profiles of any energy-based acne device. Because the wavelength is minimally absorbed by melanin, the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — a significant concern with many laser and light-based devices — is substantially reduced across all skin tones.
Clinical bottom line: The Aerolase NeoElite is safe for Fitzpatrick skin types I–VI, including patients with darker skin tones who have historically been underserved by laser-based acne treatments. All sessions at Maison Zolara are performed by our licensed RN clinicians under on-staff Medical Director oversight.
Potential side effects are generally mild and transient:
- Temporary redness — Mild erythema lasting 30–60 minutes is the most common response.
- Mild warmth or tingling — Typically resolves within hours of treatment.
- Temporary dryness — Occasional mild dryness in the treatment area.
Serious adverse events are rare when treatment is performed by trained clinicians following established protocols. Our team conducts a thorough skin assessment and medical history review before every treatment to ensure candidacy and optimize parameters.
Contraindications include active photosensitizing medications, isotretinoin use within the past 6 months, open wounds or active skin infections in the treatment area, and certain autoimmune conditions. A full medical intake is completed at your consultation.
Laser vs. Peels & Acne Facials
Patients often ask how the Aerolase NeoElite compares to salicylic acid peels, blue-light LED phototherapy, and medical-grade extraction facials. Each approach has a distinct mechanism and appropriate use case.
The table below describes the key differences at a glance.
| Feature | Aerolase NeoElite Laser | Salicylic Peels | Blue-Light LED | Extraction Facials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Depth of action | Dermis / sebaceous gland | Epidermis / surface | Epidermis | Surface / pore |
| Targets bacteria | Yes — thermal destruction | Indirectly | Yes — photodynamic | Manually |
| Reduces sebum | Yes — gland suppression | No | No | No |
| Safe all skin types | Yes — Fitzpatrick I–VI | Caution III–VI | Generally yes | Yes |
| Downtime | None | 3–7 days peeling | None | Minimal |
| Session time | 20–30 min | 30–45 min | 20–30 min | 45–60 min |
Chemical peels using salicylic acid work by exfoliating the epidermis and unclogging pores — an effective surface-level approach for mild comedonal acne, but with limited reach into the sebaceous gland. Blue-light LED phototherapy activates porphyrins produced by C. acnes to generate a bactericidal effect, but does not address sebum production or deeper inflammatory acne. Medical-grade extraction facials manually clear blocked pores and are best suited as a complementary maintenance step.
The Aerolase NeoElite is the only modality that simultaneously addresses all four pathogenic pillars of acne — bacteria, sebum, inflammation, and follicular obstruction — at the dermal level, without downtime or skin-type restrictions. For many patients, a combination approach is optimal; our licensed RN clinicians will recommend the right protocol at your consultation.
What to Expect
Before Your Treatment
Your journey begins with a complimentary consultation. Our licensed RN clinicians review your skin history, current medications, acne severity, and skin type. We assess your Fitzpatrick classification and discuss realistic timelines and outcomes. No topical anesthetics or pre-treatment gels are required.
During Treatment
Sessions typically last 20–30 minutes for the face. The NeoElite handpiece glides over the skin without contact — patients describe the sensation as a gentle warmth or mild snapping, similar to a light rubber band. No numbing cream is needed for most patients. Our RN clinicians adjust fluence and pulse settings in real time based on your skin's response.
After Treatment
You may notice mild redness for 30–60 minutes post-treatment, which resolves on its own. There is no peeling, no wound care, and no mandatory sun avoidance period — though daily broad-spectrum SPF is always recommended. Most patients return to work, school, or social activities immediately.
Aftercare
Proper aftercare supports your results and protects your investment. The guidelines below are straightforward and easy to follow.
Pricing
Acne treatment at Maison Zolara starts From $350 per session. Maison Circle members receive member pricing and can track their full treatment journey — including session history, aftercare notes, and upcoming appointments — in the Zolara Care app (available on the App Store).
Series Packages Available — multi-session packages offer the best value for patients committing to a full treatment course. Final pricing, including package options, is confirmed at your complimentary consultation.
| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Single session | From $350 |
| Maison Circle member session | From $310 |
| Series packages | Series Packages Available |
Pricing varies based on treatment area, acne severity, and session count. All pricing is confirmed at consultation — there are no hidden fees or surprise charges.
Am I a Good Candidate?
The Aerolase NeoElite is one of the most inclusive acne treatments available — suitable for virtually all skin types, ages, and acne presentations. The following guide can help you assess fit before your consultation.
For patients with structural acne scarring — atrophic ice-pick, boxcar, or rolling scars — advanced resurfacing options can be paired with or sequenced after the active acne protocol. Maison Zolara offers Sublative RF resurfacing, RF microneedling, and PRP facial treatments that target scar remodeling once active breakouts are under control.
FAQ
Related Treatments
Acne Scar Treatment — Lansing
RF-based resurfacing to address atrophic acne scars, textural irregularities, and post-inflammatory marks once active breakouts are under control.
Sublative RF Resurfacing
Candela Sublative RF resurfacing for acne scars, uneven skin texture, and pigmentation — an ideal next step after completing an active acne laser protocol.
RF Microneedling
Candela Matrix RF microneedling for deep collagen remodeling, acne scar reduction, and overall skin texture improvement.
Chemical Peels
Medical-grade VI Peel and chemical peels for surface-level skin renewal, tone correction, and mild comedonal acne maintenance.
PRP Facial
Platelet-rich plasma therapy to accelerate healing, reduce post-inflammatory redness, and support skin renewal after laser acne treatment.
Melasma & Pigmentation Treatment
Targeted treatment for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone — a common concern for acne patients with darker skin tones.
Serving the Greater Lansing Area
Maison Zolara is located at 4820 W Saginaw Hwy in west Lansing, MI — conveniently accessible from across the greater Lansing metropolitan area. We welcome patients from Holt, Okemos, East Lansing, DeWitt, Grand Ledge, Mason, Charlotte, St. Johns, and Williamston, all within our 30-mile service radius.
Our clinic is open 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Monday through Friday and 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM on Saturdays. Free consultations are available — book online or call us directly to speak with a member of our team.
Maison Circle members receive member pricing on Acne Treatment and can track their treatment journey in the Zolara Care app (available on the App Store).
Clinical References
- Kesty K, Goldberg DJ. 650 usec 1064nm Nd:YAG laser treatment of acne: A double-blind randomized control study. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020;19:2295–2300. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.13480
- American Academy of Dermatology. Updated guidelines for the management of acne vulgaris. 2024. https://www.aad.org/news/updated-guidelines-acne-management
- Maxfield L, Preuss CV, Bermudez R. Acne Vulgaris. StatPearls. National Library of Medicine / NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459173/
- Aerolase Corporation. Energy-Based Treatments for Acne: Clinical Evidence and Treatment Protocols. https://www.aerolase.com/blogs/energy-based-treatments-for-acne
- Aerolase Corporation. Treatment of Mild to Severe Acne Vulgaris With a 650-Microsecond 1064-nm Nd:YAG Laser. https://www.aerolase.com/articles/treatment-of-mild-to-severe-acne-vulgaris-with-a-650-microsecond-1064-nm-nd-yag-laser
Page Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical references are sourced from peer-reviewed research and named institutions as cited below. Individual results vary. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any treatment.
The Medical Director provides clinical oversight of treatments performed at this practice. The Medical Director does not author, review, or endorse website content.
Aerolase NeoElite® is a registered trademark of Aerolase Corporation. Maison Zolara is an authorized Aerolase partner.