
We believe healthy skin is the foundation of true beauty. While we are internationally recognized for pioneering light-based skin rejuvenation, at Advanced Aesthetic Dermatology, we offer medical-grade facials as an essential cornerstone of clinical skincare. These highly customized treatments are designed to deeply cleanse, exfoliate, extract impurities, and infuse your skin with targeted nutrients.
Conveniently located to serve Los Gatos, Mountain View, Palo Alto, and San Jose, CA, we offer professional facials because daily washing and over-the-counter products simply cannot replicate the deep cellular renewal achieved by clinical-grade exfoliation and active ingredients. Whether you are prepping for a major event, managing acne, or seeking to amplify and maintain the results of your BroadBand Light (BBL) or laser treatments, our tailored facials provide immediate radiance and long-term skin health.

A facial is a multi-step, clinical skin treatment designed to cleanse, exfoliate, clear, and nourish the skin of the face and neck. Unlike basic spa facials, medical-grade facials at our Los Gatos practice utilize medical-grade active ingredients and advanced delivery systems to penetrate deeper layers of the skin.
We provide our patients with several customizable options to address their specific skin concerns:
HydraFacial® MD: A premier multi-step treatment that uses patented Vortex-Fusion® technology to cleanse, evenly exfoliate, extract impurities, and deeply hydrate the skin with antioxidant-rich serums.
Custom Clinical Facials: Tailored by our skilled aesthetic team to address your unique concerns, utilizing medical-grade extractions, soothing masks, and targeted serums for acne-prone, sensitive, dry, or aging skin.
Flawless Facial™: Dr. Bitter's signature high-energy BBL treatment designed to address pigment, redness, and aging on a broader scale. Can be paired with a HydraFacial for the ultimate dual-action rejuvenation.

Your clinical facial is performed in the relaxing, state-of-the-art setting of our Los Gatos clinic. While the exact steps depend on your custom treatment plan, a typical medical-grade facial includes several key steps:
Cleansing and Analysis
We begin by gently removing makeup and impurities, followed by a professional skin analysis to customize your treatment steps.
Exfoliation
Using specialized enzymes, gentle chemical solutions, or physical exfoliants, we sweep away the dull, dead outer layers of skin cells.
Extractions (Optional)
If you suffer from clogged pores or acne, our aesthetic specialists will perform safe, sterile, and gentle manual extractions.
Hydration & Infusion
We apply nutrient-rich serums, antioxidants, and skin-specific boosters. If you are receiving a HydraFacial, this is performed using the patented Vortex-Fusion wand to painlessly infuse the skin with moisture.
Protection
We finish your treatment with medical-grade moisturizers, peptide creams, and broad-spectrum sunscreen to seal in your glowing results.

Our medical-grade facials are highly versatile and can be customized to treat a wide array of common skin concerns, including:

While traditional clinical facials are focused on the face, neck, and décolletage, our advanced hydradermabrasion and exfoliating treatments can also be customized to treat the delicate skin of the hands, shoulders, and back to address breakouts or sun damage.

Undergoing regular, medical-grade facials at Advanced Aesthetic Dermatology offers a multitude of clinical and cosmetic benefits:
Deep Cellular Cleansing & Unclogged Pores
Daily face washing only cleanses the skin's surface. Our professional treatments utilize clinical exfoliators and suction technologies to empty pores of deep-seated oil, dirt, and pollution, allowing your skin to breathe and function optimally.
Enhanced Absorption of Skincare Products
Dead skin cells act as a barrier to your daily skincare routine. By removing this barrier through professional exfoliation, your home serums, moisturizers, and active treatments can penetrate much deeper and work far more effectively.
Synergistic Results with Light and Laser Therapies
Medical-grade facials prepare the skin beautifully for advanced treatments like Dr. Bitter's signature FotoFacial® or BBL HEROic™. Removing the dull outer layer of dead skin allows therapeutic light energy to penetrate more evenly, maximizing your overall cosmetic outcomes.

Our medical-grade facials are safe, gentle, and highly beneficial for almost all skin types, tones, and ages. Because every facial is fully customized by our professional aesthetic team, we can adapt the treatment for extremely sensitive skin, rosacea, or active acne.
You are an ideal candidate if you want to refresh a dull complexion, deep-clean your pores, or maintain a youthful skin barrier. During your initial consultation, we will assess your skin and any active conditions to select the perfect formulations and technology for your face.

There is virtually no downtime or recovery period required after a clinical facial or HydraFacial MD. You can immediately return to work, run errands, and go about your day with a beautiful, healthy glow.
To protect your fresh skin and ensure the best results, we recommend following these simple aftercare steps:
Avoid Direct Sun: Keep out of direct sunlight for at least 24 to 48 hours, and wear a high-quality physical sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) daily.
Hold the Actives: Avoid using strong active ingredients, such as retinol, glycolic acid, or harsh physical scrubs, for 3 to 5 days after your treatment.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and use the gentle, nourishing moisturizers recommended by our aesthetic team to lock in hydration.

You will see an immediate improvement in your skin's clarity, hydration, and brightness following your treatment. Your skin will feel noticeably softer, smoother, and refreshed the moment you leave our office.
The immediate, radiant "glow" of a medical-grade facial typically lasts for several weeks. However, because skin cells regenerate roughly every 28 days, we recommend scheduling a custom facial or HydraFacial once a month to continuously exfoliate dead skin, stimulate cellular turnover, and maintain optimal skin health year-round.

While a basic facial can be found at any local day spa, a medical-grade facial at Advanced Aesthetic Dermatology is backed by the clinical standards of a world-renowned, board-certified dermatologist. Dr. Patrick Bitter Jr. has spent over three decades pioneering the science of healthy, youthful skin.
Under his direct guidance, our skilled aesthetic team performs every treatment with a deep understanding of the intricate biology of the skin. By combining our premium, medically directed facials with Dr. Bitter's groundbreaking light and laser protocols, we provide our Los Gatos patients with science-backed skin care that is safe, effective, and transformative.
A traditional spa facial focuses primarily on relaxation and temporary hydration using over-the-counter products. A medical-grade facial uses highly concentrated, clinically proven ingredients, advanced medical devices (like the HydraFacial MD), and professional-strength exfoliation that can only be offered under the supervision of a licensed physician. This allows for deeper correction and long-lasting skin health.
Yes! In fact, customized medical facials are highly beneficial for active acne. Our team can use targeted clarifying ingredients, gentle chemical exfoliants, and sterile extractions to clear clogged pores, calm active inflammation, and help speed up the healing process of stubborn breakouts.
Absolutely. Combining a medical facial (such as a HydraFacial) with a light-based treatment like BBL HEROic™ is one of our favorite ways to deliver flawless results. The facial thoroughly cleanses and preps the skin surface, allowing the therapeutic light energy to penetrate more effectively for maximum skin-rejuvenating benefits.
Generally, no. While we use highly effective clinical exfoliating agents, our standard facials and HydraFacials are designed to hydrate and soothe the skin without causing aggressive peeling. If your treatment includes a stronger clinical peel to address deeper texture or pigment concerns, our team will discuss what mild flaking to expect during your consultation.
For optimal results and to maintain a healthy, youthful complexion, we recommend scheduling a customized facial or HydraFacial MD once every 4 to 6 weeks. This aligns with your skin's natural cellular turnover cycle and keeps your skin clear, hydrated, and radiant.