Laser rejuvenating treatments are the perfect way to refresh your skin and reduce the signs of aging. However, if you’re busy hustling through New York City, then you might be looking for a gentle treatment that doesn’t interfere with your activities. If you are looking for something that offers clear and radiant skin—in summer or winter—then Clear + Brilliant® addresses these concerns, offering visible improvement with minimal discomfort. Regardless of your skincare goals, Dr. Ariel Ostad can rejuvenate your skin with Clear + Brilliant®.

What Is Clear + Brilliant®?

Clear + Brilliant® is a fractional laser treatment that was approved by the FDA in 2011 for skin resurfacing. Also named the “Baby Fraxel®,” the procedure is ideal for patients who want a quick rejuvenation. The treatment is adjustable based on the goals and skin sensitivity, as follows:

Original Clear + Brilliant®: Using a 1440 nm wavelength, this setting is effective for improving one’s skin tone and texture. It is a suitable choice for addressing signs of aging.
Perméa Clear + Brilliant®: Set at a 1927 nm wavelength, it’s perfect for pigment concerns such as sun spots, melasma, sun damage. It also increases the permeability of the skin. This improves skincare absorption, pairing it extremely well with medical-grade skincare.

Clear + Brilliant® starts working right away, but results appear after the redness and minimal dryness fade. Within a week, you’ll notice that the skin is smoother and softer, offering a radiant glow. This process will continue for a couple of weeks, at which point you’ll notice an improved skin tone and refined pores.

How Clear + Brilliant® Works

The procedure works by creating hundreds of thousands of microscopic injuries in the skin, triggering a cell renewal process. This process is your body’s natural response to injury, which promotes the production of new collagen and elastin. The damaged cells from the surface are gradually removed by the body and replaced by the healthy ones underneath.

The overall procedure is very comfortable, and patients should feel nothing more than a warming sensation. If your skin is particularly sensitive, Dr. Ostad can apply a numbing ointment to reduce discomfort.

Commonly Treated Issues

Clear + Brilliant® is a suitable treatment for various patients, regardless of skin type. You may be considered a candidate if you check one or more of the skin concerns below:

Early signs of aging, such as fine lines and bumpy skin texture
Acne scars and enlarged pores
Skin dullness and uneven tone

You are also a good candidate if you want to get a laser treatment in the summer but don’t want to “hide” from the sun too much. Since Clear + Brilliant® is a soft treatment, patients are encouraged to use sunblock and a wide-brimmed hat for a few days (sunblock always!). The gentle action of the laser makes it effective for men and women with darker skin tones, reducing the risks of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Customized Consultations

Whether you’re looking to restore skin radiance or reduce fine signs of aging, Clear + Brilliant® can be a reliable solution. All of our treatments are customized based on your skin’s needs, after a consultation with Dr. Ariel Ostad. This helps you restore skin brilliance without having to go through significant downtime.

Treatment Process

The Clear + Brilliant® treatment is customizable based on your needs and overall skin type. However, Dr. Ostad follows some standard steps to ensure maximum efficiency. Here’s what you can expect during the treatment:

Consultation: Dr. Ostad will assess the condition of your skin and discuss your goals with you. This will help him determine which setting works best for you.

Skin Prepping: Dr. Ostad will cleanse the area and apply a topical numbing cream to your skin. This should keep discomfort at a minimum.

Laser Application: Once the skin is numb, Dr. Ostad will glide the handpiece over the treatment area. The entire session lasts about 15 to 20 minutes.

Aftercare: After the treatment, Dr. Ostad may apply a calming mask or soothing serum to nourish the skin. Sunblock is also applied to protect the freshly-treated skin.

The redness post-procedure lasts for about one to two days, but it can be concealed with makeup starting the next day. There’s no significant peeling, but even if there is, a gentle moisturizer can help address things.

Benefits of Clear + Brilliant®

Smoother Skin Texture

Clear + Brilliant® subtly triggers a new production of collagen, which fills in the small gaps in your skin. With time, this diminishes enlarged pores and mild acne scars. Early signs of aging, such as fine lines, are also reduced during the treatment.

Improved Skin Tone

The laser in the Clear + Brilliant® treatment targets the melanin clusters within the skin. This can prove beneficial to those dealing with sun spots, hyperpigmentation, and skin tone issues. The gentle nature of the treatment also decreases the chances of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Minimal Recovery

The Clear + Brilliant® laser is most of the time referred to as the “lunchtime laser.” Any potential discomfort is short-lived, and patients can return to their routine immediately. It’s an ideal choice for those with a busy life.

Improves Product Absorption

The treatment creates micro-injuries that form “pathways” to the dermis. This lets medical-grade skincare enter the skin faster than it normally would. This is convenient if you use products such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, or brightening serums.

Improved Skin Radiance

Clear + Brilliant® promotes a cell resurfacing process that triggers the removal of dead and damaged skin cells. These usually sit on the skin’s surface and make it look dull and lacking shine. After the treatment, healthy cells come to the surface, offering a “brilliance” that will be there for a couple of weeks.

Before & After

Reviews

Clear + Brilliant® for Medical Conditions

Beyond Cosmetic Uses

Clear + Brilliant® is a procedure mainly developed for cosmetic use. Its purpose is to reduce visible signs of aging with minimal recovery requirements. That said, Dr. Ostad could recommend this treatment to strengthen the skin barrier of those with very sensitive skin. This improves the permeability of medical products while promoting regeneration. Clear + Brilliant® could also be used to treat mild post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), with repeated treatments bringing beautiful results.

Success Stories

“Dr. Ostad is always caring and attentive to my needs. I am always very happy with the aesthetic procedures that I receive. He is truly a professional doctor and a wonderful human being. The staff is very attentive and warm.” – Ilene Y.

“The staff is very kindness, very nice professional The Dr Ostad is very knowledgeable, I’m more than happy with my experience I would recommend you to contact them for results in your treatment for your skin.” – Orqui E.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Is Not Considered a Good Candidate for the Treatment?

You may not be a good candidate if you have significant wrinkles and sagging. In this case, procedures such as Fraxel® could have a better effect, as they reach deeper into the dermis. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not undergo this treatment. Also, if you had an Accutane treatment in the last year, care is advised, because this can make the skin very sensitive. Please make sure to let Dr. Ostad know during your consultation.

What Will the Recovery Be Like?

Perhaps one of the greatest advantages of Clear + Brilliant® is that it comes with very few side effects and minimal potential for downtime. This makes the procedure great for those with a busy lifestyle who can’t have their routine disrupted too much. You can expect some mild stinging after the treatment, but that’s easily handled with a soothing gel.

Do I Have to Take Time Off from Work?

Most patients are back to their routine within a day. If you’re planning to go out in the sun, make sure to wear the right sunblock. If it’s summer, stick to 50 SPF sunblock, as your skin is still slightly sensitive.

Can I Exercise After the Clear + Brilliant® Treatment?

While Clear + Brilliant® is not that harsh on the skin, you should steer clear of exercising for 24 hours. The skin will be slightly irritated at this stage and the sweat is only going to make matters worse.

Will I Need More than One Treatment?

Some people can get the desired results with just one treatment. However, to achieve optimal results, Dr. Ostad recommends a series of four to six treatments, spaced one month apart. This can help reduce fine lines and acne scarring.

How Long Will the Clear + Brilliant® Results Last?

The results can last for several months, depending on your skin condition and skincare routine. It’s best to keep wearing sunblock, as this can protect the skin from UV damage. To maintain the results, consider scheduling a maintenance Clear + Brilliant® treatment once every six months.

About. Dr. Ostad

Dr. Ariel Ostad is a board-certified cosmetic provider based in New York, on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. With two decades of experience, Dr. Ostad perfected his technique for minimally invasive procedures, including skin resurfacing treatments. Over time, he adopted numerous technologies such as Clear + Brilliant® to help you reach your goals. As a recognized leader in his field, Dr. Ostad offers the highest standards of care, offering advanced and personalized treatment plans for optimal results.

Have More Questions?

If you have any other questions that we didn’t cover in this FAQ, we invite you to get in touch with us. We can give you all the guidance you need so that you can make an informed decision.

Expert Answers

Is Clear + Brilliant safe for all skin types?

Yes, Clear + Brilliant is safe for all skin tones and types. It’s especially popular with patients in their 20s to 40s looking for preventive or maintenance treatments.

What’s the difference between Clear + Brilliant and other lasers like Fraxel?

Clear + Brilliant is a lighter, less aggressive laser compared to Fraxel. It’s ideal for maintenance and prevention, while Fraxel is typically used for more advanced skin concerns like deep wrinkles or scars.

Can Clear + Brilliant treat melasma or hyperpigmentation?

Yes, it can help with pigment irregularities like melasma, but it must be used cautiously and often in conjunction with topical lightening agents. Some patients may respond better to gentler pigment-focused lasers or chemical peels, depending on the depth and cause of pigmentation.

Is there a best time of year to do Clear + Brilliant?

It can be done year-round, but fall and winter are ideal since you’re naturally getting less sun exposure, which helps minimize the risk of post-treatment pigmentation.

Combining Clear + Brilliant® with Other Treatments

Complementary Treatments

Clear + Brilliant® offers beautiful results on its own. However, the effects can be more dramatic when combined with other treatments. Dr. Ostad can choose to mix it with procedures such as chemical peels or microneedling for deeper skin resurfacing and collagen-inducing effects. To increase the effectiveness and speed up the healing, Dr. Ostad could also combine it with PRFM treatments.

DiamondGlow® treatments also work well in combination with the Clear + Brilliant® treatments. Both procedures provide gentle skin resurfacing and exfoliating benefits, offering clearer skin when used together. Dr. Ostad uses medical-grade serums to make sure you get the most out of the active agents.

Comprehensive Rejuvenation

Dr. Ostad believes that a holistic approach to skin rejuvenation offers the most natural effects. For this reason, he may try to integrate multiple treatments in one session. Aside from Clear + Brilliant®, he could suggest the use of fillers, facial treatments, medical-grade skincare, and other lasers. His comprehensive plan helps the skin look natural and balanced with the rest of the face and body.

Latest Trends and Innovations

Advanced Techniques

The world of cosmetics is evolving, and Dr. Ostad keeps up by continuously updating his techniques. In the past, fractional skin resurfacing treatments used to put patients with darker skin at a risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. With the gentle action of the Clear + Brilliant® treatment, clients with sensitive or darker skin can safely use the procedure.

The adjustability of the Clear + Brilliant® headpiece makes it the perfect option for area-specific targeting. For example, Dr. Ostad can set it at a higher intensity to boost collagen in the cheek and mouth area, but keep the power low around the eyes. This improves the efficiency of the treatment while keeping discomfort at a minimum.

Innovative Uses

The Clear + Brilliant® treatment is primarily used for tone correction and improved skin texture. That said, this doesn’t mean its uses stop there. Many clients use it as a “prejuvenation” method, preventing the signs of aging from showing up.

The procedure is also used to support healing and collagen production between intensive treatments. For example, if you had a deep chemical peel or laser resurfacing treatment, you can use Clear + Brilliant® to maintain the results. The overall flexibility of the procedure lets you adjust it for every skin type or purpose.

Safety and Expertise

Why Choose Dr. Ariel Ostad

Dr. Ariel Ostad is triple board-certified in Dermatology, Mohs Micrographic Skin Cancer Surgery, and Facial Cosmetic Surgery. His advanced skills and techniques have led to many honors, and has also been listed as Top Doctor by Castle Connolly and RealSelf, and as a New York Super Doctor. Dr. Ostad is a three-time NYU Surgical Attending of the Year recipient and an Associate Clinical Professor, teaching residents how to perform surgeries.

Moreover, Dr. Ostad has founded a top-notch clinic built around patient comfort, personalized treatments, and consistent results. Together with his team of professionals, they stay ahead of the curve in the most recent developments of aesthetic dermatology. This includes skin renewal, repair, and rejuvenation as well as advanced body-sculpting procedures.

List of Credentials:

Top Clear + Brilliant® Provider
Rated Top 1% BOTOX® and Filler Injector in the US by Allergan Aesthetics
Triple Board Certified in Cosmetic Dermatology, Facial Cosmetic Surgery, and Mohs Surgery
Listed as Top Doctor by Castle Connolly in 2012-2024
Listed as New York Super Doctor in 2014-2024
3-time recipient of NYU Dermatologic Surgical Attending of the Year
Serves as a Clinical Associate Professor at the NYU Department of Dermatology
Trained at Harvard, NYU, and UCLA

Commitment to Safety

Dr. Ariel Ostad’s office is aesthetically pleasing and comfortable for patients. At the same time, it maintains strict standards of cleanliness, sanitation, and safety.

Dr. Ostad has invested in different lasers and other advanced therapeutic devices. Moreover, the equipment is regularly updated as technology improves. The facility features an onsite lab used in Mohs micrographic surgery and for diagnostic purposes. Last, but not least, the office is fully certified by the AAAASF (American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities) as a surgical facility.

Awards and Certifications

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