What Is UltraClear?
UltraClear is a fractional laser that creates thousands of microscopic treatment channels in the skin. These controlled micro-injuries activate the body’s natural healing response, encouraging new collagen and elastin formation while leaving surrounding tissue available to support recovery.
What Can UltraClear Treat?
Laser skin resurfacing with UltraClear treats signs of aging, sun damage, and other common concerns, which often include:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Sun damage and age spots
- Uneven skin tone and texture
- Enlarged pores
- Acne scars
- Selected surgical or traumatic scars
- Mild skin laxity
- Dullness and reduced radiance
Who Is a Candidate for UltraClear Laser Skin Resurfacing?
UltraClear is appropriate for a range of skin types, but settings and candidacy must be individualized. In general, candidates meet the following criteria:
- Want to improve skin texture or visible signs of aging
- Have sun damage or pigmentation concerns
- Wish to soften fine lines, enlarged pores, or acne scars
- Prefer a nonsurgical skin rejuvenation treatment
- Are in good overall health
- Have realistic expectations and can follow aftercare instructions
A consultation is important because the safest treatment settings and expected recovery vary with skin type, medical history, medications, prior procedures, and treatment goals. A consultation is needed to assess pigmentation risk and choose the safest plan.
How Is UltraClear Performed?
UltraClear treatments are performed in the office. A topical numbing cream is typically applied before treatment. The laser is then passed over the selected areas using settings chosen for your concerns and desired recovery time. Treatment commonly takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the area and intensity.
Our Laser Specialists
At UVA Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, UltraClear treatments are provided by experienced plastic surgeons and advanced practice providers. Each treatment plan is individualized, and patients have access to the resources and safety standards of an academic medical center.
Can Laser Skin Resurfacing Be Combined With Other Treatments?
Depending on your goals and treatment sequence, UltraClear may be combined with or coordinated around:
- BOTOX® Cosmetic
- Dermal fillers
- Facial fat grafting
- Chemical peels
- Medical-grade skincare
- Facelift and neck lift
- Upper and lower blepharoplasty
Your provider will recommend appropriate timing to protect healing skin and reduce the risk of irritation or complications.
What Is Recovery Like?
Downtime after laser skin resurfacing depends on the treatment depth and intensity. Lighter treatments may require only a few days, while more intensive resurfacing may involve about a week or more of visible redness, swelling, and peeling.
Recovery Timeline
First 24-48 Hours
- Expect redness and mild swelling similar to a sunburn.
- Skin feels warm, dry, or tight.
Days 3-7
- Treated skin may begin to exfoliate or peel.
- Redness and swelling generally improve.
- New, healthier-looking skin becomes more visible.
Long Term
- Collagen production and remodeling continue for several months.
- Texture, tone, and scar improvement may continue gradually.
- Consistent skin care and sun protection help maintain results.
Your provider will give you detailed cleansing, moisturizing, and sun-protection instructions.
Why Choose UVA Aesthetic Plastic Surgery?
- Experienced plastic surgeons and advanced practice providers
- Personalized treatment planning
- Academic medical center resources
- Advanced UltraClear cold fiber laser technology
- Commitment to natural-looking results
- Patient safety at every stage
Insight From Our Plastic Surgeons
UltraClear’s cold fiber laser technology allows treatment to be customized according to your goals and desired downtime, ranging from lighter treatments with a shorter recovery to more intensive resurfacing. Final results develop gradually as collagen remodeling continues over several months.
Laser Skin Resurfacing FAQ
How many treatments will I need?
Some patients benefit from a single treatment, while others achieve their best results with a series. Your treatment protocol depends on your skin concerns, treatment intensity, and goals.
Is UltraClear painful?
A topical numbing cream is typically applied beforehand. Most patients describe warmth, tingling, or a prickling sensation during treatment. 3DMIRACL® is a UltraClear prejuvenation option that takes only about 15 minutes and is gentle enough to be done without topical numbing.
When will I see results?
Results can be long-lasting, but the skin continues to age and accumulate sun exposure. Daily sun protection, medical-grade skincare, and periodic maintenance treatments may help preserve results.
Can UltraClear improve acne scars?
UltraClear can stimulate collagen remodeling and may improve selected acne scars. Deeper or more complex scars may require a series of treatments or a combination approach.
How long do results last?
Results can be long-lasting, but the skin continues to age and accumulate sun exposure. Daily sun protection, medical-grade skincare, and periodic maintenance treatments may help preserve results.
What should I avoid after treatment?
Avoid picking or peeling the skin, excessive heat, strenuous activity when advised, and direct sun exposure. Use only the skincare products recommended by your treatment team during early healing.
Your Next Step
To learn more about UltraClear laser skin resurfacing at UVA Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in Charlottesville, request a consultation with one of our providers using the online form or call (434) 924-5078 to schedule an appointment.
