Introduction
The non-ablative fractional erbium laser is a modern aesthetic technology that uses Er,Cr,Yb:Glass as the gain medium. It is widely used in skin anti-aging, acne scar repair, and skin texture improvement. Compared to traditional laser treatments, non-ablative fractional erbium lasers leverage the specific wavelengths of erbium glass to precisely target deep skin tissues without damaging the epidermis. This technology features a short recovery period and minimal side effects.
1. What is a Non-Ablative Laser?
“Non-ablative” refers to a laser treatment process where laser energy is delivered precisely to the dermis without damaging the structure of the epidermis. Unlike traditional ablative lasers, non-ablative lasers stimulate deep skin regeneration and repair without disrupting the outer layer.
Exfoliation and non-exfoliation of soft tissue (image source [1])
This principle uses selective photothermal effects to focus laser energy on specific skin tissues, promoting the generation of collagen and elastic fibers, resulting in tightening, skin rejuvenation, and anti-aging effects.
The key advantage of non-ablative lasers is that the epidermis remains intact post-treatment, avoiding the prolonged recovery periods and discomfort associated with traditional ablative lasers. Patients can typically resume their daily activities and work shortly after treatment.
2. What is a Fractional Laser?
Fractional technology is an advanced beam-splitting technique used in laser treatments. It divides the laser beam into multiple small spots arranged in a matrix and evenly irradiates the skin. These small spots create numerous micro-treatment zones on the skin, each forming a tiny area of microdamage while leaving surrounding healthy skin areas unaffected.
The core advantage of fractional lasers lies in their selectivity—they act only on parts of the skin rather than covering the entire surface. The unaffected skin areas help accelerate healing and repair, making the treatment more efficient and comfortable with a shorter recovery period. Fractional lasers are widely used for addressing fine lines, acne scars, uneven skin tone, and other skin issues.
3. Non-Ablative Fractional Laser
Non-ablative fractional erbium lasers combine the advantages of “non-ablative” and “fractional technology” for skin treatments.
Gain Medium: Erbium Glass (Er,Cr,Yb:Glass)
The wavelength of Er,Cr,Yb:Glass closely matches the absorption peak of water molecules, ensuring high absorption efficiency. The energy is concentrated in the dermis, precisely targeting superficial skin structures to promote collagen regeneration without causing excessive thermal damage to the epidermis or deeper tissues.
Er,Cr,Yb:Glass
Aesthetic Equipment
Alma’s ClearSkin Pro Handpiece
The Er:Glass 1540 nm non-ablative laser effectively treats active acne and acne scars. Its high-energy delivery induces tissue coagulation and dermal remodeling, making it ideal for year-round skin rejuvenation.
Nd:YAG (1320 nm)
The 1320 nm wavelength offers moderate penetration depth, primarily acting on the superficial and mid-dermis layers, suitable for treating mild to moderate skin issues.
Nd:YAG Crystal
4. Advantages of Non-Ablative Fractional Lasers
Both ablative and non-ablative treatments have their pros and cons:
- Ablative Fractional Lasers offer more direct results with fewer sessions but involve longer recovery times and higher postoperative care requirements. They are also more prone to side effects.
- Non-Ablative Treatments have fewer side effects and shorter recovery times. However, their results are less dramatic, treatment durations are longer, and they may be ineffective for certain specific skin issues.
Comparison: Non-Ablative vs. Ablative Lasers
| Dimension | Non-Ablative Laser | Ablative Laser |
| Gain Medium | Commonly Erbium Glass (Er:Glass), Nd:YAG | Commonly CO₂ or Er:YAG |
| Wavelengths | 1540 nm, 1550 nm, 1440 nm, 1320 nm | 2940 nm (Er:YAG), 10600 nm (CO₂) |
| Applications | Tightening, improving texture, reducing fine lines | Scar repair, severe photoaging, skin resurfacing |
| Mechanism | Stimulates dermal collagen, non-invasive to epidermis | Removes epidermis to promote regrowth |
| Recovery Time | Short, mild redness for 1-2 days | Longer, 7-10 days with scabbing and peeling |
| Pain Level | Low, comfortable experience | Moderate to high, may require anesthetics |
| Suitable Population | Mild to moderate aging, quick texture improvement | Severe aging, deep scars, or significant photoaging |
5. Application Scenarios
Non-ablative fractional erbium laser technology is widely used for various skin concerns, excelling in the following areas:
- Anti-Aging: Effectively improves fine lines, skin laxity, and aging signs by stimulating collagen regeneration, restoring elasticity and firmness, and achieving smoother and younger-looking skin.
- Pigmentation Issues: Deeply targets pigmented areas to fade sunspots, freckles, and melasma while improving uneven skin tone for a brighter, more even complexion.
- Large Pores: Stimulates collagen production in the dermis, tightening pores and leaving the skin smoother and more refined.
- Mild Acne Scars and Marks: Stimulates skin repair mechanisms to reduce the formation of scars and acne marks. Compared to traditional laser treatments, the recovery period is shorter, and the effects are gentler.
- Skin Texture Improvement: Through continuous treatment, fractional erbium lasers enhance overall skin texture, increasing smoothness, firmness, and hydration, making the skin appear healthier and younger.
Precautions:
Stronger energy levels increase skin irritation. However, Asians tend to be more sensitive to light, so parameters like energy levels and spot density should be carefully adjusted.
