Sponsored by Advalight
Physicians who serve patients with skin of color can expand their offerings with ADVATx from Advalight (Copenhagen, Denmark). Proper use of the 1319 nm and 589 nm wavelengths can effectively address skin concerns such as acne, acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, as well as skin tone and texture issues in this patient population.
“Because I have a very diverse patient population in my office, I look for lasers that treat skin of color safely and effectively,” explained dermatologist Brooke Jackson, MD, who is the medical director of Skin Wellness Dermatology Associates in Durham, N.C. “Acne, acne scarring and discoloration are the most common concerns of my patients with skin of color. The CO2 laser is inappropriate for darker skin types, and the benefit of the pulsed dye laser for red scars is not realized in skin of color due to absorption.”
ADVATx is also FDA cleared to treat up to Fitzpatrick skin type V, she noted. “To be able to offer patients an opportunity to improve their active acne as well as work on the scarring is a win-win for many patients and is very attractive from a business owner standpoint. To be able to have all of these options in one box that does not have disposable costs is also a win-win,” Dr. Jackson added.
The 1319 nm beam of ADVATx stands by itself or, if passed through a YAG crystal, creates a 589 nm beam which is combined with a second beam and passed through a Q-switch and a non- linear LBO crystal. The two wavelengths can be used individually or together (known as PulSync Technology) for a wider variety of applications and, because of the tunability of ADVATx, are well suited for treating skin of color while avoid- ing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
When it comes to treatment protocols for darker skin, Dr. Jackson believes it is best to start low and slow. “Because once you treat, you cannot undo it,” Dr. Jackson noted. “Also, darker skin types tend to hang on to more heat, which sometimes makes treatment more uncomfortable, so I often start with lower flu- ences. It may take an extra session or two to achieve the desired result, but that is preferable to managing an adverse event.”
According to Dr. Jackson, most patients find treatment with ADVATx to be very comfortable. “I keep the ultrasound gel in the refrigerator which provides cooling for the patient,” she shared. “Adjusting the treatment technique by moving the handpiece differently can help to manage any patient discomfort. Some of this involves getting to know the patient and what they can tolerate, but most find treatment to be comfortable, even comforting, if you are conser- vative with parameters. If they have any active acne lesions or a little bit of redness, my typi- cal protocol is to start with the 589 nm, adding the 1319 nm for improving tone, texture and pore size.”
Solid state ADVATx has no consumables, and with its modest footprint and running on a standard 120 V power supply, it can fit into any office environment.
