Adopting Lasers with Broad Application
With Bruce Katz, MD
Among energy-based devices, radiofrequency (RF) and microneedling devices are often considered safe for use on most skin tones. But in many cases, Bruce Katz, MD, Director of JUVA Skin and Laser Center in New York City finds that he gets better results for skin tightening—and a range of other indications—using a specific Nd:YAG device. Ahead, he shares his experience.
WHEN THINKING ABOUT LASERS THAT OFFER APPLICATION ACROSS A BROAD RANGE OF INDICATIONS AND SKIN TYPES, WHAT DO YOU USE IN YOUR PRACTICE?
Bruce Katz, MD: The Aerolase Neo Elite (1064nm) is a workhorse laser in our practice, and we use it pretty commonly for telangiectasias on the face, red areas, particularly in people who have rosacea or persistent pigmentation after having acne. We use it for brown spots, pigmentation issues, solar lentigos. And it’s used for laser hair removal. We also use it for skin tightening in areas such as the neck, the décolleté area, upper arms, and abdomen—particularly in women who’ve had multiple pregnancies. Finally, we use it for active acne.
The Aerolase Neo Elite has 40 different applications. It is a unique laser and has a very short, high-powered pulse, which is not seen in other Nd:YAG lasers. With its 650ms pulse, this laser can be used safely on dark skin tones. That’s a big positive, and a reason why we use the Neo for a lot of different indications.
HOW DOES THE DEVICE COMPARE TO ALTERNATIVE ENERGY-BASED DEVICES?
Dr. Katz: I think Neo probably works better than the monopolar RF devices that are available. It’s probably neck-in-neck with the bipolar RF devices. I think it’s more effective than microneedling RF. I don’t think we see that much benefit, in terms of skin tightening, with the microneedling devices. I think they’re more effective for improvement in texture and some acne scarring.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE UPTAKE FOR ACNE TREATMENT?
Dr. Katz: We use the Neo Elite to treat acne commonly in our practice with good results, and we use it for persistent erythema after acne. We can use it to treat acne scarring, as well. However, the fractional CO2 device generally offers better results for acne scarring.
Acne is a workhorse application for us, but that may reflect our practice, which has always had a high volume of non-medical patients. Patients who are prepared to pay for laser treatment for their acne will be satisfied with the outcomes.
