Sponsored by Advalight
ADVATx, the dual wavelength laser system from Advalight (Copenhagen, Denmark), is both safe and effective, but these are not the only factors to consider when choosing new technology, according to Suneel Chilukuri, MD, director of Refresh Dermatology (Houston, Texas). He follows a strict, simple protocol when deciding to add to his practice’s armamentarium.
“It doesn’t matter if it is a new type of syringe that costs a few dollars or a device that costs $200,000,” Dr. Chilukuri explained. “I ask myself four simple questions: Is it safe? Is it effective? Is it easy to use? What is the return on investment?”
ADVATx checks all the boxes, making it ideal for new and expanding practices.
The device’s tandem laser modules create a 589 nm beam by passing a 1319 nm beam through a YAG crystal, combining it with a second beam and passing that through a Q-switch and a non-linear crystal, called an LBO crystal. The 589 nm wavelength treats pigmented and vascular lesions while the 1319 nm laser promotes neocollagenesis because its chromophore is water. The lasers can be used individually or in combination (called PulSync Technology). The platform weighs less than 200 lbs. and runs on a 120 V power outlet with an intuitive GUI. There are also no consumables associated with it.
In Dr. Chilukuri’s experience, “ADVATx is safe and so easy to use. We can change wavelengths and settings on the fly without changing handpieces.”
Dr. Chilukuri also noted that he determines ease of use by how quickly he can incorporate the technology into his practice. “I must qualify: what I mean by ‘easy’ is that I can actually use it myself without assistance from my team, because, if I can quickly learn a device and master it, I can teach new team members. I am ultimately responsible for the quality of our team so that is especially important,” he added.
The answer to the fourth question isn’t as vital as safety or efficacy, but it is key to running a profitable practice. “Do I have patients interested in addressing the condition the device treats? How many treatments will it take to see improvement, and how can I make it work for my patients and my practice? An easy-to-use device with no consumables and a variety of valid applications may recoup your investment in a favorable timeframe,” Dr. Chilukuri explained.
As an ADVATx user, Dr. Chilukuri has worked to get the most out of his platform. “First off, I specialize in nonsurgical, minimally invasive therapies so that is a key element for me specifically. How can I get the greatest outcome with the least amount of preparation, the least discomfort, and least amount of downtime? ADVATx fits right there,” he said. “Next, I can use it for all skin types throughout the year. In our sunny climate and multicultural region, this is essential. We like to use the 589 nm wavelength for treating blood vessels and erythema without pain or post-treatment edema, which is huge because with pulsed dye lasers we are used to seeing swelling that lasts up to four days.”
This device offers fast, effective outcomes that speak for them- selves, Dr. Chilukuri noted. “It is giving us on-the-table results that, as they continue to mani- fest, have the patients’ friends wondering what they had done, and where. It works synergistically to enhance neuromodulator and filler outcomes. There are so many ways to use a device with this kind of safety, efficacy and versatility.”
