Is the AVAVA laser the same as the Miria laser?

Yes, in everyday terms. Miria was the original name, and the laser now carries the AVAVA name. It comes from the same company and uses the same Focal Point Technology.

Does the AVAVA skin tightening laser really tighten skin?

AVAVA prompts the deeper skin to renew its collagen and elastin, and patients typically notice firmer, smoother skin that builds over several months. It suits mild to moderate looseness and will not match a surgical lift, so Dr. V may recommend a facelift or neck lift for more advanced sagging.

Is AVAVA safe for darker skin tones?

AVAVA was designed with all skin tones in mind. Its focused energy spares much of the outer skin, and a multicenter acne scar study found significant improvement across skin types I through VI with a low rate of prolonged pigment changes. Dr. V will assess your skin first.

How is AVAVA different from Fraxel®, Morpheus8, and Ultherapy?

Fraxel® resurfaces tone, texture, and scars. Morpheus8 uses radiofrequency microneedling, and Ultherapy uses ultrasound to lift deeper layers. AVAVA is a laser that firms through collagen renewal with minimal downtime. Dr. V will recommend one or a combination based on your goals.

How many AVAVA treatments will I need?

The number depends on your skin, goals, and treatment area. Dr. V will recommend a plan at your consultation and adjust it as your skin responds.

How much does the AVAVA laser cost?

Cost depends on the treatment area and the number of sessions. Our team will give you clear pricing guidance after your consultation.

Who performs AVAVA treatments?

Our medical team performs AVAVA treatments under the guidance of Dr. V, who is double board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery .

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FACIAL PLASTIC SURGEON VIRGINIA

AVAVA Skin Tightening Laser

As providers of the AVAVA skin tightening laser, formerly Miria, Dr. V and her team help patients achieve firmer, smoother skin with minimal downtime and no surgery.

As providers of the AVAVA skin tightening laser, formerly Miria, Dr. V and her team help patients achieve firmer, smoother skin with minimal downtime and no surgery.

FACIAL PLASTIC SURGEON VIRGINIA

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Home / Technologies / AVAVA Skin Tightening Laser

AVAVA Skin Tightening Laser in Northern VA

At The Virginia Institute, AVAVA is our newest skin tightening laser, joining Morpheus8 and Ultherapy. Under the guidance of our medical director, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Trang Vo-Nguyen (Dr. V), our medical team tailors each treatment to your skin.

Dr. V weighs the safety and evidence behind each laser before adding it to her practice, and she builds plans that combine lasers with other treatments when your goals call for it. Most patients return to daily activities soon after their skin tightening laser treatment.

AVAVA skin tightening laser device for skin rejuvenation treatment.

What Is the AVAVA Skin Tightening Laser?

AVAVA is an advanced aesthetic laser developed by AVAVA, Inc., originally introduced under the name Miria. It brings a different approach to laser skin rejuvenation through its proprietary Focal Point Technology, which uses a specialised ring-shaped beam to deliver energy with precision. Unlike treatments that remove the outer layer of skin, AVAVA is a non-ablative laser designed to treat targeted areas beneath the surface while preserving much of the surrounding skin.

At The Virginia Institute, AVAVA adds another option to Dr. V’s treatment portfolio, alongside technologies such as Morpheus8 and Ultherapy. Each approach works differently, making the choice of treatment an important part of personalised care. AVAVA is FDA-cleared for specific indications, including fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars, across all skin types. During your consultation, Dr. V will assess whether this technology is appropriate for your skin and how it may fit into your broader rejuvenation plan.

How AVAVA Works

AVAVA is a non-ablative laser with a 1550 nm wavelength, built on Focal Point Technology. Its ring-shaped beam passes through a cooled window, so energy concentrates at a chosen depth in the dermis while much of the surface is spared. The controlled heat prompts the skin to renew collagen and elastin, which is why firmness and texture improve gradually over the following months. This depth control was described in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology and helps lower the risk of pigment changes in darker skin.

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Woman with mature skin illustrating AVAVA laser skin tightening and rejuvenation treatment.

Before

After

What to Expect During Your AVAVA Treatment

Your AVAVA Consultation

Your visit begins with a conversation. Dr. V reviews your skin, your goals, your medical history, and the products and medications you use, then explains whether AVAVA, another treatment, or a combination will serve you best. Tell her if you tend to swell easily or have reacted to treatments in the past. If you have darker skin, she may recommend a skincare plan before treatment to help keep your skin calm and even.

She will also assess skin laxity, texture, and areas of concern to determine whether AVAVA is likely to meet your expectations. This is an opportunity to discuss realistic results, potential side effects, the number of sessions you may need, and expected costs. If a different approach would better address your concerns, Dr. V will explain your options so you can make an informed decision.

Preparing for Treatment

Good preparation helps your skin heal well. In the weeks before your visit, Dr. V’s team will ask you to limit sun exposure, pause active ingredients such as retinol and exfoliating acids, and hold off on other facial treatments, including peels, microneedling, injectables, and facials. Never stop a prescription medication on your own. Your team will tell you exactly what to change and when.

You may also be advised to follow a gentle skincare routine and avoid tanning before your appointment. Let the team know about any recent sunburn, skin irritation, cold sores, or changes in your health before treatment. Arrive with clean skin and follow any specific instructions provided during your consultation. These precautions help your provider prepare your skin and plan treatment safely.

Day of Treatment

Your skin is cleansed, and the team reviews comfort measures with you. During your skin tightening laser treatment, the AVAVA handpiece moves across the area while built-in cooling protects the surface of your skin. Most patients describe warmth and a mild prickling sensation. Cooling is typically applied afterward to ease any lingering warmth, and you leave with clear aftercare instructions.

Treatment time depends on the size and number of areas being addressed. Your provider adjusts the treatment approach to your skin and goals, working methodically across the selected areas. You can ask questions throughout the session if you feel uncomfortable or need a brief pause. Before leaving, the team explains what to expect over the next few days, which products to use, and when to contact the practice if you have concerns.

Mature woman with smooth, rejuvenated facial skin illustrating AVAVA skin tightening laser treatment.

Aftercare and Recovery

Expect pinkness and mild swelling that settle within a few days. Around day two, your skin may feel slightly rough as tiny flecks of treated tissue rise to the surface and fade within a day or two. Keep your head slightly raised when you sleep for the first nights, use a gentle cleanser and the products Dr. V recommends, and avoid rubbing or picking at the area. Start daily sunscreen when your team advises, and skip facials and massage for about two weeks while your skin recovers.

Mature woman with firm, smooth facial skin illustrating AVAVA skin tightening laser treatment.

Results, Follow-Up, and Maintenance

Many patients complete a series of two to three treatments about a month apart, and Dr. V adjusts the schedule to your skin and goals. You may notice smoother texture within a few weeks, while firmness continues to build as collagen renews. Some patients add occasional maintenance sessions to keep their results going. AVAVA laser cost depends on this plan, and our team will review it with you. Dr. V’s team checks your progress along the way and answers your questions between visits.

Pairs Well With AVAVA

Combine AVAVA with other treatments for a complete skin plan.

Fraxel®

Fraxel® refines tone, texture, sun damage, and scars. Paired with AVAVA's firming focus, it can address how your skin looks and feels, in a plan Dr. V tailors to you.

Botox® Injections

Botox® relaxes the muscles behind expression lines, while AVAVA renews collagen to firm and smooth the skin itself. Together they address both movement lines and skin quality.

Dermal Fillers

Fillers restore volume in places such as the cheeks, while AVAVA tightens the skin above them. Dr. V may suggest both when firmness and volume loss go hand in hand.

Meet Our Medical
Director: Dr. V

Dr. V is double board-certified by the ABFPRS and the ABOHNS, with more than 30 years in medicine since earning her medical degree in 1994. Her fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and her deep knowledge of facial anatomy mean she can tell you whether AVAVA, another treatment, or surgery will serve you best. Her RealSelf 5-star reviews echo what many patients experience when meeting with Dr. V: outstanding care, thorough consultations, and top results.