ShanthalaMD Laser & Aesthetic Center.

ShanthalaMD Laser & Aesthetic Center.

4.9 rating from 234 reviews
Practice Information
194 Newbury St., Ste. 1, Peabody, Massachusetts

About the Practice

Doctors & Other Staff Members

Shanthala Shivananjappa, MD
Physician, Board Certified in Anesthesiology
4.9

446 Before & After Photos

Offers

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234 ShanthalaMD Laser & Aesthetic Center. Reviews

JLK17
UltraClear Laser4 months post-opMay 6, 2025
I Found my "Aging Coach!"
jenny3BC
3DMIRACL22 days post-opApril 16, 2025
For a True Anti-aging Result, Do 3DMIRACL with Dr. Shanthala!
Pernette
UltraClear Laser2 months post-opApril 13, 2025
Utraclear - Full Face Rejuvenation - Amazing Results!
sarahdowney
UltraClear Laser1 month post-opApril 9, 2025
Awesome Results and Dr. Shanthala is the Best
Polite159850
UltraClear Laser2 months post-opApril 9, 2025
UltraClear Laser with Exosomes: Incredible Results and Care with Dr. Shanthala
SMaliszewski
UltraClear Laser23 days post-opMarch 28, 2025
Great Experience
Loving680362
Laser Resurfacing7 days post-opFebruary 21, 2025
Great Experience…great Results
Flipflip923
3DMIRACL2 days post-opFebruary 20, 2025
Knowledge, Patience and Calmness
mmaniaci62080
Dermal Fillers2 months post-opFebruary 4, 2025
Look No Further
Bright456621
UltraClear Laser8 months post-opFebruary 3, 2025
Ultraclear Treatment for Scars

123 Answers

A 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
Answered by Dr. Shivananjappa. MDMarch 26, 2025
A 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.
Answered by Dr. Shivananjappa. MDMarch 8, 2025
A 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
Answered by Dr. Shivananjappa. MDMarch 8, 2025
A 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
Answered by Dr. Shivananjappa. MDMarch 8, 2025
A 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
Answered by Dr. Shivananjappa. MDMarch 8, 2025

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