Over the last few decades, a range of powerful laser-based technologies have emerged for addressing a variety of skin concerns, ranging from sun damage to scars, wrinkles, and freckles. Since the first development of the first carbon dioxide (CO2) laser for skin resurfacing in the 1980s, the field has witnessed a remarkable evolution, transitioning from ablative to non-ablative techniques, and culminating in the widespread adoption of fractional photothermolysis (FP).
While ablative CO2 lasers offer transformative results by vaporising water in skin tissue, they require prolonged recovery times and have an increased risk of adverse effects such as infection, long-term erythema, and crusting.
The turning point of non-ablative alternatives came with the introduction of fractional photothermolysis in 2004. This treatment technique reduces treatment risks and side effects while eliminating recovery downtime. Combined with a diode laser with optic fibre and a wavelength of 1470nm, fractional photothermolysis is an advanced laser lifting technique for facial rejuvenation.
Understanding Skin Tightening
Skin Ageing and Laxity
Both intrinsic and extrinsic factors contribute to skin ageing. Intrinsic ageing, also known as chronological ageing, occurs naturally over time and is characterised by a gradual decrease in the production of essential structural proteins like collagen and elastin.
Extrinsic factors, such as sun exposure, smoking, pollution, and lifestyle habits, can accelerate the ageing process, leading to premature skin laxity and wrinkling.
Structural Components of Skin Elasticity
- Collagen: Collagen is the most abundant protein in the skin and provides structural support, strength, and firmness. As collagen production declines with age, the skin loses its elasticity, resulting in sagging and wrinkles.
- Elastin: Elastin fibres allow the skin to stretch and recoil, contributing to its resilience and ability to return to its original shape after stretching. Reduced elastin levels lead to diminished skin elasticity and the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid is a key component of the extracellular matrix that helps maintain skin hydration and volume. Declining levels of hyaluronic acid contribute to skin dehydration and loss of plumpness, exacerbating the appearance of sagging and wrinkles.
Laser Therapy for Skin Tightening
Using focused beams of light energy, lasers penetrate the skin and target specific chromophores, such as water and melanin. The heat generated by the laser stimulates collagen and elastin production, leading to the tightening of the skin and a more youthful appearance.
- Non-ablative Lasers: These lasers deliver heat energy to the dermis without damaging the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). Non-ablative lasers are effective for mild to moderate skin laxity and require minimal downtime.
- Ablative Lasers: Ablative lasers, such as fractional CO2 lasers, remove thin layers of skin to stimulate collagen production and tighten the underlying tissue. While ablative lasers provide more dramatic results, they typically come with longer recovery times.
- Fractional Lasers: Fractional laser therapy divides the laser beam into thousands of tiny columns, targeting small areas of the skin while leaving the surrounding tissue intact. This fractional approach promotes faster healing and reduces the risk of complications compared to traditional ablative lasers.
- Subdermal Diode Lasers: By utilising a wavelength of 1470nm, a diode laser is highly absorbed by water and fat. When introduced by an optical fibre, it allows the liquefaction of small fatty deposits in facial areas in addition to retracting and tightening the skin.
The Science Behind 1470nm Lasers
Laser skin rejuvenation relies on the principle of selective photothermolysis. Selective photothermolysis refers to the absorption of light energy by target chromophores within skin tissue, leading to their selective destruction or heating while minimising damage to surrounding structures. Common chromophores in human tissue include water, haemoglobin, and melanin, with water being the primary chromophore (70% of the tissue) for skin rejuvenating treatments.
The 1470nm laser offers an ideal absorption coefficient for water and combined with an optic fibre can penetrate deep into the skin compared to other wavelengths. This subdermal approach ensures not only a minimised risk of thermal damage to surrounding areas but also precise targeting of dermal tissue, leading to an increase in collagen production. This balance between effective tissue penetration and controlled thermal effects guarantees safe and efficient skin-tightening treatments.
Advantages of 1470nm Lasers
Deep Tissue Penetration
Compared to other laser wavelengths, the 1470nm wavelength is highly absorbed by water and penetrates deeply into the dermal layer of the skin. This efficient absorption and deep tissue penetration allows for precise and effective treatment of skin laxity, wrinkles, and more.
Selective Heating and Collagen Stimulation
By selectively targeting water molecules in the skin, 1470nm lasers cause controlled heating of the dermal tissues. This thermal effect stimulates fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen synthesis, leading to increased collagen production and remodelling. This leads to effective tightening and rejuvenating of the skin, improving its firmness, elasticity, and overall texture.
Minimised Risk of Thermal Damage
While they generate heat within tissues, 1470nm lasers are designed to minimise the risk of thermal damage to surrounding areas. Precise targeting of the laser beam and controlled delivery of energy ensure that only the targeted tissue is heated, while nearby areas remain unharmed. This reduces the risk of side effects and enhances the safety profile of 1470nm laser treatments.
Minimally Invasive Procedure
Compared to more invasive procedures, such as surgery or ablative procedures, the procedure only involves tiny incisions and inserting a fibreoptic laser through a canela. This approach is therefore less invasive and involves minimal downtime and fewer traumas to the surrounding tissues. Patients can resume their normal activities a few hours after the treatment.
Versatility and Efficacy
1470nm lasers are versatile and can be used to address a wide range of dermatological concerns, including skin laxity, wrinkles and even body contouring.
Clinical Applications and Efficacy
While one of the primary clinical applications of a 1470nm diode laser is skin tightening, the advanced EndoDefine laser achieves much more than that.
Operating with an optimal wavelength of 1470nm, the EndoDefine tightens, tones, and restores the superficial and deep layers of the skin, resulting in a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance.
The 1470nm wavelength is also the optimal wavelength to target localised fat throughout the body. The EndoDefine, with its diode laser-assisted liposuction, provides advanced technology for laser face and body defining treatments. These non-invasive body contouring treatments reduce localised fat, tighten sagging skin, and improve overall body shape.
To ensure precise and consistent results, the EndoDefine provides complete control over energy delivery. Using sensor-driven technology, the laser’s output is adjusted in real-time, optimising patient safety and treatment effectiveness. Additionally, its intuitive user interface simplifies the operation for practitioners.
The EndoDefine’s design and technology offer a blend of safety, efficiency, and user-friendliness, ensuring optimal results for a variety of skin treatments.
Safety Considerations and Side Effects
Similar to any medical procedure, there are risks and potential side effects that need to be considered. This is not only crucial for patient safety but also for the practitioners as well as securing the best treatment outcome.
During and after treatments, patients may experience mild to moderate discomfort or a sensation of heat on the treated areas. It’s also common for the treated skin to appear red and slightly swollen immediately after the treatment. This reaction is a normal inflammatory response and usually resolves within a few hours to a few days. Patients can alleviate redness and swelling by applying cold compresses and gentle skincare products.
In some cases, patients may develop bruising or pinpoint bleeding, where the cannula was inserted. This is more common in areas with thin or delicate skin, such as the face. These side effects are usually mild and resolve within a few days.
Temporary changes in skin texture, such as roughness or flakiness, may occur following treatment. This is part of the natural healing process as the skin undergoes remodelling and regeneration.
Infection and scarring are potential risks associated with any laser treatment. Proper pre- and post-treatment care, including careful wound care and hygiene practices, can help reduce the risk of infection and minimise the likelihood of scarring.
Conclusion
With their ability to selectively target water-rich tissues, diode lasers with a wavelength of 1470nm, such as the EndoDefine, can penetrate deeply into the dermal layer and stimulate collagen production.
From their optimal absorption by water molecules to their versatility in addressing a wide range of dermatological concerns, these lasers offer remarkable efficacy in improving skin firmness, texture, and overall appearance. Compared to ablative skin rejuvenation, patients report high satisfaction rates due to the procedure’s precision and the lower degree of discomfort.
Additionally, the EndoDefine represents an advanced device for laser-assisted lipolysis. For more information on this treatment, check out our article “Laser-Assisted Lipolysis”. However, it should be noted that this technique requires a skilled practitioner.
