1550nm and 1927nm laser refers to a dual-wavelength laser device
A 1550nm/1927nm laser refers to a dual-wavelength laser device. This system uses two different laser wavelengths (1550nm for deeper treatment and 1927nm for superficial skin concerns) to address a wide range of skin issues like Acne scars, wrinkles, sun spots, and overall skin texture by stimulating collagen production.
What is the difference between 1550 and 1927 laser?
Clinically, the 1550 nm laser is effective in the treatment of mild to moderate sagging and wrinkles, scars, and resurfacing. The 1927 nm laser improves skin texture and treats skin pigmentation and wounds. It can also be used for drug delivery.
What is the 1550nm wavelength laser in dermatology?
The 1550nm laser is a non-ablative fractional laser that uses its affinity for water to create microscopic treatment zones in the skin's deeper layers. This triggers the body's natural healing process to produce new collagen, effectively treating acne scars, fine lines, and improving overall skin texture and tone with minimal downtime compared to traditional ablative lasers. It is a cornerstone of modern cosmetic laser treatments.
What is the 1927nm wavelength laser in dermatology?
The 1927nm wavelength thulium laser plays an important role in dermatology. It causes a small wound just below the top layer of the skin (the epidermis), allowing it to treat a number of skin surface imperfections such as sun spots (precancerous), freckles, pigment and sun damage.
What is the 1550nm in Primary Applications in Dermatology?
The 1550nm Fractional Laser is used to treat a wide variety of concerns by promoting collagen remodeling:
Acne Scars & Surgical Scars: This is one of its most celebrated uses. The laser treatment helps to smooth out and elevate atrophic (pitted) scars by building new collagen under them, effectively "filling them in" from below.
Fine Lines and Wrinkles: By plumping the skin with new collagen, fine lines, especially around the eyes and mouth, are softened.
Skin Rejuvenation: It improves overall skin texture, tone, and luminosity by promoting healthy skin turnover and collagen production.
Hyperpigmentation: It can help improve certain types of sun-induced pigmentation (solar lentigines) and uneven skin tone.
Stretch Marks (Striae): It can improve the appearance of both red (early) and white (mature) stretch marks by stimulating collagen to repair the damaged dermal tissue.
What to Expect During and After Treatment
Procedure: The face is typically numbed with a topical anesthetic for 30-60 minutes. The treatment itself feels like a series of quick, hot pinpricks. The procedure usually lasts 15-45 minutes, depending on the area.
Downtime (Recovery): This is considered a "lunchtime procedure" with minimal to moderate downtime.
Immediately After: The skin will be red, swollen, and feel like a bad sunburn.
First 24-72 Hours: Tiny, sandpaper-like crusts (microscopic epithelial debris or MENDs) may form on the treated area. This is normal and represents the healing micro-channels. Swelling and redness persist.
1 Week Later: The redness and swelling subside significantly, and the sandpaper texture sloughs off. Makeup can usually be applied after a few days.
What is the 1927nm in Primary Applications in Dermatology?
Results: Results are not immediate. The collagen remodeling process takes time. Patients typically see initial improvements after a few weeks, with the most dramatic results appearing after 2-3 months as new collagen forms. A series of 3-5 treatments, spaced 4-6 weeks apart, is usually recommended for optimal results.
Due to its shallow penetration and high absorption, the 1927nm laser is exceptionally good for treating conditions that reside in the upper layers of the skin.
- Pigmented Lesions and Melasma:
This is the signature application for the 1927nm wavelength.
Why it works: Melanin, the pigment that causes dark spots, is also a strong absorber of laser energy. However, the 1927nm's extreme affinity for water allows it to precisely target and vaporize the pigmented cells (melanocytes) and the epidermis containing excess melanin without significantly heating and damaging the surrounding skin. This minimizes the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), a common concern when treating pigmentation, especially in darker skin types.
- Superficial Acne Scars and Fine Lines:
It is effective for very shallow, rolling scars and fine lines, particularly around the eyes and mouth, where the skin is thin.
Its superficial action promotes a significant amount of epidermal renewal and dermal remodeling, leading to smoother skin texture.
- Skin Resurfacing and Rejuvenation:
It provides a powerful "skin polish" by efficiently removing the damaged outer layer of skin and stimulating new collagen.
It is excellent for improving overall skin tone, texture, and luminosity with a more pronounced surface result than a 1550nm laser.
- Actinic Keratosis (Pre-Cancerous Lesions):
The laser can be used to treat these superficial, sun-induced lesions by precisely ablating the abnormal cells.
Why 1550nm and 1927nm wavelengths often used together?
Many modern laser systems combine both 1550nm and 1927nm wavelengths in a single platform. A dermatologist might use them in a complementary strategy:
The 1927nm is used to treat the superficial concerns: pigmentation, tone, and fine surface texture.
The 1550nm is used to treat the deeper structural concerns: acne scars, deeper wrinkles, and overall skin laxity.
This allows for a comprehensive treatment that addresses both the surface and the foundation of the skin.
