UltraClear™ Laser Resurfacing in the Washington DC Area:
Reston, VA
UltraClear™ is a cold fiber fractional laser that resurfaces the skin with very little heat, which is why it is safe for all skin types. At The Naderi Center, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alexandra Snodgrass performs UltraClear Level 2, Level 3 and Coring treatments at our Reston, Virginia office, and our licensed master aesthetician performs 3D Miracle, the lightest UltraClear treatment. Consultations are available in Reston and at our Chevy Chase, Maryland office.
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. Comparing UltraClear with deep CO2 and other options? See our laser resurfacing guide.
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UltraClear at a Glance
Dr. Alexandra Snodgrass, board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic dermatology, performs Level 2, Level 3 and Coring. Our licensed master aesthetician performs 3D Miracle.
A cold fiber fractional erbium laser that resurfaces the skin with very little heat.
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. Level 2: 5 to 7 days. Level 3 and Coring: 7 to 10 days.
Usually one. Deep scars, acne scars and deep lines may need more than one.
No anesthesia needed. Numbing cream is applied about an hour before.
Level 2 from $1,800, Level 3 from $3,000 and Coring from $5,000. 3D Miracle is $800 for a face treatment.
Our Reston, Virginia office. Consultations are available in Reston and Chevy Chase, Maryland.
What UltraClear Can Do
UltraClear treats tiny columns of sun-damaged skin and leaves the skin between them untouched, so you heal faster and your body builds new collagen. The result is smoother texture, more even color and softer lines, from a light 3D Miracle refresh to deep Coring for wrinkles and scars.
Dr. Shervin Naderi, named to Newsweek America’s Best Plastic Surgeons
- 2023
- 2024
- 2025
- 2026
Is UltraClear Safe for Darker Skin?
Yes. UltraClear is safe for all skin types, from very fair to very dark. Many patients with brown or Black skin were told for years that laser resurfacing was not for them, because older lasers heat the skin, and in darker skin that heat can leave dark patches called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
UltraClear delivers its energy through a cold fiber at a 2,910 nm wavelength, so it works with very little heat. Dr. Snodgrass sets the depth and density for your skin type, which is why patients who were never candidates before can now have moderate and deep resurfacing.
- 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.
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.
Patient 1: UltraClear Recovery, Day by Day
Immediately After
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Patient 2: UltraClear Recovery, Day by Day
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Who Performs UltraClear at The Naderi Center?
At The Naderi Center, UltraClear is performed by:
- Dr. Alexandra Snodgrass, board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic dermatology: UltraClear Level 2, Level 3 and Coring.
- Our licensed master aesthetician: 3D Miracle, the lightest UltraClear treatment.
For the deepest wrinkles and scarring, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Shervin Naderi performs deep CO2 laser resurfacing in the operating room.
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 is done at our Reston, Virginia office, and consultations are available in Reston and Chevy Chase, Maryland.
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 Contour TRL 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.
What Is UltraClear™ Laser Resurfacing?
UltraClear™ is a fractional erbium laser that delivers its energy through a cold fiber at a 2,910 nm wavelength. It treats tiny columns of damaged skin and leaves the skin around each column intact, so you heal faster and your body builds new collagen.
Because it works with very little heat, UltraClear is safe for all skin types, including darker skin. The depth and density can be set from a very light 3D Miracle refresh to deep Coring for wrinkles and scars, all with the same laser.
For the deepest wrinkles and scarring, Dr. Naderi performs deep CO2 laser resurfacing in the operating room. Compare all of our laser resurfacing options.
What Can UltraClear 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
UltraClear Videos
Which UltraClear 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 |
Deep scars, acne scars and deep lines are where a consultation matters most. Need deeper correction than Coring? See deep CO2 laser resurfacing, or compare every laser resurfacing option.
Who Is a Good Candidate for UltraClear?
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 UltraClear Cost in the Washington DC Area?
UltraClear at The Naderi Center ranges from $1,800 for Level 2 to $5,000 and up for Coring. Your exact price depends on the depth of treatment and the area treated, and 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+ |
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.
Patient Financing
Pay Over Time with Cherry
Monthly payment plans for surgery and treatments, including 0% APR options for qualifying patients. Checking whether you qualify won’t affect your credit score.
How Do I Prepare for UltraClear?
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 3 to 4 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.
We will bring the experience.
What Is Recovery Like After UltraClear?
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.
One treatment is usually enough. Deep scars, acne scars and deep lines are more stubborn and may need more than one treatment. Read how we match the laser to each type of acne scar.
Read your full instructions: UltraClear and 3D Miracle.
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 UltraClear?
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 UltraClear Near Washington DC?
UltraClear is done at our Reston, Virginia office, and you can have your consultation in Reston or in Chevy Chase, Maryland.
Reston, Virginia (treatments and consultations). 1850 Town Center Parkway, Pavilion 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.
UltraClear FAQs
Who performs UltraClear at The Naderi Center?
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alexandra Snodgrass, who specializes in cosmetic dermatology, performs UltraClear Level 2, Level 3 and Coring. 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 done?
UltraClear is done at our Reston, Virginia office at 1850 Town Center Parkway, Pavilion II, Suite 551. You can have your consultation in Reston or at our Chevy Chase, Maryland office.
How long is recovery after UltraClear?
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, makeup can usually start after about a week, and most discoloration is gone in 2 to 3 weeks.
How many UltraClear treatments will I need?
Usually one. Deep scars, acne scars and deep lines are more stubborn and may need more than one treatment.
Does UltraClear hurt?
UltraClear does not require anesthesia. Numbing cream is applied about an hour before your treatment. Burning, tightness and a sunburned feeling are normal for the first few days.
How much does UltraClear cost in the Washington DC area?
At The Naderi Center, UltraClear ranges from $1,800 for Level 2 to $5,000 and up for Coring. Your exact price depends on the depth and the area treated, and 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. Compare all of our laser resurfacing options.
Can UltraClear treat acne scars?
Yes. UltraClear can improve acne scars, including in darker skin, but scars are more stubborn than fine lines and may need more than one treatment. A consultation helps decide the right depth.
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.
What is UltraClear Coring?
Coring is the deepest UltraClear setting. It is used for deeper wrinkles and scars, has 7 to 10 days of social downtime and is performed by Dr. Snodgrass.
Do I need to take anything before UltraClear?
Yes. Before deeper resurfacing we prescribe an oral antiviral to prevent cold sores. No anesthesia is needed for UltraClear. We also recommend starting Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar 3 to 4 weeks before treatment; it is optional but helps build collagen and can help you heal.
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.