Acne Clinic

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Doctor-Led Medical Acne Treatment in Portlaoise & The Midlands

Acne Clinic

Acne is a medical inflammatory skin condition, not simply a cosmetic concern. It can affect both teenagers and adults and is often influenced by hormonal, inflammatory and genetic factors.

 

At Dr Sharon Delaney Aesthetic Medicine, acne is managed through structured medical assessment, evidence-based treatment plans and strategies designed to support long-term skin health.

Conditions We Assess

We assess and manage a wide range of acne presentations, including:

  • Adolescent acne
  • Adult female acne
  • Hormonal acne
  • Rosacea acne 
  • Acne associated with PCOS
  • Persistent or treatment-resistant acne
  • Acne scarring
  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Early assessment and treatment can help reduce inflammation and minimise the risk of long-term scarring.

What Your Consultation Involves

Your consultation is designed to identify the underlying factors contributing to acne and develop a structured treatment plan.

 

This may include:

  • Full medical history
  • Hormonal and medication review
  • Lifestyle and stress assessment
  • Clinical skin examination
  • Acne severity grading
  • Personalised treatment planning

 

Where clinically appropriate, prescription-only treatments may be discussed in accordance with Irish prescribing guidelines.

 

In selected cases, blood tests may be recommended to investigate possible hormonal or metabolic contributors.

Acne Clinic Portlaoise
Acne Clinic Portlaoise

Treatment Options

Treatment is tailored according to acne severity, skin type and underlying triggers.

Options may include:

  • Medical-grade topical therapy
  • Prescription oral treatment (where clinically appropriate)
  • Skin barrier repair protocols
  • Medical chemical peels
  • Microneedling for acne scarring
  • Energy-based treatments for redness or pigmentation
  • Collagen-stimulating procedures

Not all patients require oral medication. Treatment plans are always individualised.

Treatment Duration & Downtime

Acne treatment requires consistency and structured follow-up.

Initial review: approximately 6–8 weeks
Visible improvement: typically 8–12 weeks

Early treatment significantly reduces the risk of permanent scarring.

Scarring treatments are often performed as a course of procedures, such as medical microneedling or fractional laser treatments.

Downtime;

Downtime varies depending on the treatment selected.

Patients may experience:

  • Temporary dryness or irritation with topical therapy
  • Mild flaking following chemical peels
  • Redness for 24–48 hours after microneedling

Detailed aftercare guidance is provided following all treatments.

Acne Scarring Treatment

Scarring is best addressed once active acne has been brought under control.

 

Treatment options may include:

  • Medical microneedling
  • Regenerative procedures
  • Laser resurfacing where appropriate
  • Combination treatment approaches

 

Multiple sessions are usually required to achieve gradual improvement.

Acne Clinic Portlaoise

Is acne caused by diet?

Diet may influence acne in some individuals, particularly high glycaemic load diets. However, acne is multifactorial and not solely diet-driven.

Do I need antibiotics?

Not all acne requires oral antibiotics. Treatment is tailored according to severity and medical suitability.

Can adult women develop acne for the first time?

Yes. Hormonal changes during perimenopause are a common trigger.

When should I seek medical treatment?

If acne is persistent, painful, scarring, or affecting your confidence, medical assessment is advised.

Will my acne come back?

Acne can be chronic in some individuals. Maintenance therapy may be required.

Is this different from a facial?

Yes. This is a structured medical consultation focused on diagnosis, inflammation control, and long-term management — not cosmetic treatment alone.