Introducing Dr. Shanthala Shivananjappa MD, a pioneering physician revolutionizing the Boston aesthetic scene with cutting-edge innovations. As a distinguished board-certified MD with a prestigious Harvard education, she brings forth a wealth of expertise, having previously served as an assistant professor at Yale University. Over the past decade, Dr. Shanthala’s practice in Boston’s North Shore has become synonymous with excellence. She has performed thousands of advanced non-surgical aesthetic procedures. Renowned internationally, she has graced over a dozen prestigious conferences, sharing invaluable insights on scars, Laser-Coring, energy-based procedures, exosomes, and non-surgical aesthetics. In 2024, Dr. Shanthala proudly introduced the groundbreaking UltraClear Laser Procedure, Laser-Coring, a state-of-the-art, innovative cold fractional ablative laser technology. She is proud to be one of the four physicians in the Boston area offering this revolutionary procedure, solidifying her position as an authority in the field. Over 500 glowing testimonials across various platforms reflect Dr. Shanthala’s dedication to patient satisfaction, emphasizing her exceptional care and expertise. With a deliberate approach to patient care, Dr. Shanthala ensures thorough evaluation and precise execution of aesthetic procedures, infusing finesse and artistry into her work. Her commitment to natural results and patient well-being sets her apart, making her a sought-after figure in Boston’s competitive aesthetic industry. Similarly, Dr. Shivananjappa is renowned for her honest opinion and kind bedside manner. She emphasizes natural beauty and offers a wide range of safe, non-invasive cosmetic procedures. As a board-certified physician from Harvard with over 25 years of experience, she blends her medical and surgical knowledge into her aesthetic practice, guiding patients to look naturally beautiful with confidence.
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I had the privilege of being treated by Dr. Shanthala for my acne scars, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. From the very first consultation, she took the time to carefully assess my skin, explain all available options, and guide me toward the treatments best suited for my needs. We proceeded with a combination of Ultraclear laser and subcision, and the results have been remarkable. The Ultraclear laser significantly improved my skin texture, while the subcision effectively addressed the deeper scars that had bothered me for years. Throughout the entire process, Dr. Shanthala’s expertise and gentle approach made me feel comfortable, informed, and cared for. What truly sets Dr. Shanthala apart is not only her deep knowledge and skill but also her dedication to patient care. She checked in regularly, ensured I was healing well, and adjusted my treatment plan to achieve the best results possible. Thanks to her, my skin looks healthier, smoother, and I feel so much more confident. If you are considering acne scar treatment, I can confidently say that Dr. Shanthala provides exceptional care and outstanding results.
I can’t say enough good things about Dr Shantala. She is so knowledgeable about skin and what works and what doesn’t. I am now 5 months post procedure and I’m still getting comments about how great my skin looks and how young I look. She is so caring, and her post procedure follow up was truly amazing. She cares about her clients. I highly recommend her
I cannot express my un-ending gratitude to Dr. Shanthala. I went to see her to address acne scarring and uneven skin tone. Unfortunately, I had a bad reaction to the ultraclear laser (which was no fault of Dr. Shanthala - just my unfortunate genetics) and I thought I would never recover. But Dr. Shanthala could not have treated me better - she met with me so often and was just as invested in my recovery as I was. She was not only my doctor but also my friend during this very tough time for me. She never gave up. Within about 1month, my post hyperpigmentation had gone done about 90% and I truly believe this was due to her vigilance in my care. I trust her enough with my skin to continue trying address my issues with her. Honestly, she is the best!!!! Also, another thing I love about Dr. Shanthala is that she is very transparent - you will notice that all of her before and after photos aim to have the same lighting so that any improvements are not just due to optical tricks...I think this is a sign of a great doctor to address your aesthetic needs.
I had laser coring in Feb 2025. I am very happy with my results. Dr Shanthala checked in on me everyday. Was always available to answer any questions I had either by text or an office visit if needed. She went above and beyond to make sure I had great results. She is skillful and knowledgeable in what she does. She listens and takes her time with you. I would recommend Dr Shanthala to anyone.
Having undergone various cosmetic procedures in the past, I’ve come to understand just how crucial it is to choose the right physician. With that in mind, I conducted thorough research to find a provider known for both skill and trustworthiness. That process led me to Dr. Shanthala. Her exceptional reviews and impressive before-and-after results immediately stood out, prompting me to contact her office. From my very first interaction, it was clear why her patients speak so highly of her. Dr. Shanthala is deeply committed to patient care—genuinely invested in your comfort, your goals, and your overall satisfaction. I initially consulted with her regarding one type of laser treatment, but after discussing my skin concerns in depth, we decided that the UltraClear laser would be the best fit. The results have been truly remarkable—my skin looks clearer, more refreshed, and noticeably tighter. Even my colleagues have commented on the transformation. Dr. Shanthala’s level of follow-up care is rare. She personally checks in throughout the healing process. I definitely found my “aging coach” in Dr. Shanthala, and I can’t recommend her highly enough. Her professionalism, warmth, and expertise make her truly exceptional. Stop reading and contact her office!
I seriously can’t recommend Dr. Shanthala enough! She’s one of those rare providers who really takes the time to sit down with you, look at your skin, and figure out what you actually need—not just what’s trendy or expensive. She always finds the most effective and budget-friendly ways to enhance your natural beauty, which I really appreciate. I’ve had a bunch of treatments over the years, but most recently have decided to do some laser treatments to help with aging skin. I decided to join her 3D Miracle Skin Club because it includes a series of 3 treatments at a discounted price, which is more effective at getting those stubborn sun spots! Doing it just one time is good, but I think the results are exponential after the 3rd treatment. My skin has totally transformed. The laser has worked wonders—my skin looks smoother, brighter, and more refreshed, and there’s basically no pain or downtime. It's even allowed me to take a break from botox because my forehead has less wrinkles and my pores have shrunk! It's been a gamechanger!! I trust Dr. Shanthala completely. She knows what she’s doing, and she genuinely cares. I would never go anywhere else!
Ultraclear Laser with Dr. Shanthala – Amazing Results! • I had a combination treatment with Ultraclear Laser, fillers, and Botox – all done on the same day during my first visit. Dr. Shanthala carefully planned everything for maximum results. • I’ve had two laser sessions: one was the 3D Miracle, and the second was Ultraclear Laser, about 2–3 months apart. The second time was laser only. • The consultation is a must! It’s a paid consultation, but it’s so worth it. You’ll learn everything about the procedure, what to expect, and how to care for your skin before and after. Dr. Shanthala offered options and customized to my needs and budget. • Post-care is super detailed, and Dr. Shanthala is very meticulous. Follow the instructions. She provides all the guidance, products, and follow-up support you need for healing and best results. • The consultation was great - no waiting and she was very thorough and personable. • My experience from start to finish – before, during, and after – was amazing. The communication, the care, and the results exceeded my expectations. My husband told me about six weeks post care “your skin really does look better” and my hair stylist “you have color again” “it’s like your skin came back to life” I hope this review helps another woman who is seeking full face rejuvenation but wants someone who is natural and un-pretentious. I highly recommend Dr. Shanthala.
I had the UltraClear laser resurfacing done on my face and neck a couple of weeks ago and am very happy with the results. I didn’t see a lot of reviews or info about it when I went in, so I figured I’d write up my own experience in case it helps others. More specifics: I am female, 40 years old, and have had a little botox, fillers, and microneedling in the past. I was looking for an overall refresh of my skin, just make it look a bit brighter, tighter, and more uniform. I was noticing some areas where pores looked bigger, or I’d have a random red spot, etc. I also have Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which is a genetic condition where your body doesn’t make enough collagen, so your joints become extra flexible and your muscles have to tense up to hold you in place as a result. It can also affect how stretchy your skin is, and how it feels to the touch (often extra velvety, even without putting on moisturizer). A friend who’s really tapped into the aesthetics world had recommended Dr. Shanthala to me. She’s in Peabody, MA. The results she had gotten with lasers were pretty unparalleled and amazing, so I booked a consultation with her. It was a paid consultation, I think like $200, but I was happy to do it because she spent a lot of time with me going over everything in great detail. She took photos of my face from all different angles and with and without lighting to see shadows, and then discussed what she saw with me, comparing my own reactions and observations on what I’d like to improve with her own. She was super professional and conscientious, yet very direct. Like she was clear about what she wouldn’t do, which was also nice; she is definitely not a doctor who will just do whatever the patient asks for if she doesn’t believe it will actually lead to a good result, so I appreciated that she has strong values and boundaries. She gave me the pros, cons, recovery/downtime info, and pricing for several different options. We decided on the UltraClear laser at a medium depth/intensity, which would be just one session with several days of downtime. She showed me a lot of examples of other patients who had had that or similar treatments done so I could see their results (which were all quite awesome). I liked that it was basically “one and done” for several years. She was also open with me that she hadn’t done this type of treatment on someone with Ehlers-Danlos before and couldn’t guarantee the results. I have had Sculptra before, which is a filler that stimulates collagen production, and had very good results with it despite my body’s own issues with lacking collagen. So because of that and because of how comfortable Dr. Shanthala made me feel, I decided to go for it. I appreciated that she was willing to try something unknown with me and I reciprocated. When I went in for the procedure, she put numbing cream on my face and let it sit for about 30 minutes. We talked about the post-care and different products that were important for it. She had also given me this info during the consultation, but it was nice to hear it multiple times because the healing is key to get right. She had lots of top-of-the-line products and gave several of them to me for free, or at least without an added charge. Basically the healing meant doing vinegar-soaked gauze pads to provide cooling and help hydrate and clean the skin, followed by antiseptic spray, then heavy amounts of moisturizing balm (basically similar to Aquaphor). You’re doing that every couple of hours when you’re awake, sleeping like normal, and repeating when awake. She also wrote me a prescription for a medication which is commonly used for laser treatments to prevent infections from breaking out. During the procedure, which I estimate took about 45 minutes (but my sense of time was weird because of my mental state), she covered the entire surface area of my face with the laser. It would beep every time and it felt like there was a little jolt of electricity under my skin, like lightning. The one negative about the whole experience was the pain. Even with the numbing, it was really, really intense. To put this in perspective, I have a lot of tattoos (probably 30 hours total, including on some really painful areas), and I’d put the worst tattoo at like a 5 and this was an 8, even with the numbing. I didn’t expect it at all, because the reviews I’d read said UltraClear was like a 1-3 on the pain scale. Maybe it’s because of my genetic condition, or because it was at a more intense depth, or maybe I’m semi immune to numbing cream or something….but I basically white-knuckled my way through it. Dr. Shanthala gave me a hose that blew cold air that I could use if I wanted a break, which helped somewhat. At the end, I was sitting there just feeling my face burning and trying to get a grip, and she said that the next step was to put on some exosomes to help with the healing. They make a big difference and putting them on open skin means they’re absorbed really effectively. She said it would burn, though, and increase the pain. I was kind of like, wait, MORE pain than I’m in right now? Cause I feel like I am pretty maxed out on pain at the moment She said it would intensify and last 10-20 minutes. I was like, okay, we better do this thing then. So I focused on breathing and trying to get into a sort of meditative state with it. The burning increased, and it was bad, but I got through it. I’d estimate it was about ten minutes at that heightened state. Afterwards, I started to feel cooler/more numb and more back to normal. Dr. Shanthala was very patient with me and had allocated an hour for after the laser for me to recover in order to drive back, which I appreciated. I only took like ten minutes to feel good enough to drive, though, so she summarized the recovery instructions and gave me the products I needed, and told me to check in with her every day by sending pictures and asking whatever questions I had. The next few days were definitely a lot–I stayed on top of the healing procedures, and the dead outer layer of skin started peeling off and itching. It was really hard not to scratch it but I didn’t want to mess anything up. The medication I was on to prevent infections also gave me insomnia, so I was laying awake trying not to scratch my face, but feeling slightly insane because I couldn’t sleep. Fun times! My skin got a lot redder as part of the healing process, and the outside layer came off completely. I would text Dr. Shanthala every day and she was really helpful and encouraging about the progress. By about day four, I was starting to really see the results and was super happy. I’d say by day seven, I was completely healed and very pleased. Literally everything I had hoped for with this laser turned out the way I wanted–you can see from my before and after pics. It’s been a few weeks since the procedure and I’m glad I did it. I feel refreshed. I like how much benefit I got out of just that one session. So TL;DR: pros were my results and Dr. Shanthala every step of the way. Con was how painful it was, which may have something to do with me personally because of my condition. Next time I'd want a stronger and/or different anesthetic.
I’ve had multiple treatments with Dr. Shanthala and have always trusted her expertise, especially when it comes to my type V skin tone and acne scars. When she introduced the new UltraClear laser with exosomes, I was excited to try it because I trust her judgment and dedication to staying at the forefront of skincare technology. Dr. Shanthala took the time to explain everything in detail, making sure I understood the safety and benefits of the procedure for my skin. The treatment was very comfortable, and I felt well cared for throughout the process. She prepared me for about a week of downtime, and she checked in with me every single day after the procedure. We also had multiple follow-up visits, and she was always genuinely focused on how I was healing and feeling. It’s clear that Dr. Shanthala truly cares about her patients and their results. I’ve always felt supported and confident under her care. I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my skin!
Dr. Shanthala is concerned about her patients during the laser treatment and follows up to make sure your skin is healing after the treatment. I was looking for a non-invasive treatment to tighten my skin, remove sunspots, minimize fine wrinkles, give me a glow, and make me look younger. Three weeks after my UltraClear laser procedure I am very happy with the results. The procedure works from the inside out and will continue to improve in the next 3-6 months. My primary doctor told me that laser treatments are very good for the prevention of skin cancer. Is it worth it? Yes, definitely if you want your skin looking its best at any age.
I’m truly sorry to hear about your injury — dog bites to the face, especially the lips, can be traumatic both physically and emotionally. I want to share some insights based on my clinical experience, especially since I’ve treated a similar case, published & presented it at international medical conferences. A few years ago, I cared for a 47-year-old woman who was bitten by her own dog on her lower lip. It was a complex, deep wound — and understandably, she was terrified about the possibility of permanent disfigurement. I treated her within 24 hours using a topical application of placental-derived exosomes. These are cell-free, extracellular vesicles involved in intercellular communication, and they’ve shown promising potential in enhancing wound healing, reducing inflammation, and reducing the incidences of hypertrophic scarring. In her case, the results were quite remarkable: she was fully epithelialized in nine days, had no visible scar, and even after several years, she has not developed hypertrophic scarring or loss of function even after 3 years. It’s important to understand that facial dog bite injuries are uniquely challenging. Research shows that out of over 1,300 reviewed cases ( published in September 2022), 75% required surgical intervention, 19% needed revision surgery, and complication rates were higher in patients treated in emergency rooms than those treated in surgical settings. Common complications include infection, scarring, nerve injury, and psychological impact. While my case report highlights a positive outcome, I want to be very clear: this is not a promotional post, and I am not endorsing any specific brand or claiming that exosomes are a guaranteed solution. The use of exosomes is still investigational. The FDA has NOT approved any Exosomes. and more controlled human studies are needed before we can make broad claims. The link for my published case report is attached. That said, over the past five years, I’ve used topical exosomes (from various sources, including adipose, placental, umbilical, and platelet-derived) in more than 500–600 cases for nonsurgical aesthetic procedures, especially after ablative and nonablative lasers. I believe they have a role when applied post-laser for reducing downtime and expediting wound healing. Their effects in wound healing span all four phases: reducing inflammation, accelerating epithelialization, supporting collagen remodeling, and potentially preventing Hypertrophic scar formation by controlling myofibroblast conversion. My goal with that patient—and with every patient—is always to explore every ethical, science-backed method available to promote optimal healing. If we have safe, noninvasive, cell-free, readily available regenerative tools, why not use them to minimize long-term consequences like scarring? Again, this is just a single case report, and I’m sharing it purely to inform, not to sell or promise outcomes. I encourage you to research and consult with experienced plastic surgeons familiar with advanced wound healing options. Scars don’t have to be inevitable, and sometimes, early intervention makes all the difference. Wishing you a smooth and complete recovery. Warmly, Dr. Shanthala
This is a great question, and I appreciate you bringing it up. Since your last CO2 laser treatment was eight years ago, and you’ve already undergone three ablative CO2 treatments over the past 27 years, it’s understandable that you’re wondering if a fourth session is the right choice. Should You Consider Another CO2 Treatment or a Newer Technology like Laser-Coring? While CO2 laser resurfacing has been the gold standard for scar remodeling, a more advanced technology called UltraClear Laser-Coring has changed how we approach scar treatment. Here are three key reasons why UltraClear Laser Coring may be a better option for you: 1. Latest Laser Technology – UltraClear Laser Coring is the most advanced resurfacing laser available today. It delivers remarkable scar remodeling with minimal downtime and fewer side effects compared to traditional CO2 laser. 2. Safer for Different Skin Types – Unlike traditional CO2, which can pose higher risks of hyperpigmentation and prolonged redness, UltraClear Laser Coring is safer for a wider range of skin types, making it a more versatile option. 3. Better Long-Term Results with Combination Treatments – One of the most effective approaches for deep scars is to combine Laser-Coring with biostimulators (such as PLLA ) and subcision. This combination helps break up tethered scar tissue, stimulate collagen production, and provide smoother, long-term results. Both Laser-Coring & Biostimulators can be performed on the same day. If you haven’t looked into UltraClear Laser Coring, I highly recommend doing so before committing to another CO2 treatment. Many patients who previously relied on CO2 lasers have seen dramatic improvements with UltraClear Laser-Coring, often in just one or two sessions. For the best results, I would suggest consulting with a specialist experienced in Laser Coring and combination scar treatments to determine the most effective approach for your skin. Hope this helps, and I wish you the best on your journey to achieving your desired results! Please visit our website to learn more about Laser-Coring for acne scar patients.
This is a great question, and the answer depends on multiple factors, including the severity of sun damage, the degree of photoaging, skin type, ethnicity, and downtime availability. Multiple Non-Ablative Laser Treatments vs. One Deep Ablative Laser Treatment • Non-ablative lasers work by heating the skin without fully removing layers. These treatments require multiple sessions to gradually improve skin tone, texture, and fine lines with minimal downtime. • Ablative lasers (such as CO2 laser and UltraClear Laser Coring) physically remove the outer layers of skin, triggering a more aggressive collagen remodeling and skin-tightening process. While these provide more dramatic results in a single session, they also require a longer healing period. Which Approach Is Best? These are some of the essential things to consider before choosing laser resurfacing. 1. The degree of sun damage and photoaging. Some people at 55 have mild concerns that respond well to non-ablative lasers, while others with more severe wrinkles and skin laxity will benefit from a single, more profound resurfacing treatment. 2. Your skin type and ethnicity. Non-ablative lasers are generally safer for darker skin tones due to the lower risk of hyperpigmentation. Deeper ablative lasers, such as CO2, have more side effects and downtime compared to UltraClear Laser-Coring and hence should be used cautiously in certain skin types. 3. Your downtime and treatment goals. Non-ablative lasers may be a good option if you prefer less downtime and are willing to commit to multiple sessions. However, if you want significant improvement in one session and can accommodate healing time, then ablative laser resurfacing is likely the better choice. Is One Deep Laser Treatment More Effective? Suppose your goal is to achieve the most noticeable improvement in skin tone and wrinkles with fewer treatments. In that case, a single deep ablative laser treatment will typically be more effective than multiple non-ablative sessions. However, the right choice depends on how much correction is needed. Recommendation It is difficult to determine the best approach without seeing your skin. I recommend a consultation with an experienced laser specialist who can assess the severity of photoaging, your skin type, and your expectations to guide you toward the most effective treatment plan. I hope this helps. sincerely Dr. Shanthala
Can Laser Resurfacing Help Instead of Surgery? In my experience, it is possible that UltraClear Laser-Coring can significantly soften under-eye wrinkles and fine lines while also helping improve skin texture and firmness. Unlike CO2, UltraClear allows for precise tissue removal and collagen remodeling without excessive thermal damage, making it an excellent alternative to surgery for many patients. What About Overfilled Under-Eye Fillers? If your under-eye area is overfilled, the filler should be dissolved first. Once that’s done, UltraClear Laser Coring can further refine the area, improving skin tightness and elasticity. Many of my patients who have had botched under-eye filler removal saw a natural, lifted appearance post-laser—without the need for additional fillers. In fact, several of my patients have mentioned that after UltraClear, they looked as if they had cheek fillers, even though they didn’t. The laser’s ability to firm and tighten the skin creates a subtle volumizing effect, giving the appearance of more lifted, youthful contours. Should You Consider Surgery Instead? While surgery (like lower blepharoplasty) is the best option for severe skin laxity and excess fat pads, it’s worth consulting an experienced oculoplastic surgeon. UltraClear laser is worth trying first because it offers remarkable improvements in skin quality and wrinkle reduction, often delaying or eliminating the need for surgery. I recommend getting a consultation with an expert in surgery, laser, and filler correction to determine the best approach for your case. Also, if you’re interested, check out our patient video, where I removed botched fillers and performed UltraClear Laser Coring, resulting in a more refreshed, youthful, and lifted look without adding more fillers. Hope this helps, and I wish you the best on your journey! Sincerely Dr. Shanthala
Based on your photo, you would be an excellent candidate for both upper and lower blepharoplasty. The amount of under-eye bags and hollowing you’re experiencing is best corrected surgically, as lasers or Kybella are unlikely to provide the improvement you’re looking for. Clarifying the Treatment You Received One necessary clarification: Did you have UltraClear laser or CO2 laser? These are two completely different technologies, and it’s unlikely both were performed simultaneously. UltraClear is a 2910 nm fiber laser, while CO2 lasers use a different wavelength and a more aggressive approach. Understanding which laser was used is crucial in assessing your results. Also, when was the Kybella injected—was it done on the same day as the laser treatment or at a separate appointment? Kybella can cause significant swelling and inflammation, affecting how your under-eye area heals. If the two treatments were performed too close together, that could explain why you’re not seeing the improvement you expected. Risks of Laser Treatments Around the Lower Eyelid Another important consideration is that treating the lower eyelid with aggressive laser resurfacing carries the risk of complications like ectropion (a condition where the eyelid turns outward, leading to irritation and exposure issues). This is why it’s critical to see an experienced plastic surgeon who is also highly knowledgeable in laser technology. This ensures you get the best of both worlds—a surgeon who can address eyelid laxity while also considering skin resurfacing safely. Here is why Surgery is the Best Option for You in my opinion, In your case, doing UltraClear, CO2 laser, or Kybella under the eyes may not be the most effective solution. Lasers can help with skin texture and mild tightening, but they cannot remove or reposition excess fat, which is often necessary to correct under-eye bags. Kybella is not routinely used for the under-eye area, as it can unpredictably dissolve fat, sometimes making hollowing worse instead of improving it. Instead, a well-performed upper and lower blepharoplasty would likely give you the best and longest-lasting results. If your primary concern is under-eye bags, I highly recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is also experienced in laser technology. This way, you can explore the safest and most effective approach for your needs. I hope this helps. Sincerely Dr. Shanthala
