Laser Resurfacing in the Washington DC Area:
Reston, VA
At The Naderi Center, our team has been performing laser resurfacing for more than 20 years. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alexandra Snodgrass performs UltraClear™ cold fiber erbium laser resurfacing at our Reston, Virginia office, and double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Shervin Naderi performs deep CO2 laser resurfacing in the operating room at Prince William Surgery Center under general anesthesia. Consultations are available in Reston and at our Chevy Chase, Maryland office.
UltraClear is safe for all skin types, including darker skin that older lasers could not treat safely. Most patients need only one treatment. Plan on 5 to 7 days of social downtime after a lighter treatment and 7 to 10 days after a deeper one.
20+ Years and Thousands of Laser Treatments
Our Before and After Results, Showcased by the Laser Makers Themselves
4.9-Star Rating from 1,100+ Reviews
Laser Resurfacing at a Glance
Dr. Alexandra Snodgrass, board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic dermatology (UltraClear Level 2, Level 3, Coring and Sciton erbium). Dr. Shervin Naderi, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon (deep CO2). Our licensed master aesthetician (3D Miracle).
The UltraClear™ cold fiber fractional erbium laser, the Sciton erbium laser and the Lumenis CO2 laser.
Fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, brown spots, uneven tone, rough texture, enlarged pores and acne scars.
Yes. UltraClear is safe for all skin types, including darker skin. The depth and settings are matched to your skin.
3D Miracle: about a week. UltraClear: 5 to 7 days after a lighter treatment and 7 to 10 days after a deeper one. Deep CO2: most patients return to work in 1 to 2 weeks.
Usually one. Deep scars, acne scars and deep lines may need more than one.
UltraClear: no anesthesia needed. Numbing cream is applied about an hour before. Deep CO2: general anesthesia in the operating room.
It depends on the laser and the depth. UltraClear runs from $1,800 for Level 2 to $5,000+ for Coring. Deep CO2 is $5,000 to $10,000. 3D Miracle is $800 for a face treatment.
UltraClear and Sciton erbium are done at our Reston, Virginia office, and deep CO2 is done in the operating room at Prince William Surgery Center. Consultations are available in Reston and Chevy Chase, Maryland.
What Laser Resurfacing Can Do
Laser resurfacing removes thin layers or tiny columns of sun-damaged skin so your body replaces them with fresh skin and new collagen. The result is smoother texture, more even color and softer lines. We match the laser and the depth to your skin, from a light 3D Miracle refresh to deep CO2 resurfacing for heavy wrinkles and scarring.
Dr. Shervin Naderi, named to Newsweek America’s Best Plastic Surgeons
- 2023
- 2024
- 2025
- 2026
Is Laser Resurfacing Safe for Darker Skin?
Yes, with UltraClear, which is safe for all skin types, from very fair to very dark. For years, many patients with brown or Black skin were told they were not candidates for laser resurfacing. Older lasers heat the skin, and in darker skin that heat can leave dark patches, called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
UltraClear is a cold fiber laser. It works with very little heat, and the depth and density can be set precisely for your skin type. That is why we can now offer moderate and deep resurfacing to patients who were never candidates before.
- Safe for skin types I through VI, including Asian, Hispanic, Middle Eastern, South Asian and Black skin
- Treats acne scars, rough texture, fine lines and uneven tone in darker skin
- Deeper treatments performed by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alexandra Snodgrass
- Aftercare and strict sun protection to protect your results
Any laser can cause pigment changes, which is why your skin type, the depth and the settings are matched to you at your consultation, and why experience matters. Learn more about UltraClear.
Laser Resurfacing Before and After Photos
Five of our laser resurfacing patients in more detail, from a light 3D Miracle refresh and UltraClear on darker skin to deep CO2 with eyelid surgery.
Acne scars on darker skin
The concernShe is of Pakistani heritage, with skin type IV, and wanted to improve acne scarring and rough skin texture. Before UltraClear, skin like hers was usually not a candidate for moderate to deep laser resurfacing.
What we didTwo UltraClear laser resurfacing treatments, 8 weeks apart.
The resultHer acne scarring and skin texture improved significantly. The photos show the change between her first and second treatments.
See all views of this patient →
Fine lines and uneven tone at 50
The concernAt 50, she wanted to soften fine lines and even out uneven skin tone and pigment.
What we didA customized UltraClear treatment aimed at the uneven pigment and the overall quality of her skin.
The resultHer complexion is smoother, brighter and more even, and her skin looks more youthful.
See all views of this patient →
Face and neck rejuvenation
The concernShe wanted to refresh aging skin on her face and neck.
What we didUltraClear laser resurfacing of the full face and neck.
The resultHer skin looks fresher, firmer and more luminous. The biggest change is in her neck, where the texture and tone improved the most.
See all views of this patient →
A light 3D Miracle refresh
The concernShe wanted to improve her lower face and the overall look of her skin without looking overdone.
What we did3D Miracle, our lightest UltraClear treatment, on her full face, neck and chest to improve texture, firmness and signs of aging.
The resultShe loved her results: a refreshed look and a more defined lower face.
See all views of this patient →
Deep CO2 with eyelid surgery
The concernShe wanted to improve loose, textured skin across her face and refresh the area around her eyes.
What we didFull-face CO2 laser resurfacing together with lower eyelid surgery, performed by a physician provider at The Naderi Center.
The resultHer skin and eye area look refreshed and rejuvenated, and she still looks natural.
See all views of this patient →Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.
UltraClear Healing, Day by Day
These photos follow real Naderi Center patients through their UltraClear recovery, day by day, so you know exactly what to expect. Redness and peeling are at their peak in the first few days, and most patients are back out in public within 5 to 10 days.
One Patient's UltraClear Recovery, Day by Day
Immediately After
Next Day (Day 1)
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Who Performs Laser Resurfacing at The Naderi Center?
Laser resurfacing is only as safe as the hands holding the laser. At The Naderi Center, the deeper treatments are performed by physicians:
- Dr. Alexandra Snodgrass, board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic dermatology: UltraClear Level 2, Level 3 and Coring, and Sciton erbium laser resurfacing.
- Dr. Shervin Naderi, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon: deep CO2 laser resurfacing in the operating room, often combined with a facelift or eyelid surgery.
- Our licensed master aesthetician: 3D Miracle, the lightest UltraClear treatment.
Our team has been performing laser resurfacing for more than 20 years and has performed thousands of laser treatments, and the company that makes UltraClear has featured results from our patients. UltraClear and Sciton erbium treatments are done at our Reston, Virginia office, deep CO2 is done in the operating room at Prince William Surgery Center, and consultations are available in Reston and Chevy Chase, Maryland.
Dr. Shervin Naderi, Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Shervin Naderi is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons with nearly 25 years of experience focused on the face. He performs deep CO2 laser resurfacing with the Lumenis CO2 laser in the operating room at Prince William Surgery Center under general anesthesia, and often combines it with a facelift or eyelid surgery so the skin is renewed along with the structures beneath it.
He is a former assistant professor at Indiana University School of Medicine and has served as an oral board examiner for the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, helping evaluate surgeons seeking certification in the specialty. He has co-authored textbook chapters on revision rhinoplasty and facelift surgery.
Newsweek has named him one of America’s Best Plastic Surgeons for rhinoplasty every year since 2023 and for facelift in 2026. He has been selected year after year as a Washingtonian Top Doctor, and recognized by Northern Virginia Magazine, Arlington Magazine and Castle Connolly, and as one of America’s Most Compassionate Doctors.
He founded The Naderi Center, where more than 100,000 procedures have been performed in Reston and Chevy Chase, and has been featured by HuffPost, NewBeauty, WUSA9, NewsChannel 8, Le Point and Ynet.
Dr. Alexandra Snodgrass, Board-Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Alexandra Snodgrass is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in cosmetic dermatology. She performs UltraClear Level 2, Level 3 and Coring treatments and Sciton erbium laser resurfacing at our Reston office.
She completed her dermatology residency at the University of Florida and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology and a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. She has authored scientific articles and textbook chapters and has presented at national medical meetings.
Because she evaluates the skin itself, including its tone, texture, sun damage and scarring, she matches the laser and the depth to your skin type, including darker skin, and to how much downtime you can take.
She also treats patients with Botox, fillers, Morpheus8, Sciton BBL and VI Peels, so laser resurfacing can be one part of a complete plan for your skin.
Specialization Matters! SM
To schedule a laser resurfacing consultation, call our Chevy Chase, Maryland office at 301-222-2020 or our Reston, Virginia office at 703-481-0002, or book online. For out-of-town patients we offer a virtual consultation prior to your visit.
Which Lasers Do We Use?
UltraClear™ is a cold fiber fractional erbium laser. It works with very little heat, is safe for all skin types and can be set from very light to deep. Dr. Snodgrass performs Level 2, Level 3 and Coring treatments, and our licensed master aesthetician performs 3D Miracle, the lightest UltraClear treatment.
Deep CO2 laser resurfacing with the Lumenis CO2 laser is the strongest option for the deepest wrinkles and scarring. Dr. Naderi performs it in the operating room at Prince William Surgery Center under general anesthesia, often with a facelift or eyelid surgery.
Sciton erbium laser resurfacing is performed by Dr. Snodgrass for select patients.
What Can Laser Resurfacing Treat?
Because the depth can be adjusted, laser resurfacing treats a wide range of skin concerns on the face and body.
Skin Concerns We Treat
Laser resurfacing improves:
- Fine lines and wrinkles, including around the eyes and mouth
- Sun damage and photoaging
- Brown spots and uneven skin tone
- Rough texture and enlarged pores
- Acne scars and other scars
- Melasma* and other hyperpigmentation
Treatment areas include:
- Full face
- Neck
- Chest (décolletage)
- Hands
- Back and shoulders
- Around the eyes and mouth
*Melasma is a chronic skin condition that may recur and needs other skincare and lifestyle changes
Laser Resurfacing Videos
Which Laser Resurfacing Treatment Is Right for Me?
| Treatment | Depth | Performed by | Social downtime | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3D Miracle | Very light UltraClear | Licensed master aesthetician Lightest treatment only | About a week | Dull skin, early fine lines, uneven tone |
| UltraClear Level 2 | Superficial to moderate |  Dr. SnodgrassBoard-certified dermatologist | 5 to 7 days | Sun damage, brown spots, fine lines |
| UltraClear Level 3 | Moderate to deep | Dr. SnodgrassBoard-certified dermatologist | 7 to 10 days | Wrinkles, acne scars, rough texture |
| UltraClear Coring | Deep | Dr. SnodgrassBoard-certified dermatologist | 7 to 10 days | Deeper wrinkles and scars |
| Sciton erbium | Adjustable | Dr. SnodgrassBoard-certified dermatologist | Depends on depth | Select patients |
| Deep CO2 (Lumenis) | Deepest, in the operating room under general anesthesia |  Dr. NaderiDouble board-certified facial plastic surgeon | 1 to 2 weeks off work | Deep wrinkles, heavy sun damage and scarring, often with a facelift or eyelid surgery |
Deep scars, acne scars and deep lines are where a consultation matters most. Looking for something without peeling? Sciton BBL treats redness and brown spots, Morpheus8 tightens skin, and microneedling improves texture and mild scarring.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Laser Resurfacing?
Laser resurfacing is a good fit for adults bothered by fine lines, sun damage, brown spots, uneven tone, rough texture or acne scars who can take some downtime and stay out of the sun while they heal.
- Lighter concerns and little time off: 3D Miracle or a lighter UltraClear treatment
- Wrinkles, sun damage and acne scars: UltraClear Level 3 or Coring
- Deep wrinkles and heavy scarring, or skin treated during a facelift or eyelid surgery: deep CO2 with Dr. Naderi
All skin types. UltraClear is safe for all skin types, including darker skin that older lasers could not treat safely. The depth and settings are matched to your skin at your consultation. Read more about UltraClear and darker skin.
When to wait. Wait to have treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an active cold sore or skin infection, have a fresh tan or sunburn, or have taken Accutane (isotretinoin) in the past 6 months.
How Much Does Laser Resurfacing Cost in the Washington DC Area?
The cost of laser resurfacing at The Naderi Center depends on the laser, the depth of treatment and the area treated. UltraClear ranges from $1,800 for Level 2 to $5,000 and up for Coring, and deep CO2 laser resurfacing in the operating room is $5,000 to $10,000. 3D Miracle is $800 for a face treatment. Your exact price for any treatment is confirmed at your consultation.
| Treatment | Price at The Naderi Center |
|---|---|
| 3D Miracle (very light UltraClear) | $800 (face) |
| UltraClear Level 2 (superficial to moderate) | $1,800+ |
| UltraClear Level 3 (moderate to deep) | $3,000+ |
| UltraClear Coring (deep) | $5,000+ |
| Sciton erbium laser resurfacing | $4,500+ |
| Deep CO2 laser resurfacing (operating room) | $5,000 to $10,000 |
Prices are for the face and depend on the depth of treatment. Your exact price is confirmed at your consultation. Prices are subject to change.
Prices are from our Menu of Services. Cherry financing is available. To schedule a consultation, call our Reston office at 703-481-0002 or our Chevy Chase office at 301-222-2020, or book online.
How Do I Prepare for Laser Resurfacing?
Good preparation makes your treatment more comfortable and your healing smoother. You will receive complete written instructions before your treatment.
No anesthesia needed for UltraClear
UltraClear does not require anesthesia or sedation. Plan to arrive about an hour early so numbing cream can be applied and take effect.
Antiviral to prevent cold sores
Before deeper laser resurfacing we prescribe an oral antiviral, started 3 days before treatment, to prevent a cold sore outbreak. For a light 3D Miracle, you only need it if you have a history of cold sores.
Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar (recommended)
We recommend starting Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar about 2 weeks before treatment. It is optional, but it helps build collagen and can help you heal.
Stay out of the sun
No sun, tanning beds or self-tanner before treatment. If you are tanned or sunburned, your treatment may be postponed for your safety.
Pause retinoids and exfoliants
Stop retinoids, glycolic and salicylic acids, benzoyl peroxide and other exfoliating products 1 week before. Tell us if you have taken Accutane (isotretinoin) in the past 6 months.
Stop nicotine and plan your downtime
Stop smoking and vaping at least 2 weeks before and after, because nicotine slows healing. Plan 5 to 7 days of social downtime after a lighter treatment and 7 to 10 days after a deeper one.
What Is Recovery Like After Laser Resurfacing?
Plan on 5 to 7 days of social downtime after a lighter UltraClear treatment and 7 to 10 days after a deeper one. Many patients can work from home as soon as they are comfortable with how they look. After 3D Miracle, most patients are back to their normal skincare in 5 to 7 days. After deep CO2 resurfacing in the operating room, most patients return to work in 1 to 2 weeks and avoid exercise for a month.
One treatment is usually enough. Deep scars, acne scars and deep lines are more stubborn and may need more than one treatment.
Read your full instructions: UltraClear and 3D Miracle and deep CO2 laser resurfacing.
Aftercare
Your aftercare kit
Every patient goes home with an aftercare kit and written instructions. Deeper treatments use the ZO Skin Health Ablative Healing Post-Procedure Kit, with a simple daily schedule of cleansing, soothing soaks and hydrating cream.
The first 2 to 3 days
Expect burning, tightness and a sunburned feeling, with some oozing and pinpoint bleeding on the first day. Cool compresses help. Sleep with your head elevated for the first week.
Swelling
Swelling usually starts to go down on the 4th day and can take 2 to 3 weeks to settle completely.
Color changes and peeling
Skin goes from pink to red to brown, then peels. Most discoloration is gone in about 2 to 3 weeks, and mild pinkness can take a few more weeks to fade.
Makeup and skincare
Makeup and mineral sunscreen can usually start after about a week, once your skin has stopped peeling. Our providers will tell you when to restart your regular skincare.
Strict sun avoidance for 3 months
Direct sun on healing skin can cause dark patches. Stay out of the sun for 3 months and wear a wide-brimmed hat outdoors.
Never pick at your skin
Do not pick at crusting or peeling skin. Picking can cause scarring.
Exercise and heat
Light activity can resume after about a week. Avoid saunas, hot tubs and hot water on your face for 3 weeks.
What Are the Risks of Laser Resurfacing?
The main risks with any laser resurfacing are post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a darkening of the skin after treatment, and scarring. Both are more likely when a laser is used by unskilled hands, which is why our deeper treatments are performed by Dr. Snodgrass and Dr. Naderi, and why strict sun avoidance and careful aftercare matter so much.
Common, temporary effects include:
- Redness, swelling and a sunburned feeling for the first few days
- Oozing and pinpoint bleeding on the first day
- Dryness, flaking and peeling
- A faint laser pattern that can last several weeks
- A cold sore flare, which the antiviral helps prevent
Call us right away if you notice blisters, pustules, a cold sore, pain or itching that suddenly gets worse, or darkening or lightening of the treated skin.
Where Can I Get Laser Resurfacing Near Washington DC?
UltraClear and Sciton erbium laser resurfacing are done at our Reston, Virginia office, and deep CO2 laser resurfacing is done in the operating room at Prince William Surgery Center. You can have your laser resurfacing consultation in Reston or in Chevy Chase, Maryland.
Reston, Virginia (treatments and consultations). 1850 Town Center Parkway, Pavillion II, Suite 551, Reston, VA 20190. Convenient for patients from Herndon, Great Falls, Vienna, Tysons, McLean, Sterling, Ashburn, Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria. Call 703-481-0002.
Chevy Chase, Maryland (consultations). 5454 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1655, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, in Friendship Heights. Close to Bethesda, Potomac, Rockville, Silver Spring and Northwest Washington, DC. Call 301-222-2020.
You can also book a laser resurfacing consultation online.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shervin Naderi, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Last updated October 2026.
Laser Resurfacing FAQs
Who performs laser resurfacing at The Naderi Center?
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alexandra Snodgrass performs UltraClear Level 2, Level 3 and Coring and Sciton erbium laser resurfacing. Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Shervin Naderi performs deep CO2 laser resurfacing in the operating room. Our licensed master aesthetician performs 3D Miracle, the lightest UltraClear treatment.
Is UltraClear safe for darker skin?
Yes. UltraClear is safe for all skin types, including darker skin. Older lasers create more heat, which can trigger dark patches in brown and Black skin. UltraClear is a cold fiber laser that works with very little heat, and the depth and settings are matched to your skin type at your consultation.
Where is UltraClear laser resurfacing done?
UltraClear and Sciton erbium laser resurfacing are done at our Reston, Virginia office at 1850 Town Center Parkway, Pavillion II, Suite 551. Deep CO2 laser resurfacing is done in the operating room at Prince William Surgery Center. You can have your consultation in Reston or at our Chevy Chase, Maryland office.
How long is recovery after laser resurfacing?
Plan on 5 to 7 days of social downtime after a lighter UltraClear treatment and 7 to 10 days after a deeper one. Swelling usually starts to go down on the 4th day, and most discoloration is gone in 2 to 3 weeks. After deep CO2 resurfacing, most patients return to work in 1 to 2 weeks.
How many laser resurfacing treatments will I need?
Usually one. Deep scars, acne scars and deep lines are more stubborn and may need more than one treatment.
Does laser resurfacing hurt?
UltraClear does not require anesthesia. Numbing cream is applied about an hour before. Burning, tightness and a sunburned feeling are normal for the first few days. Deep CO2 resurfacing is done under general anesthesia in the operating room.
How much does laser resurfacing cost in the Washington DC area?
At The Naderi Center, UltraClear laser resurfacing ranges from $1,800 for Level 2 to $5,000 and up for Coring. Deep CO2 laser resurfacing is $5,000 to $10,000. 3D Miracle is $800 for a face treatment. Your exact price is confirmed at your consultation.
What is the difference between UltraClear and CO2 laser resurfacing?
UltraClear is a cold fiber erbium laser performed in our Reston office with numbing cream, with 5 to 10 days of social downtime. Deep CO2 resurfacing is performed by Dr. Naderi in the operating room under general anesthesia for the deepest wrinkles and scarring, and it can be combined with a facelift or eyelid surgery.
Can laser resurfacing treat acne scars?
Yes. UltraClear can improve acne scars, but they are more stubborn than fine lines and may need more than one treatment. A consultation helps decide which laser and depth are best.
What is 3D Miracle?
3D Miracle is a very light UltraClear treatment performed by our licensed master aesthetician at our Reston office, and it is $800 for a face treatment. It has much less discomfort and downtime than a full UltraClear treatment, and you can usually drive yourself home.
Do I need to take anything before laser resurfacing?
Yes. Before deeper resurfacing we prescribe an oral antiviral to prevent cold sores. No anesthesia is needed for UltraClear. We also recommend Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar for about 2 weeks before treatment; it is optional but helps build collagen and can help you heal.
Can laser resurfacing be combined with a facelift or eyelid surgery?
Yes. Dr. Naderi often performs deep CO2 laser resurfacing in the operating room at the same time as a facelift or eyelid surgery.
How long do I need to stay out of the sun?
Strictly for 3 months after treatment. Sun on healing skin can cause dark patches, and sunscreen is not a substitute for staying out of the sun.