If you've been searching for a way to address sun damage, uneven skin tone, or fine lines without significant downtime, LaseMD Ultra may be exactly what you've been looking for. At Sergay Dermatology in South Tampa, it's one of our most requested cosmetic treatments — and for good reason.
What Is LaseMD Ultra?
LaseMD Ultra is a non-ablative fractional thulium fiber laser — a category of laser that creates microscopic channels in the skin to stimulate collagen production and allow for the delivery of targeted skincare serums deep into the dermis. Unlike more aggressive lasers (like CO2 resurfacing), LaseMD Ultra does not remove the top layer of skin. Instead, it works beneath the surface to trigger the skin's natural repair process.
The result: brighter, smoother, more even skin — with a recovery time measured in days rather than weeks.
What Conditions Does LaseMD Ultra Treat?
LaseMD Ultra is remarkably versatile. At Sergay Dermatology, we use it to treat:
- Sun damage and photodamage — including sunspots, age spots, and diffuse redness from years of Florida sun exposure
- Melasma — stubborn brown discoloration often triggered by hormones or sun exposure
- Fine lines and early wrinkles — particularly around the eyes and mouth
- Uneven skin tone and texture — dullness, rough texture, enlarged pores
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — dark marks left behind by acne or other skin injuries
- Overall skin rejuvenation — even for patients with no specific concern, just wanting a refresh
How Is It Different From Other Lasers?
There are dozens of lasers on the market, and it can be confusing to understand how they differ. Here's a quick breakdown of where LaseMD Ultra sits:
- Ablative lasers (CO2, Erbium) — remove the outer skin layer, producing dramatic results but requiring 1–2 weeks of downtime and significant post-care. Not suitable for all skin tones.
- Non-ablative fractional lasers (LaseMD Ultra, Fraxel) — work below the surface, leaving the outer skin intact. Much less downtime (typically 3–5 days of redness/peeling) with good cumulative results over multiple sessions.
- IPL / BroadBand Light — uses broad-spectrum light rather than laser to target pigment and vessels. Good for diffuse redness and mild pigmentation, but less precise for texture.
LaseMD Ultra's thulium wavelength (1927nm) is particularly well-suited for pigmentation and sun damage — it has a strong affinity for water in the skin, making it precise and effective while remaining gentle enough for most skin types, including darker tones.
The Unique Serum Infusion Feature
One of the most exciting aspects of LaseMD Ultra is its ability to combine laser treatment with the infusion of customized skincare serums. The microscopic channels created by the laser act as temporary pathways that allow active ingredients — like tranexamic acid (for melasma), vitamin C (for brightening), or growth factors (for anti-aging) — to penetrate far deeper than they ever could when applied topically.
At Sergay Dermatology, Dr. Sergay selects the appropriate serum based on your specific skin concerns, making each treatment truly personalized.
What to Expect During Treatment
Here's what a typical LaseMD Ultra session looks like at our South Tampa office:
- Topical numbing cream is applied for 20–30 minutes before your session to maximize comfort.
- The laser pass takes approximately 20–30 minutes for the full face. Most patients describe the sensation as a mild prickling or warmth.
- Serum infusion is applied immediately after the laser, while the channels are still open.
- Post-treatment care instructions are provided — typically gentle cleansing, moisturizer, and strict sun avoidance for the first week.
What Does Recovery Look Like?
Immediately after treatment, your skin will look and feel like a mild sunburn — pink, slightly warm, and a bit sensitive. Over the next 2–5 days, you'll experience "bronzing" (a tan-like appearance as treated skin cells begin to shed), followed by fine peeling or flaking as the outer layer renews.
By day 5–7, most patients are back to their normal routine with noticeably improved skin tone and texture. Full results develop over the following weeks as collagen remodeling continues.
How Many Treatments Do You Need?
For mild concerns or general skin maintenance, a single session can produce a visible improvement. For more significant concerns like melasma, deep sun damage, or textural issues, a series of 3–4 treatments spaced 4–6 weeks apart typically produces the best outcomes.
After your initial series, many patients return for annual or semi-annual maintenance treatments — especially in Florida's sun-intense climate.
Is LaseMD Ultra Right for You?
LaseMD Ultra is appropriate for a wide range of skin types and tones. It is generally not recommended for patients who are pregnant, have active skin infections, or are taking certain photosensitizing medications. At Sergay Dermatology, every patient receives a thorough consultation before any laser treatment to ensure it's the right choice.
If you're in South Tampa and interested in LaseMD Ultra, we'd love to discuss whether it's a good fit for your skin goals.
