Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery

What Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery does

Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery is a single-location, board-certified dermatology practice founded in 1990 in Washington, DC by Dr. Tina Alster, and recognized as the first free-standing private practice in the world exclusively dedicated to advanced laser skin treatments. The practice operates from 1430 K St NW (Suite 200), blocks from the White House, with two physicians — Dr. Tina Alster (Medical Director, founding director) and Dr. Nina Hartman (joined 2024) — supported by an 11–50 person staff of medical assistants and administrative personnel.

The clinical offering spans 25+ FDA-cleared laser, light, energy-based, injectable, and body contouring modalities organized into five categories: laser/light treatments (Fraxel, UltraClear, PicoWay, M22 IPL, Vascular Laser, GentleWaves LED, Hair Removal Laser, Photodynamic Therapy); injectables (Botox, hyaluronic acid fillers, Kybella, Sclerotherapy, 5FU/Kenalog); body contouring and skin tightening (CoolSculpting, Emsculpt, VelaShape III, Thermage, Ulthera, Silhouette Instalift); facial resurfacing (DiamondGlow, HydraGlo MD, chemical peels, microneedling); and adjunctive procedures (electrodesiccation). Proprietary technology includes the A-Method skincare line (registered brand) developed by Dr. Alster for at-home use, plus the branded HydraGlo MD facial protocol.

Revenue is generated on a fee-for-service, direct-to-consumer basis with no insurance accepted and full payment required at time of service. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; a $250 fee applies for missed appointments under 48 business hours, and major procedures (CO2 Laser, CoolSculpting, Instalift, Thermage, Ulthera) require a $1,000 non-refundable deposit. Patient acquisition is driven by Dr. Alster's media presence (NewBeauty, CNN, Prevention, Glam, Yahoo Finance, Allure, Elle, Town & Country), earned media, social channels (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram), and word-of-mouth referral. The practice operates Monday–Friday 9:00am–5:00pm with no virtual or weekend appointments, and A-Method products are sold in-office or via phone order with 2-day shipping.

Name

Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery

Legal name

Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery

Website

https://skinlaser.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery is a Washington, DC-based private dermatology practice founded in 1990 by Dr. Tina Alster, offering advanced laser, injectable, body contouring, and skincare treatments to individual patients on a fee-for-service basis.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cosmetic and Medical Dermatology

NAICS

Other Personal Care Services (81219), Personal Care Services (8121)

SIC

Services-Offices & Clinics Of Doctors Of Medicine (8011)

akta.pro primary industry

Laser & Energy-Based Dermatology (HLAKACAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

General & Medical Dermatology (HLAKACAA), Medical-Grade / Clinical Facials (Dermatology & Med Spa) (HSALADAN), Laser Hair Removal Clinics (HSALAGAE), Dermocosmetics & Medical-Grade Skincare (CRABAAAF)

Keywords

• Cosmetic dermatology services
• Laser skin treatments
• Injectable treatments
• Body contouring services
• Medical dermatology care

Headquarters

HQ city

Washington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Cosmetic Dermatology Treatments: Fee-for-service revenue from cosmetic procedures including laser treatments, injectables (Botox, fillers), body contouring, and skin rejuvenation. Full payment required at time of service. Consultation fee waived if treatment is performed.
2. Medical Dermatology Treatments: Revenue from treating medical skin conditions including acne, rosacea, skin growths, birthmarks, excessive sweating, and other dermatologic concerns.
3. A-Method Skincare Products: Sale of proprietary skincare line including antioxidants, retinoids, cleansers, moisturizers, sunscreen, and specialty treatments. Products sold in-office and available for phone ordering with 2-day shipping.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery is a private dermatology practice delivering medical and cosmetic skin treatments, including laser resurfacing and pigmentation treatments (Fraxel, UltraClear, PicoWay, M22 IPL), injectables (Botox, fillers, Kybella, sclerotherapy), body contouring (CoolSculpting, Emsculpt, VelaShape III, Thermage/Ulthera), light-based therapies, microneedling, and chemical peels. The practice also sells its proprietary A-Method skincare line developed by Dr. Tina Alster for at-home use.

Product overview

Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery is a medical dermatology practice offering a comprehensive portfolio of laser treatments, injectable treatments, body contouring services, and skincare products. The core offerings include laser treatments (Fraxel, UltraClear, Picoway, M22 IPL, Vascular Laser, Hair Removal Laser), injectable treatments (Botox, Fillers, Kybella, Sclerotherapy, 5FU/Kenalog), body contouring (Coolsculpting, Emsculpt, Velashape III, Thermage/Ulthera), facial treatments (DiamondGlow, HydraGlo MD, Chemical Peels, Microneedling), and the proprietary A-Method Skincare Line. The practice also offers light-based therapies (GentleWaves LED, Photodynamic Therapy) and specialized procedures like Silhouette Instalift and Electrodesiccation. The treatments span medical and cosmetic dermatology, serving conditions from wrinkles and scarring to unwanted fat and hair removal.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• A Method: A Method Skincare Line developed by Dr. Tina Alster to simplify skin care. Products include C Antioxidant Gel 20%, Reti-Gel, TCA Retexturizing Cream, Daily Blemish Pads, Cleanse Gentle Daily Wash, Collagen Boost, B.B. Cream, SPF Powder, H2 Biome probiotic cream, C Antioxidant Elixir 20%, TX Lightening Gel Elixir, C Skin Brightening Pads, Cleanse Glycolic Gel, Cleanse Silky Vitamin C, Neck Firming Cream, Protect SPF30, Zit Stopper, and Soothe HC.

Products and services

• Botulinum Toxins (Botox) Injectable treatment that reduces the appearance of expression-associated lines and wrinkles (frown lines, furrows between eyebrows, crow's feet, neck creasing); also used to treat excessive sweating and teeth clenching. For adult patients seeking cosmetic and select medical relief.
• Fillers Hyaluronic acid injectable treatment that adds volume and fills lines by attracting water to treated areas, restoring facial volume and reducing laxity. For adults seeking facial rejuvenation.
• 5FU/Kenalog Injectable Treatment Injectable treatments used separately or in combination to improve the appearance of raised keloid scars and reduce bumps from silicone injections.
• Sclerotherapy Injectable treatment that eliminates unsightly veins and superficial telangiectasias by injecting a sclerosing agent that closes down treated veins.
• Kybella Fat-dissolving injectable treatment that disrupts fat cell membranes to improve moderate-to-severe submental fullness (double chin).
• Fraxel Laser Fractional resurfacing laser treatment available in three types (Clear & Brilliant, Dual, Re:pair) that improves photodamaged skin, wrinkles, discoloration, and scarring by evening out texture and tone.
• UltraClear Laser Ablative fiber laser treatment that improves skin tone, texture, and overall skin quality by removing targeted tissue while preserving surrounding skin for faster healing.
• PicoWay Laser (Pigment and Tattoo Removal) Laser treatment targeting melanin to remove unwanted tattoos and improve pigmented lesions such as sun spots and brown birthmarks.
• Hair Removal Laser (Apogee Alex/YAG) Laser treatment using the Apogee Alex/YAG system to remove unwanted hair from face and body of all skin types by targeting pigment in hair follicles.
• M22 IPL Photofacial Intense pulsed light treatment using the M22 system to improve skin tone, texture, and clarity by addressing brown discoloration, redness, sun damage, visible blood vessels, acne, and uneven skin tone.
• Vascular Laser Vascular-specific laser targeting microscopic vessels using pulsed dye (PDL), V Beam, YAG, and Cynergy lasers to treat skin redness, rosacea, scars, spider veins, and vascular lesions.
• Microneedling Medical device treatment using a motorized tip with thin needles to deliver tiny wounds that stimulate new collagen and elastin growth, minimizing wrinkles, scars, stretch marks, and enlarged pores.
• Chemical Peel Topical acid treatment (including Vitalize and TCA peels) that causes damaged skin layers to peel off and promotes growth of smoother, younger-looking skin.
• Emsculpt Body contouring treatment using High Intensity Focused Electro-Magnetic (HIFEM) technology to induce supramaximal muscle contractions for muscle building and fat burning.
• CoolSculpting Fat freezing body contouring treatment using advanced tissue cooling technology to destroy fat cells through controlled cooling while leaving surrounding tissues unharmed.
• Thermage/Ulthera Skin Tightening Heat energy treatments that tighten and lift facial and body skin by delivering heat to deep layers to tighten existing collagen and promote new collagen growth.
• VelaShape III Massage and heat energy treatment combining IF, RF, and mechanical vacuum manipulation to improve contour, tighten skin, and reduce cellulite and fat.
• GentleWaves LED LED light treatment using a precise sequence of light pulses to stimulate increased cell activity, producing proteins responsible for youthful skin, firmness, and rapid healing.
• Photodynamic Therapy Light treatment using topical Levulan drug activated by light to attack abnormal cells, including pre-cancerous cells and sun-damaged skin cells.
• Silhouette Instalift Non-surgical lift using absorbable collagen threads to re-contour face and neck by lifting deeper skin layers and promoting collagen growth.
• HydraGlo MD Facial Facial treatment combining hydrodermabrasion exfoliation with product delivery, oxygenation, and LED anti-inflammatory therapy for smoother, more radiant skin.
• DiamondGlow Facial Non-invasive skin resurfacing facial using 3-in-1 technology that simultaneously exfoliates, extracts, and infuses condition-specific SkinMedica Pro-Infusion Serums.
• Electrodesiccation Heat energy treatment using a heated needle to burn off unwanted skin growths such as sebaceous hyperplasia and seborrheic keratoses.
• A-Method Skincare Line Dr. Tina Alster's proprietary skincare line providing derm-quality skin care products for home use, including C Antioxidant Gel 20%, Reti-Gel, TCA Retexturizing Cream, Daily Blemish Pads, cleansers, moisturizers, B.B. Cream, SPF Powder, H2 Biome probiotic cream, neck firming cream, and specialty treatments.

Quantifiable outcome

• Thousands of patients successfully treated with latest laser and cosmetic technologies
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Direct peers

• Reflections Center for Skin & Body: New Jersey-based physician-led cosmetic dermatology practice offering a comparable stack of injectables, lasers, body contouring, and skin rejuvenation. Operates a similar founder-anchored, cash-pay model.
• Cosmetic Laser Dermatology: La Jolla-based multi-physician practice where Dr. Nina Hartman completed her ASDS-accredited fellowship. It is a leading cosmetic and laser dermatology center offering injectables, lasers, and body contouring to a premium patient base.
• Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York: Founded by Dr. Roy Geronemus, this NYC-based practice is a leading academic and clinical laser dermatology center offering the same energy-based, laser, and injectable portfolio as the Washington Institute. It is the closest direct peer in terms of clinical depth, founder-led brand, and laser-first positioning.
• Skin Laser & Surgery Specialists of NY & NJ: Multi-location New York/New Jersey practice led by Dr. David Goldberg, offering a comprehensive laser, cosmetic, and medical dermatology portfolio analogous to the Washington Institute's stack.
• Baumann Cosmetic & Research Institute: Miami-based research-focused cosmetic dermatology practice with an in-house proprietary skincare line (Dr. Baumann) — directly analogous to the Washington Institute's combination of clinical cosmetic dermatology plus an owned product brand.

Broad incumbents

• Schweiger Dermatology Group: Large, scaling dermatology platform with dozens of locations across the Northeast and beyond, offering medical, cosmetic, and laser dermatology. Operates at greater scale and accepts insurance, contrasting with the Washington Institute's boutique, cash-only model.
• U.S. Dermatology Partners: Large dermatology MSO with 100+ locations across the U.S. offering medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. Illustrates the scaled, insurance-network-based model against which the Washington Institute's boutique positioning must compete.

Regional players

• Moy-Fincher-Chipps Facial Plastics & Dermatology: Beverly Hills-based multi-physician cosmetic dermatology and facial plastics practice. Comparable premium, cash-pay cosmetic/laser model on the West Coast, with similar reliance on a founder-driven brand.
• Westside Dermatology: Seattle-based cosmetic and medical dermatology practice offering laser, injectable, and body contouring services. Comparable service mix to the Washington Institute but serves a Pacific Northwest rather than Mid-Atlantic patient base.

Emerging players

• Ideal Image (med-spa chain): Largest U.S. med-spa chain offering laser hair removal, CoolSculpting, Botox, and similar services at lower price points. Represents the scale/discount competitive threat to the Washington Institute's premium-positioned services.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCVuGjmJM72k7iNUXfj_x3ig
• Facebookfacebook.com/WIDLS
• Instagraminstagram.com/skinlaserdc/?hl=en
• Xx.com/washdermatology
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/washington-institute-of-dermatologic-laser-surgery

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery