If you have been researching skin rejuvenation, treatments for acne scars, or ways to lighten pigmentation, you have probably stumbled across terms like fractional non-ablative lasers with 1550 nm (Fractional Erbium Glass Laser) and 1927 nm (Fractional Thulium Laser) wavelengths, or even Dual Wavelength Fractional Non-Ablative Laser.
We will unpack what these wavelengths mean and what they do for your skin, so you know which option suits your skin goals.
What Is Dual Wavelength Fractional Non-Ablative Laser?
The Dual Wavelength Fractional Non-Ablative Laser is a popular skin resurfacing treatment in Singapore that is commonly used by doctors to help patients improve pigmentation, acne scars, fine lines, enlarged pores, and overall skin texture without the long downtime that comes with more aggressive ablative lasers. It is one laser machine that comes with two laser wavelengths, and hence the name “Dual Wavelength”.
The two wavelengths are:
- Fractional Erbium Glass Laser (1550 nm) for treating skin texture, scars, and collagen remodelling.
- Fractional Thulium Laser (1927 nm) for pigmentation and skin brightening.
Both laser wavelengths deliver controlled microscopic columns of energy into the skin to target skin concerns while leaving surrounding tissue intact. Regardless of whether the wavelengths are used separately or in combination, non-ablative lasers have a shorter recovery time compared to ablative laser treatments.
Unlike ablative lasers which remove thin layers of the skin’s surface to stimulate collagen remodelling and skin renewal, non-ablative lasers work beneath the skin without removing the surface, promoting collagen production with minimal downtime and a gentler recovery. Both ablative and non-ablative are often used by aesthetic doctors for different functions to achieve the desired result.
Understanding the two laser wavelengths
Fractional Erbium Glass Laser (1550 nm)
Fractional Erbium Glass Laser (1550 nm) can reach the deeper dermal layers of the skin and is therefore an effective treatment for skin issues related to skin texture and structural damage.
What the Fractional Erbium Glass Laser (1550 nm) treats：
- Acne scars, especially atrophic scars
- Enlarged pores
- Fine lines and moderate wrinkles
- Skin roughness or uneven texture
- Loss of skin firmness due to reduced collagen
How Fractional Erbium Glass Laser (1550 nm) works:
Fractional Erbium Glass Laser (1550 nm) heats up the dermal tissue in the treated area to trigger the skin’s natural healing process, stimulating collagen and elastin production. It can improve acne scars, enlarged pores, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture, leading to smoother and firmer skin over time.
- Fractional Thulium Laser (1927 nm)
Fractional Thulium Laser (1927 nm) targets the top layers of the skin where most pigmentation and sun damage occurs to improve skin pigmentation issues.
What the Fractional Non-Ablative Laser (1927 nm) treats：
- Sunspots and age spots
- Freckles
- Uneven skin tone
- Melasma (when used cautiously)
- Superficial fine lines
- Sun-damaged skin
- Dull or uneven complexion
How Fractional Thulium Laser (1927 nm) works:
Fractional Thulium Laser (1927 nm) targets the superficial layers of the skin to break down pigment and encourage skin turnover. It creates micro-injuries in the epidermis to break up unwanted pigment to stimulate skin cell turnover, fading sunspots, melasma, freckles, and evening the skin tone. Over time, the patient will notice a brighter and clearer complexion.
Is it necessary to use both wavelengths in a single treatment?
Your doctor may choose to use either the Fractional Erbium Glass Laser or the Fractional Thulium Laser to improve your skin condition, or he can combine both and treat you with Dual Wavelength Fractional Non-Ablative Laser. Combining both wavelengths allows your doctor to treat multiple concerns in a single session.
Benefits of combining both wavelengths
- Comprehensive rejuvenation.
- Improvement in both tone and texture.
- Ability to customise treatment.
This two-step approach is why the dual wavelength fractional non-ablative laser is considered an all-in-one skin rejuvenation solution.
When a single-wavelength treatment (mono laser) may be more suitable
However, if your skin concerns are more specific, a single wavelength treatment will give you results that are targeted at a particular concern.
Choose the Fractional Erbium Glass Laser if you mainly want to treat:
- Acne scars
- Rough or uneven texture
- Enlarged pores
- Fine lines
Choose the Fractional Thulium Laser if your key concerns are:
- Pigmentation
- Sunspots
- Melasma
- Uneven skin tone
- Photoageing
Whether a combined wavelength or single wavelength treatment is suitable for your concern is something that the doctor can prescribe during consultation.
Is the Treatment Safe?
Fractional non-ablative lasers are safe for most skin types when performed by trained and experienced doctors. Some common side effects include temporary redness, mild swelling, flaking or bronzing, or a brief sandpaper-like texture after treatment. These effects are normal and will resolve within a few days.
Ready to find out if Dual Wavelength Fractional Non-Ablative Laser is right for your skin? Should you get a single laser wavelength or combine both wavelengths in a single session? Get a personalised consultation with our doctors to help you understand the best approach for your skin goals.
