| There is a misconception in Aesthetic medicine | | | | power being significantly different than the |
| that an Nd:YAG is an Nd:YAG. This misconception | | | | average power. This can mean that if you choose |
| is based on the notion that the wavelength is the | | | | 60 Flu on your control panel, that will be the |
| most important part of the Nd:YAG laser | | | | average power, but your peak may be 100 Flu or |
| equipment selection process, but the truth is that | | | | more. Another issue is flat top optics. Remember |
| there are several wavelengths that can generally | | | | as a kid using a magnifying glass to burn paper? |
| accomplish a single goal. | | | | The center of the spot was hot and the edges |
| Many companies will use a second or third | | | | cooler. If the optics of your laser are like that, as |
| harmonic of a laser, shifting its wavelength a few | | | | many are, the center of the spot will be hot. |
| nm and create a new story about this new unique | | | | VSP technology creates square pulses, not |
| proprietary laser. Don't be fooled, that is just | | | | Gaussian. The square pulse makes the peak and |
| marketing. Take a look at any absorption curve. | | | | average power nearly the same. Look for a laser |
| The curves are continuous and generally smooth. | | | | that delivers a flat beam... without hot spots. |
| A few nm is not the clinical difference. Control of | | | | So why should you care? The more precisely the |
| the laser technology is. | | | | beam is delivered, the more aggressive you can |
| Another differentiating issue is how the Nd:YAG | | | | be with your treatments without concern for side |
| laser energy is turned on and off. The technical | | | | effects from suboptimal beam profile. This |
| term is attack and decay. The natural attack and | | | | translates into outcomes and comfort. Not just |
| decay of a laser discharge is a bell shaped curved, | | | | comfort for your patients but comfortable sleep |
| known as Gaussian. This results in the peak | | | | for the laser owner. |