Fotona SP Dynamis laser possesses two special wavelengths: 1064 ND:YAG for the treatment of active acne and 2940 Erbium:YAG for the treatment of acne scars.
Fotona’s Erbium:YAG laser resurfaces the skin with precise layer by layer ablation. This laser is capable of both fractional ablation and full ablation using a variety of different hand pieces.
With the PS03 handpiece, about 60% ablation is applied to the edges of boxcar scars as well as uneven surfaces of rolling acne scars. The purpose is to blend the edges of scars into the normal surrounding skin. We intentionally do not use 100% ablation in order to create a smooth transition from scar to normal skin. This type of acne scar treatment is called “fine focused laser” or “tangential resurfacing.” The video on this page demonstrates our technique.
In addition, we utilize the FS01 handpiece for deep fractional ablation of boxcar and rolling scars. Erbium fractional ablation is felt to be safe in skin of color and has been tested in clinical trials in patients with darker skin types. Using “Turbo 6 mode”, we can create 600um deep channels in the skin. Both of these hand pieces are often used together on the same patient, during the same visit, to address the variation of individual acne scars.
Does Fotona SP Dynamis 2940 Erbium:YAG laser produce hyperpigmentation?
The main concern when treating acne scars in skin or color is the risk for hyperpigmentation. This is a real risk; however, there are a couple things to remember:
First, all hyperpigmentation will eventually resolve. If hyperpigmentation starts to develop, we will act aggressively to control it.
Second, if the patient promises to stay indoors for the first 7 to 10 days after treatment AND promises to wear a wide brimmed hat, shoulder to shoulder AND 50 SPF sunscreen AND avoid direct sun exposure until all redness from the treatment is resolved (about 2 months), the risk for hyperpigmentation is extremely low.–We estimate this risk of hyperpigmentation at about 10%.
In Dr. Mark Taylor’s study cited below, no patient with skin of color developed significant hyperpigmentation using Fotona’s fractional ablative erbium laser. In our office, we use the same protocol as in the study, including fine focused laser.
Combined Treatment of Rolling Acne Scars in Ethnic Skin Using Extensive Subcision, Trichloracetic Acid Peel, and Fractional Ablative Erbium Laser. Mark B Taylor 1, Neža Koron 2 Dermatologic Surgery 2021 Apr 1;47(4):496-499.