Question 1

What is LaseMD Ultra?

Accepted Answer

It is a non-ablative fractional laser using a 1,927 nm thulium wavelength. Rather than removing the skin surface, it creates thousands of microscopic treatment channels through the epidermis, prompting the skin to renew itself while the surrounding tissue stays intact. That is what keeps recovery short compared with ablative resurfacing.

Question 2

What does it treat?

Accepted Answer

It is used for sun damage and brown spots, uneven tone, melasma, dullness, fine lines, rough texture and post-inflammatory pigment left behind by breakouts. In San Diego it tends to be the first thing we discuss when accumulated sun exposure is the main story in someone's skin.

Question 3

Why does sun damage matter so much here?

Accepted Answer

Year-round sun and time outdoors near the coast add up. Pigment, mottled tone and early texture change show up earlier here than in cloudier climates, and they tend to be the concerns that make skin read as older than it is. Consistent daily SPF is not optional if you want a resurfacing result to hold.

Question 4

How is it different from a CO2 or Erbium laser?

Accepted Answer

Ablative lasers like CO2 and Erbium remove the surface layer. They can do more in a single session but ask for real downtime — open healing, a week or more of social recovery, more risk. LaseMD Ultra is non-ablative and fractional, so the trade is gentler sessions in a short series instead of one aggressive one.

Question 5

How is it different from IPL?

Accepted Answer

IPL uses broad-spectrum light and is good at picking off discrete brown and red spots. LaseMD Ultra resurfaces the whole treated area, so it addresses overall tone and texture rather than individual marks. They answer different questions, and sometimes both belong in a plan.

Question 6

What is the serum infusion?

Accepted Answer

Immediately after the laser pass, while the microchannels are open, a targeted serum is applied so it penetrates far better than it would on intact skin. The choice depends on your concern — a brightening or tranexamic-acid-type serum for pigment, antioxidant vitamin C, or a growth-factor serum for overall renewal. Your provider selects it at the appointment.

Question 7

What happens during the appointment?

Accepted Answer

Topical numbing goes on for roughly 20 to 30 minutes. The laser pass itself takes about 20 to 30 minutes for a full face and feels warm and prickly rather than sharp. The serum is infused immediately afterward. Plan on about an hour and a half in the office.

Question 8

What does recovery actually look like?

Accepted Answer

Day of treatment: red and warm, like a sunburn, with noticeable heat for a few hours. Days two to four: skin looks tighter and darker or bronzed as treated pigment works its way up. Days four to six: fine, sandpaper-like flaking. Most people are back to normal skin around day five to seven, with makeup usually fine after the first day or two. This varies with treatment intensity.

Question 9

How many treatments will I need?

Accepted Answer

One session can be enough for mild dullness or a pre-event refresh. For established sun damage, melasma or texture change, a series of three to four spaced four to six weeks apart is typical, then maintenance once or twice a year. Individual results vary.

Question 10

Is it safe for darker skin tones?

Accepted Answer

The non-ablative approach is generally better tolerated across a wider range of skin tones than aggressive ablative resurfacing, but pigment risk is real and settings matter. We assess your skin type, your history of pigment reactions and your sun habits before choosing parameters — and sometimes we recommend pre-treatment skincare first.

Question 11

Who should wait or avoid it?

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy, an active skin infection or cold sore outbreak in the area, recent isotretinoin use, photosensitizing medications, and a fresh tan or sunburn are all reasons to postpone. Bring your full medication list to the consultation.

Question 12

How does it compare with Vivace or XERF?

Accepted Answer

Different jobs. LaseMD Ultra works on the surface: pigment, tone, texture and sun damage. Vivace microneedling works through the skin with radiofrequency for texture and firmness together. XERF heats deeper tissue for laxity. If your main complaint is brown spots and dull tone, start with LaseMD Ultra; if it is sagging, start with XERF.

LaseMD Ultra

What is LaseMD Ultra?

What the week after actually looks like

What to expect

Which one belongs in your plan?

LaseMD Ultra

Vivace Microneedling

XERF Skin Tightening

LaseMD Ultra is available at both of our clinics

San Diego (Hillcrest)

Solana Beach

Personal, comfortable and thoughtfully planned

Common questions

Ready for a personalized plan?