LaseMD Ultra Explained: Is This Medspa Treatment Worth the Investment?

Laser treatments may seem like a dime a dozen but choosing the right one for your skin and its needs can make all the difference. One that’s trending: LaseMD Ultra. This non-invasive laser is the go-to for firmer skin, fewer dark spots and less pigmentation, and smoother texture—all with minimal downtime. So, if you’re considering booking Ultralase at your next medspa visit, we’re breaking down how this high-tech treatment works, its benefits and drawbacks, and whether it’s truly worth the investment.

Medspas and their treatment menus constantly evolve, with new technologies that promise smoother skin, tighter contours, and a youthful glow without surgery or significant downtime. One of the latest trending treatments is Ultralase, a non-ablative laser that’s gaining traction as a must-try skin rejuvenating treatment. But is the beauty breakthrough really worth the hype? Or is it simply another overhyped treatment that will soon be considered passe?

Here, we break down exactly what LaseMD Ultra is, how it works, its benefits and drawbacks, and whether it’s worth considering for both patients and medspa professionals as part of a holistic skincare rejuvenation treatment.

What Is LaseMD Ultra?

LaseMD Ultra is an innovative non-ablative thulium laser treatment designed to improve skin texture, tone, firmness, and overall appearance. Unlike traditional ablative laser treatments, which physically remove layers of skin, LaseMD Ultra creates tiny thermal zones in the skin that signal a natural healing response to stimulate collagen production and regenerate the skin from the inside out, all without ablating or vaporizing the surface of the skin. Board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. William Kennedy explains, “LaseMD Ultra is an incredibly effective treatment for improving both pigment irregularities and textural changes in the skin. Its precision allows us to target areas of uneven tone while simultaneously stimulating collagen production.” The result? Revitalized skin with improved tone and smoother texture with minimal downtime.

The treatment, which was originally developed as an alternative to more invasive laser procedures, has gained popularity for its ability to target multiple concerns at once: fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, sun damage, acne scarring, and overall skin tone and texture. As a result, it leaves the skin looking and feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, which many patients appreciate.

How LaseMD Ultra Works & What It Treats

The science behind LaseMD Ultra is unique, and it’s also what makes it so appealing. Here’s how the treatment works:

• It utilizes a thulium laser: Since LaseMD Ultra uses a thulium laser to target water in the skin rather than pigment, it is a colorblind treatment that is safe to use on all skin tones. The laser creates tiny channels in the skin that are deep enough to stimulate the production of new collagen, while also improving pigmentation and remodeling the skin.
• It’s non-ablative: The laser resurfaces and rejuvenates the skin without vaporizing, resulting in minimal downtime and recovery.
• The treatment is customizable. The amount of energy emitted can be dialed up or down to suit the skin's needs, allowing the laser to be milder or moderate in intensity.
• It targets a wide array of skin concerns: LaseMD Ultra works by targeting unwanted pigment, such as sunspots, freckles, or age spots, in the superficial layers of your skin to reveal a brighter, more youthful-looking complexion. The LaseMD Ultra laser stimulates skin regeneration by creating thermal zones, promoting new tissue growth and continuous cellular turnover, resulting in smoother, healthier-looking skin.
• It helps stimulate new collagen: Like other types of lasers, LaseMD Ultra is known to target the deeper layers of tissue, triggering the body’s natural healing response. In return, this stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin, two proteins essential for maintaining youthful, bouncy skin.

LaseMD Ultra is a great treatment option for resurfacing and revitalizing the skin because it targets numerous skin concerns, including:

• Sun damage
• Age spots
• Uneven skin tone and pigment
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Mild laxity
• Body contouring (in some systems, fat disruption may be an option)

Think of LaseMD Ultra as a “reset button” for your skin, allowing it to appear firmer, smoother, and healthier.

Patient before LaseMD Ultra treatment (left) and after two treatments (right). Image Owned by: Cynosure Lutronic Research Department

The Benefits of LaseMD Ultra

There are several benefits of LaseMD Ultra, which make it a popular treatment amongst both providers and patients. Dr. Kennedy shares, “One of the most common concerns I hear from patients is the downtime required after a procedure, which is why LaseMD Ultra is such an appealing option. It delivers noticeable improvements in skin tone and texture without the extended recovery time of more invasive treatments, allowing patients to return to their routines quickly while still achieving transformative results.” However, there may be some mild yet temporary redness or swelling, which tends to resolve within 24 to 48 hours. The in-office procedure typically takes 10 to 30 minutes, on average, to perform, depending on the treatment area.

Besides the fact that LaseMD Ultra doesn’t require time off from your regular routine, it also produces very natural-looking results that appear gradually. With the treatment, the skin’s texture and tone improve, resulting in more uniformity, which often equates to a more youthful appearance. It’s also one of the more versatile laser treatments, which can be used to improve skin changes on the face, neck, and body, making it an appealing option for multiple concerns, all while being customized to your specific needs.

Unlike other popular lasers, which may not be suitable for darker skin tones, LaseMD Ultra’s technology is designed to work across a broad range of skin tones with minimal risk. That means that the treatment is safe for a wider range of people than other options.

Drawbacks & Considerations

Of course, no cosmetic treatment is perfect. So, before booking an appointment, there are some limitations to keep in mind:

• You may experience mild discomfort. Some patients experience a warming or tingling sensation during the treatment. While it’s tolerable, it can be made more comfortable with numbing cream.
• There are temporary side effects. Redness, swelling, and slight sensitivity are typical side effects of the treatment and are common for one to two days post-treatment.
• The cost. LaseMD Ultra can be on the pricier side, ranging from $1,000 to $3,500 per session, depending on the treatment area and clinic. This can make it more expensive than other skin rejuvenating treatments.
• It’s not a substitute for surgery. Even if the idea of LaseMD Ultra treatment sounds appealing, some patients who are not ideal candidates.

“While LaseMD Ultra is highly effective for improving skin tone, texture, and mild laxity, it’s not designed to correct more significant sagging. Patients with advanced skin laxity may benefit more from surgical options that can provide the level of lifting and tightening LaseMD Ultra can’t achieve alone,” says Dr. Kennedy. The treatment is better suited for those with mild to moderate skin laxity, as skin that experiences major sagging or deep wrinkles may not yield dramatic results and might be better candidates for surgical options.

How LaseMD Ultra Compares to Other Treatments

To help you decide whether LaseMD Ultra is worth it, here’s how it stacks up against other popular medspa treatments:

• Ultherapy: LaseMD Ultra and Ultherapy are similar in that they both stimulate collagen, but the methods they use to achieve this differ. Ultherapy uses ultrasound energy and is not considered a laser, as LaseMD Ultra is a non-ablative thulium laser. LaseMD Ultra is also believed to offer a more comfortable experience with a quicker recovery.
• Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling: Radiofrequency is often combined with microneedling to provide a skin-tightening benefit. On the other hand, a laser works by penetrating the skin and heating the tissue, causing the body to produce more collagen and resulting in improved skin tone and texture to the treated area.
• Traditional Laser Resurfacing: CO₂ or Er lasers physically remove layers of skin, which leads to longer downtime but produces more dramatic resurfacing results. Since LaseMD Ultra is a non-ablative laser, it does not remove the other layers of skin and offers gentler rejuvenation with less recovery time.
• CoolSculpting: While CoolSculpting targets fat reduction, LaseMD Ultra is more about skin tightening and rejuvenation. Some LaseMD Ultra treatments can target pockets of unwanted fat. Additionally, some medspas combine both for body contouring.

The Ideal Candidate

LaseMD Ultra isn’t for everyone, but in the right candidate, it can make a dramatic difference. “For those beginning to see the first changes in their skin — a little dullness, uneven tone, or loss of firmness — and want to restore a more youthful, luminous appearance without the recovery or commitment of an invasive procedure,” shares Dr. Kennedy. Typically, people in their 30s to 50s who are starting to notice early signs of aging, such as mild to moderate skin laxity, fine lines, and wrinkles, see positive results from the treatment. LaseMD Ultra is also a good option for those with busy schedules that don’t permit major downtime or recovery periods.

However, if you’re expecting facelift-like results, LaseMD Ultra may not be right for you. Dr. Kennedy recommends, “If someone has severe sagging or deeply set wrinkles, they’re likely to benefit more from surgical or combination treatments that can address those deeper structural changes.” Similarly, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those with an active skin infection or certain medical conditions, should skip over the treatment too. If you’re unsure whether LaseMD Ultra is right for you, consult your doctor first before undergoing the procedure.

Results & Maintenance

LaseMD Ultra’s results aren’t instant and it’s a treatment that rewards patience. Most patients start noticing initial improvement within the first four to six weeks, with full results appearing after two to three months, as collagen remodeling occurs. Results typically last 12 to 18 months, although annual maintenance sessions are recommended.

To preserve the results, diligent use of sunscreen and consistent hydration are key.

The Cost

The cost of a single LaseMD Ultra treatment may vary depending on your location, provider, and treatment area, but, on average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1500 to $2500 for a face treatment, $1000 to $1800 for a neck treatment, and upwards of $3500 for a full face and neck treatment. Body treatments are additional, and a consultation with your provider can provide a more accurate estimate of the price.

While LaseMD Ultra is not the cheapest laser option, many patients believe the investment is worthwhile given its natural-looking results and long-lasting benefits.

The Bottom Line

LaseMD Ultra is more than just hype—it’s a scientifically backed, non-invasive laser that delivers natural-looking yet noticeable results with minimal downtime. For the right candidates, it can be a game-changer in maintaining youthful, firm, and radiant skin without the need for surgery.

So, should you book LaseMD Ultra at your next medspa visit? The answer depends on your goals. If you’re looking for subtle yet noticeable improvements and want to avoid surgery, LaseMD Ultra is a worth considering. But, if you’re hoping for dramatic lifting or a major transformation, you may need to consider more invasive options, such as facelift surgery or CO₂ laser resurfacing.

As always, the best way to know if LaseMD Ultra is right for you is to consult with a trusted provider who can evaluate your skin, discuss expectations, design a personalized treatment plan, and help guide you in your skin journey so that you’re happy with the treatment and, ultimately, the results.