UltraClear® Laser

The World's First Cold Fiber Laser for Total Skin Rejuvenation

UltraClear® represents a new era in laser skin resurfacing. At Cheng Plastic Surgery in Saratoga and Redwood City, this FDA-cleared cold fiber laser technology addresses multiple signs of aging in a single treatment, delivering smoother, brighter, and more youthful-looking skin with minimal downtime and exceptional comfort.

Precision Technology. Natural Results

At Cheng Plastic Surgery, Drs. Elbert and Jacqueline Cheng continually invest in technologies that reflect their commitment to excellence and patient-centered care. As double board-certified facial plastic surgeons with over 25 years of experience, they understand that the best aesthetic outcomes require both surgical precision and an individualized approach.

UltraClear® embodies this philosophy, a versatile, advanced platform that allows our team to customize every treatment based on your unique skin concerns, goals, and lifestyle. When performed by experienced providers who understand facial anatomy at the deepest level, UltraClear® delivers the refined, natural-looking results patients expect from our practice.

What Is the UltraClear® Laser?

UltraClear® is the world's first cold ablative fiber laser, representing a significant advancement in skin rejuvenation technology. Unlike traditional CO2 and erbium lasers that generate substantial heat during treatment, UltraClear® uses a proprietary 2910 nm wavelength and cold fiber laser technology to precisely target damaged skin while minimizing thermal injury to surrounding tissue.

This dual-action approach works on multiple levels to revitalize your skin from the inside out:

Gently removes the top layers of dull and damaged skin
Triggers your body's natural healing process and new cell growth
Deposits controlled thermal energy at the dermal level to initiate collagen remodeling
Stimulates elastin production for improved firmness and texture
Blends ablative and coagulative energy at multiple skin layers using 3DIntelliPulse® technology

The result is a comprehensive skin transformation that addresses pigmentation, wrinkles, age spots, uneven texture, and stubborn acne scars, revealing smoother, more refined skin with improved tone, tighter pores, and a naturally radiant, lit-from-within glow.

Benefits of UltraClear® Laser Treatment

UltraClear® offers a range of advantages that set it apart from traditional laser resurfacing options:

Minimal Discomfort: UltraClear® delivers results without the intensity of traditional ablative lasers. The cold fiber technology dramatically reduces treatment pain levels, making it the most comfortable facial rejuvenation solution available. Most patients report pain scores of less than 3 on a scale of 10, compared to scores of 6 or higher with conventional methods.
Versatile Treatment Options: From lunchtime-friendly maintenance treatments to deep skin rejuvenation and collagen remodeling, UltraClear® offers a range of patient-friendly options. Whether you are looking for a quick refresh before an important event or comprehensive resurfacing for more advanced concerns, our team will recommend the most appropriate treatment plan based on your lifestyle and goals. Treatment intensity is carefully tailored to your desired outcome and tolerance for downtime—ensuring a personalized approach that fits seamlessly into your life.
Faster Recovery: The cold fiber technology creates significantly smaller microchannels in higher concentration than traditional lasers. This innovative approach results in shorter recovery times with less discomfort, allowing many patients to return to normal activities quickly.
Long-Lasting Results: With UltraClear®'s lunchtime light peel option, you will notice improvement in your skin within 2-5 days after treatment. For more intensive treatment options, your skin will continue to improve for up to a year as collagen remodeling progresses, with results that may last 1-5 years.
Comprehensive Rejuvenation: UltraClear® addresses multiple skin concerns simultaneously, including fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, age spots, uneven skin tone, enlarged pores, acne scars, and textural irregularities.

Are You a Candidate for UltraClear®?

You may be an ideal candidate if you:

Want to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, or signs of photoaging
Have sun damage, age spots, or uneven pigmentation
Are bothered by acne scars or other textural irregularities
Desire a more even skin tone and smoother texture
Have previously been told you were not a candidate for laser treatments due to your skin type
Prefer minimal downtime compared to traditional ablative lasers
Are looking for a preventative treatment to maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin
Want to enhance your results from other facial procedures
Want to reduce skin laxity without surgical intervention
Have surgical scars you would like to reduce the appearance of

Why Choose Cheng Plastic Surgery for UltraClear®?

When it comes to laser skin resurfacing, the skill and experience of your provider matter as much as the technology itself. At Cheng Plastic Surgery, every UltraClear® treatment is performed with precision, safety, and refined results in mind, ensuring each patient receives care that aligns with their unique skin concerns and goals.

Dr. Elbert Cheng completed his undergraduate studies at Stanford University (Biology with honors) and Oxford University before earning his medical degree from Duke University. He then returned to Stanford for his residency in Head and Neck Surgery and completed fellowship training through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), with a focus on aesthetic surgery and natural-looking results. As an avid swimmer and an aspiring baker, Dr. Elbert brings the same dedication to precision and continuous improvement to every patient interaction.

Dr. Jacqueline Cheng completed an accelerated BA-MD program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, graduating with high distinction and multiple honors. She trained in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Illinois-Chicago under renowned facial plastic surgeons before completing fellowship training at Meridian Plastic Surgery Center under Dr. Stephen Perkins, past president of the AAFPRS. Outside of her surgical practice, she enjoys spending time with her husband and sons.

Together, as the only brother-sister facial plastic surgery team in the United States, they bring a unique collaborative approach to patient care, two perspectives, two sets of expert eyes, and a shared commitment to exceptional results.

Our nurses bring years of experience in medical aesthetics and are recognized as a top choice for non-surgical treatments in the Bay Area. They understand facial anatomy, skin physiology, and the nuances of laser technology, allowing them to tailor each UltraClear® session to your unique skin concerns and goals. Whether you are visiting for a light maintenance treatment or a more intensive resurfacing session, you will receive attentive, expert care from a team that prioritizes your safety, comfort, and results.

What to Expect Before, During, and After UltraClear® Treatment

Comprehensive Facial Assessment and Cost

Your journey begins with a comprehensive facial assessment (CFA) at our Saratoga or Redwood City office. During this appointment, Dr. Elbert Cheng or Dr. Jacqueline Cheng will assess your skin, discuss your concerns and goals, and recommend the most appropriate UltraClear® treatment protocol for your needs.

UltraClear® offers multiple treatment intensities, from light "lunchtime" peels to more aggressive resurfacing sessions. The cost varies based on the treatment depth, treatment area, and number of sessions recommended. We will provide transparent pricing during your assessment, and our team can discuss financing options to help make your treatment accessible.

Treatment Steps

On the day of your treatment, here ios what you can expect:

Preparation: Your skin will be thoroughly cleansed. For lighter treatments, no topical numbing is typically required, one of UltraClear®'s unique advantages. For more intensive treatments, a topical anesthetic may be applied for your comfort.
Treatment: Using the UltraClear® handpiece, your provider will deliver precise laser energy across the treatment area. A full-face session typically takes 30 minutes or less. You may feel a mild warming sensation, but most patients find the experience far more comfortable than traditional laser treatments.
Immediate Aftercare: Following treatment, your skin may appear pink or feel warm, similar to a mild sunburn. Your provider will apply soothing products and provide detailed aftercare instructions.

Recovery and Results Timeline

Recovery varies based on your selected treatment intensity:

Light Treatments (3DMIRACL®): Minimal to no downtime. Most patients experience mild pinkness that resolves within a few hours to a day. You can typically apply makeup and return to normal activities the next day. Results appear within 2-5 days, with continued improvement over several weeks.
Moderate Treatments: Expect 2-3 days of social downtime with redness and light peeling. Natural exfoliation typically occurs 2-3 days post-procedure, revealing refreshed, glowing skin.
Intensive Treatments: For deep wrinkles, significant scarring, or advanced skin concerns, deeper treatment settings may be recommended. These treatments involve 5-7+ days of recovery with more noticeable redness and peeling. Results continue to develop for up to 12 months as collagen remodeling continues, with outcomes that may last several years.

Your provider will recommend the appropriate number of sessions based on your individual needs. Many patients achieve their desired results after a single treatment, while others benefit from a series of lighter treatments spaced several weeks apart.

UltraClear® Treatment Options

UltraClear® offers multiple treatment modes that can be customized to your specific needs:

Glass skin (Minimal Downtime): This gentle yet effective treatment focuses on the uppermost layers of skin, improving uneven texture, fine lines, and dullness with virtually no downtime. Ideal for patients seeking a quick refresh or ongoing prejuvenation maintenance.
Refine (Moderate Treatment): Targets both the epidermis and dermis for more noticeable improvement in wrinkles, pigmentation, and skin texture. Offers a balance of efficacy and recovery time.
UltraClear Renewal Lift (Advanced Treatment): UltraClear®'s most intensive option, this advanced technique removes microscopic "cores" of damaged tissue, triggering powerful collagen remodeling for dramatic improvement in deep wrinkles, acne scars, and significant skin laxity.

Complementary Treatments

UltraClear® can be combined with other treatments at Cheng Plastic Surgery to enhance your overall results. During your consultation, your provider will help you create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your concerns in the optimal sequence for the best outcomes.

Injectables: BOTOX® and dermal fillers can address dynamic wrinkles and volume loss, complementing UltraClear®'s texture and tone improvements. BOTOX® is typically administered every 3-6 months depending on your results, while dermal fillers are usually reassessed on a yearly basis—though every individual may have different intervals based on their unique needs.
Thermage FLX: For patients seeking additional skin tightening, Thermage can be combined with UltraClear® for comprehensive rejuvenation. Thermage treatments are typically repeated annually to slow the aging process through ongoing neocollagenesis.
Ultherapy Prime: This non-invasive lifting treatment targets deeper tissue layers, working synergistically with UltraClear®'s surface improvements. Like Thermage, Ultherapy is generally performed once a year to maintain lifting effects and continue stimulating collagen production.
HydraFacial: Gentle hydrating facials can be incorporated into your skincare regimen between UltraClear® sessions to maintain optimal skin health.

UltraClear FAQs

What makes UltraClear® different from other laser treatments?

UltraClear® stands apart through its advanced cold fiber laser technology, which delivers precise energy with minimal heat. This approach allows for effective treatment while reducing discomfort and supporting a more comfortable recovery compared to traditional lasers. Its 3DIntelliPulse® technology helps limit unnecessary thermal damage while still addressing multiple skin concerns.

How does UltraClear® work?

UltraClear® works by combining ablative and coagulative energy to stimulate collagen and elastin production within the skin. This process encourages natural healing while improving the appearance of fine lines, texture irregularities, and pigmentation concerns. By targeting both the surface and deeper layers of the skin, it supports comprehensive rejuvenation without excessive damage to surrounding tissue.

What skin concerns can UltraClear® treat?

UltraClear® is a versatile treatment designed to address fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, age spots, acne scars, textural irregularities, red and brown discoloration, enlarged pores, and uneven skin tone. Many patients also choose UltraClear® as a preventative option to maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin over time.

What is the treatment experience like? Does it hurt?

The UltraClear® treatment experience is designed to be efficient and well-tolerated. A full-face session typically takes 20-30 minutes. Most patients report mild discomfort during the procedure, which is often described as significantly less intense than traditional laser treatments. Following the session, it is common to experience temporary redness and light peeling, similar to a mild sunburn.

How long does recovery take, and when will I see results?

Recovery time varies depending on the selected treatment intensity. Lighter treatments may involve just a few days of mild redness and peeling, while deeper treatments can require several days of more noticeable recovery. Patients begin to see improvements in tone and texture within the first week.

Is UltraClear® safe for all skin types?

Yes. UltraClear® is designed with advanced precision energy control and cold ablation technology, making it a safe option for a broad range of skin types, including Fitzpatrick types I-VI. By minimizing excess heat, the treatment reduces the risk of complications such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

How many treatments will I need?

Many patients see significant improvement after a single treatment. However, depending on your skin concerns and goals, a series of 3-6 lighter treatments or multiple deeper treatments may be recommended for optimal results.

Experience Skin Rejuvenation at Cheng Plastic Surgery

Skin rejuvenation has never been easier. UltraClear® combines cutting-edge technology with the expert care you expect from Cheng Plastic Surgery, no surgery or injections required, treatments in 30 minutes or less, and results that reflect the high standard of care our patients have come to trust.

Schedule a comprehensive facial assessment (CFA) with Dr. Elbert Cheng or Dr. Jacqueline Cheng, or book an Advanced Aesthetic Assessment with our experienced nurse team to determine the best UltraClear® treatment plan for your skin. Contact our Saratoga office at (408) 741-9982 or our Redwood City location at (650) 227-9693. Discover how UltraClear® can help you achieve smoother, brighter, more youthful-looking skin.