Cystic acne is classified as type 4 acne, a more severe form of acne that often takes several months to treat before it has some effect. Cystic acne treatment is a combination of treatments that require topical medication, systemic oral medication, physical therapy, and a combination of Chinese herbs. For example, antibiotics and tetracycline antibiotics are chosen, and this takes a minimum of 6-8 weeks orally. It is also possible to choose retinoids, which also take 2-3 months to administer, so cystic acne will take at least a few months. It also needs to be combined with physiotherapy, such as CO2 fractional laser treatments done once every 3 months, which will also take 3-5 sessions, so it will also take longer.