Sponsored
ADVATx by Advalight Corp. (Ballerup, Denmark), covers a wide-range of applications with a unique solid-state yellow and infrared laser. With no consumables and a sophisticated, intuitive user interface, the system’s 589 nm and 1319 nm wavelengths can address everything from vascular issues to acne, acne scars and pigmented lesions. Notably, this device is cleared by the FDA for 15 indications.
Physicians now have the option to replace their costly, service-intensive pulsed-dye lasers (PDL) with the maintenance- free ADVATx.
According to Steven D. Shapiro, M.D., a dermatologist in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., “Pulsed-dye lasers are versatile, but high-maintenance. Our pulsed-dye laser requires thousands of dollars in toxic dye kits that have to either be used or replaced annually, along with the upkeep required by the cumbersome machine itself.”
Completely solid-state, the ADVATx is as versatile as the pulsed dye laser, Dr. Shapiro stated, without all the headaches. And based on scattergrams, the ADVATx delivers energy more evenly, he added.
Not only is the ADVATx efficient, but through its patented PulSync technology, the device also employs Soft Pulsing to gently raise the temperature of the target. This provides a more comfortable patient experience, without the unwanted side effects of purpura or bruising.
RELATED: Next-generation ADVATx platform transcends pulsed dye lasers
Conversely, PDLs can use very short pulse durations, around 350 μs, resulting in rupturing of the vessel. “With ADVATx’s Soft Pulsing, we’re using multiple nano pulses to generate pulse widths in the range of 20 – 100 ms, to photocoagulate the blood vessel,” Dr. Shapiro explained. “You can see the vessel disappear immediately, with no purpura.”
Dr. Shapiro typically starts at 28 to 32 J/cm2 and increases the energy with successive sessions performed at four-to-six-week intervals. The number of treatments required varies with the quantity and distribution of vessels. “A nose might be one to two treatments, while a full face and neck could be two to four,” he said.
Users can choose circular, square or straight-line scan patterns. “In addition, we can control the effective spot size from 1 – 3 mm with or without overlap,” Dr. Shapiro pointed out. “When I trace out the blood vessels, I like to use a line with ten consecutive spots that are just touching.”
To treat larger areas, Dr. Shapiro uses a scanner with a 10 x 10 mm pattern. After treatment, patients typically experience mild redness that lasts up to a couple hours.
For severe acne, he uses the 1319 nm wavelength first – with 20 ms pulses – to attack sebaceous glands and reduce oil production. Additionally, Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) absorbs light at 589 nm, thus providing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits. With this wavelength, Dr. Shapiro typically uses energies around 16 J/cm2. “We usually do two to three treatments at four-week intervals.” Benefits typically last six months.
In the three years he’s been using the ADVATx, Dr. Shapiro has had no problems with the laser. “It is easy to use, with a very simple learning curve, allowing me to delegate it when desired,” he reported. “And it is the most versatile laser I have in my practice.”
RELATED ARTICLES:
Multi-wavelength ADVATx erases aesthetic concerns without consumables
Expert Insights: A review of laser-based technologies in aesthetic medicine