FAQ Hub — Physician-Reviewed Answers (San Mateo, CA)
Injectables — Botox / Wrinkle Relaxers
Most people notice smoothing within 3–7 days, with results typically lasting about 3–4 months (varies by area, dose, and metabolism). Cleveland Clinic
When performed by a qualified clinician, Botox is generally safe; potential side effects include temporary bruising, headache, or lid/eyebrow droop if product diffuses. Share your medical history and medications during consult. Mayo Clinic
Not if dosing and placement are personalized. Our approach aims to soften lines while keeping natural expression. If you’re new, we start conservatively and adjust.
Dermal Fillers
Cheeks, lips, chin/jawline, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and some under-eye concerns (patient-dependent). We tailor product selection to your anatomy and goals.
Varies by filler type, area, and metabolism. Many hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers last ~6–18 months; longer-lasting options (e.g., PLLA) can last up to ~2 years in studies. Maintenance is individualized. ABCS+1
Botox/Dysport relaxes tiny muscles to soften dynamic lines (lines that appear when moving). Fillers add/restore volume or contour to soften folds or enhance features. We often combine them for balanced results.
Temporary redness, swelling, tenderness, or bruising are common; rare complications exist, which we review during consent. American Academy of Dermatology+1
Laser Hair Removal
Expect a long-term hair reduction. Many patients need multiple sessions; the regrowing hair is often finer and lighter. Results from laser hair removal vary by area and hormonal status. American Academy of Dermatology
Most people need 2–6+ treatments spaced weeks apart, depending on area, hair color, and skin type. Mayo Clinic
Most describe a quick “rubber band snap” feeling. We use cooling and can apply topical numbing for sensitive areas.
With modern devices and proper settings, most skin tones can be treated safely by trained professionals. Consultation determines candidacy and device settings. American Academy of Dermatology
IPL Photofacial
Brown spots/sun damage, redness/flushing, and select rosacea-related concerns; multiple sessions improve clarity and tone. Strict sun care is essential. American Academy of Dermatology+1
For IPL and Photofacial, usually mild redness and temporary darkening of brown spots, which flake off over several days. Makeup can be worn per aftercare instructions.
Hair Loss Treatments
Commonly, androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium. Hair-loss treatment plans may include in-clinic therapies (e.g., PRP) and evidence-based at-home routines. We assess scalp/health history to tailor care.
MD Hair products and our in‑office hair restoration treatments are designed to support healthier scalp and hair, reduce shedding, and improve the look of thickness and fullness over time. Many patients notice visible improvement when they use the products consistently and follow a treatment plan tailored to the cause of their hair loss. Because hair growth is influenced by hormones, genetics, and overall health, individual results vary, and multiple sessions or ongoing maintenance may be needed. At your consultation, we’ll review your history, examine your scalp, and discuss what kind of results are realistic for you.
ThermiVa (Women’s Wellness)
Some patients report comfort and satisfaction; safety and effectiveness for these indications are not established by the FDA. We provide a thorough consultation to review candidacy, expectations, and precautions. IUGA
Skincare & MD® Products
MD is a clinically-developed routine with dermatologist-trusted ingredients and clear usage guidance. We tailor regimens to your skin type and goals.
Yes—in clinic and via our Shop page (or call us). We’ll recommend a regimen and follow-up to track results.
You can schedule an appointment by calling our office during business hours or requesting a time through our online form or booking link. Our team will help you choose the right type of visit and confirm your appointment details.
We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please contact us as soon as possible so we can offer the time to another patient and review any applicable fees or policies with you. Full details are provided at the time of booking and in your confirmation messages.
MD Laser & Cosmetics is a physician‑led practice. Treatments are performed by Dr. Susan Lin or by trained clinicians working under her supervision, depending on the service. You’ll always know who is treating you, and we’re happy to explain each provider’s role and experience at your visit.
Your first step is a personalized consultation. We’ll listen to your concerns, review your medical history, examine your skin or hair, and discuss your goals. Based on this, Dr. Lin will recommend a customized plan that may include injectables, lasers, skincare, hair restoration, or a combination of treatments.
In many cases, yes—certain treatments can safely be combined in a single visit, such as injectables with skincare or light‑based treatments. Whether this is appropriate depends on your skin type, medical history, and the specific procedures you’re considering. We’ll review combination options with you and design a schedule that’s safe and effective.
We periodically offer treatment packages, seasonal promotions, or loyalty rewards on select services and products. Availability can change throughout the year, so ask us during your visit or check our website, email newsletter, or social media for current specials.
Yes, we work with third‑party financing options such as CareCredit® so you can spread out the cost of your treatments over time, if approved. Our team can explain available programs and help you explore which option may fit your budget before you commit to any treatment plan.
Downtime varies by treatment. Many injectable and light procedures have minimal to no downtime, while more intensive laser or combination treatments may involve a few days of redness, swelling, or peeling. During your consultation, we’ll explain what to expect, how to plan around events, and how to care for your skin or treated area afterward.
The duration of results depends on the treatment, your skin or hair condition, and lifestyle factors. For example, Botox® typically lasts about 3–4 months, many dermal fillers can last 6–18 months, and hair restoration or skin rejuvenation often improves gradually over a series of sessions with maintenance. We’ll review expected timelines for each recommended treatment so you know what to anticipate.
If you experience anything that worries you—such as unexpected swelling, discomfort, or a reaction—please contact our office right away. We’d much rather you reach out with a small question than wait and wonder. Our team will guide you on next steps and arrange an in‑person evaluation if needed.
If you have questions before or after a treatment, you can contact us by phone or through our designated online/office channels during business hours. For time‑sensitive concerns, calling the office is usually the fastest way to reach us. We’ll do our best to respond promptly and make sure you feel supported throughout your care.
Safety, Candidacy & Practice Policies
Botox, Dysport, and dermal fillers have not been adequately studied in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Safety data is limited, so we do not offer injectable treatments during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. We’re happy to discuss timing for treatments before pregnancy or after weaning during a consultation.
Patients must be 18 or older to receive Botox, Dysport, or dermal filler injections at our practice. Most injectable patients are 28 and older, when fine lines typically begin. Patients under 18 with medical conditions requiring neuromodulator treatment — such as severe hyperhidrosis or jaw clenching — are evaluated case by case with parental consent.
You should not receive Botox or Dysport if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a known allergy to any neuromodulator ingredient, have a neuromuscular disorder (myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, ALS), or have an active skin infection at the injection site. Patients on certain antibiotics (aminoglycosides) and other medications need to be evaluated case by case. Dr. Lin reviews your full medical history before any injection.
Hyaluronic acid filler is not appropriate if you have a known allergy to HA or to the local anesthetic in the syringe (usually lidocaine), if you have an active skin infection in the treatment area, certain autoimmune conditions, or are on blood thinners we haven’t discussed. Patients with a history of cold sores in the treatment area may need antiviral pre-medication. We screen for all of this during consultation.
For 48 to 72 hours before Botox, Dysport, or filler treatments: avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo, and ginseng — these increase bruising risk. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is fine. Continue any prescription blood thinners — Plavix, warfarin, Eliquis — and do not stop these without your prescribing physician’s approval. Tell us at consultation what you take, including over-the-counter supplements.
Bring a list of your current medications (prescription and over-the-counter), supplements, and any history of cosmetic or medical procedures in the treatment area. If you have specific photos of results you like or dislike, bring those too. For injectable treatments, avoid alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, and vitamin E for 48 hours beforehand to reduce bruising. Arrive without makeup in the treatment area if possible.
Your initial consultation runs about 30 minutes. Dr. Lin reviews your medical history, asks about your goals and any prior treatments, examines the treatment area, and explains realistic outcomes — including what a given treatment will and will not address. You receive a written treatment plan with itemized pricing. Many patients choose to have the treatment performed the same day; there is no pressure to do so.
On-site parking is available at no charge. The building entrance is ground-level and wheelchair-accessible. Please let us know in advance if you need any specific accommodations, and we will make sure your visit is comfortable.
We do not publish per-treatment prices online because the right plan for you depends on the area being treated, the number of units or syringes needed, and your goals. After your consultation, you receive a written treatment plan with itemized costs before anything is administered.
Cosmetic treatments are not covered by health insurance. We accept FSA and HSA cards for treatments with documented medical indications — for example, Botox for chronic migraine, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), or jaw clenching/TMJ. We also accept CareCredit and other third-party financing for cosmetic treatments to spread costs over time.
Yes — standardized before-and-after photos are part of the medical record for every treatment, taken with consistent lighting and angles so we can objectively track results over time. We do not share, post, or use any patient photos for marketing without separate, written consent. You have the right to decline marketing-use consent and still receive treatment; this does not affect your care.
All treatments — including Botox, Dysport, and dermal filler injections — are non-refundable once administered. Payment covers the medical procedure performed and the physician’s time, not a guaranteed outcome. Human anatomy varies significantly from person to person, and individual response to neuromodulators differs based on metabolism, muscle strength, and lifestyle. Deposits for booked appointments are refundable up to 24 hours before the appointment time.
We want you to be satisfied with your results. New patients, or patients trying a new dosing pattern, are encouraged to schedule a follow-up assessment 14 days after treatment — once the product is fully active and the final result is visible. We practice safe, conservative dosing to avoid a “frozen” or dropped look. Because of this, some patients require additional units at follow-up to reach their ultimate aesthetic goal. Any additional units administered are charged at our standard per-unit rate.