Sponsored by Advalight
The ADVATx® dual-wavelength laser system from Advalight (Copenhagen, Denmark) is proving more versatile than even its two workhorse wavelengths – 589 nm and 1319 nm – would suggest. The energies of the reliable, easy-to-use, solid-state platform can also be applied more gently for several common indications traditionally handled with intense pulsed light (IPL). This further expands the array of indications, inc
luding skin tone and texture, vascular and pigmented lesions,* acne and acne scarring, and wrinkles.
Outside of these applications, the success of ADVATx is owed to PulSync Technology, which harnesses the selectivity and utility of the two wavelengths alone or in combination, making the whole greater than sum of its parts. The 1319 nm laser can be used alone, or the two laser modules each pass through a YAG crystal before being combined and passing through a Q-switch and then through a non-linear (LBO) crystal to produce the 589 nm beam. Delivery via scanner or single spot helps easily manage and even prevent discomfort during treatment, in addition to minimizing side effects and downtime, which are big pluses to a busy clientele. This device is easy and straightforward to use, and treatment parameters can be modified on the fly. Conveniently, ADVATx also runs on 120 V power.
When using ADVATx for what are traditionally IPL applications, it is all about managing discomfort, according to plastic surgeon Ben J. Tittle, MD, medical director of Plastic Surgery of Texas (Dallas, Texas). “I have had IPL for more than 20 years, and it is still a mainstay of aesthetic practices, but treatment tends to be uncomfortable, like the snapping of a rubber band, while ADVATx treatment feels warm,” Dr. Tittle reported. “Bro
wn and red pigments typically did not respond satisfactorily to treatment with a traditional laser and there is significant discomfort associated with treating brown and red pigment using IPL. Reds, especially in large areas for indications such as rosacea or poikiloderma, don’t respond very well. My wife has poikiloderma and virtually unlimited access to my IPL but has never seen much improvement. After two ADVATx treatments, it is 50% better.” This is achieved using ADVATx’s 589 nm wavelength. “It is a yellow laser, yellow likes red and brown,” he added. “The 1319 nm wavelength and its affinity for water are harnessed for inducing neocollagenesis.”
“When I use a CO2 laser, I have to do nerve blocks, topical anesthesia, and more, to manage discomfort. It is highly effective but heats the water and target tissues so much that it is hard to tolerate. ADVATx gives us an effective treatment option that is dramatically more tolerable,” Dr. Title explained. “We don’t have a special technique; we are just using the device as intended. Anyone can do this with ADVATx.”
Using ADVATx instead of IPL has other advantages as well. “With IPL we must put the gooey topical gel on the treatment area and let it work before applying the light energy,” Dr. Tittle began, “and there are limits to what we can expect in terms of the final outcome. Using ADVATx removes this step with the associated time and inconvenience, and the outcomes are better.”
*CE cleared indication
