Using multiple wavelengths (589 nm and 1319 nm) to treat a range of indications, the versatile solid state ADVATx from Advalight (Copenhagen, Denmark) requires minimal maintenance and no consumables or toxic dye kits, unlike the pulse dye laser it replaces. This workhorse is sophisticated, yet easy to operate, and preset parameters enable effective treatment of most common aesthetic skin concerns including the spectrum of vascular and pigmented lesions, acne and acne scarring, wrinkles and many more, with little to no pain, downtime, or side effects. Among other conveniences, ADVATx runs on a 120 V power supply.
According to Ronald L. Moy, M.D., a dermatologist and facial plastic surgeon at Moy Fincher Chipps Facial Plastics & Dermatology in Beverly Hills, Calif., “A solid state device is ideal in that one does not have to switch out dyes, which improves efficiency and safety.”
A standout feature is the company’s patented pulse synchronization technology, known as PulSync, which delivers either wavelength as a single spot or scanned pattern. ADVATx uses two laser modules (1064 nm and 1319 nm) modulated by a shared Q-switch to generate a pulsed train of light passed through a crystal, combining the energy to create a 589 nm beam. The 1319 nm wavelength may be used if desired.
“The scanner is one of the most useful elements of the laser’s design,” said Jennifer Herrmann, M.D., a dermatologist at Moy Fincher Chipps Facial Plastics & Dermatology. “Since the laser scans over the target area, short skin contact in any one ‘spot’ minimizes pain and reduces the need for contact or cryo spray cooling. This in turn decreases swelling, especially for those with sensitive skin. Conversely, vascular lasers that use cryo spray can cause significant post treatment edema. Overall, recovery is next to nothing.”
The ability to easily change the treatment pattern also allows very selective targeting, Dr. Herrmann added. “I can trace out a vessel very precisely, or target a 2 mm cherry angioma without heating surrounding skin. Also, the capacity to toggle between the 589 nm and 1319 nm wavelengths using just a couple of clicks on the tablet home screen is very convenient, there’s no need to change out handpieces and recalibrate as with many other lasers.”
Dr. Herrmann has found the combination of wavelengths applied for acne and early acne scarring to be particularly satisfying to use. “For patients with active acne, my primary concern is getting them on a combination of topicals and orals to treat the condition. But for many patients, the erythema and textural changes seen with acne and acne scarring have a significant psychological impact,” she explained. “Waiting several months for traditional prescriptions to ‘work’ is frustrating and slow. By incorporating the laser early, we can address erythema immediately and begin the remodeling process if scarring is already present.”
“With treatments at two-week intervals, patients start noticing improvement more quickly, which also keeps them motivated to maintain compliance using their prescriptions,” Dr. Herrmann continued. “And although this hasn’t been formally studied, many of my patients report decreased skin oiliness after treatments. Because of this, they feel as if their skin is improving more quickly. It’s possible that the 1319 nm wavelength is partially targeting the oil gland, and we’re continuing to look into this possibility.”
