A Novel 0.65 Millisecond Pulsed 1064 nm Laser to Treat Skin of Color Without Skin Cooling or Anesthetics

Fran Cook-Bolden, MD, Dermatology, New York, NY

Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, December 2011

The Nd:YAG 1064 nm has become the gold standard laser modality for safely treating all skin types and specifically skin of color. The 1064 nm laser technologies with ultra long pulse durations generally require anesthetics as well as skin cooling in order for patients to tolerate the treatment. The use of anesthetics and gels can involve considerable time, cost and mess. The development of a new 1064 nm laser technology with a unique 0.65 msec pulse duration now enables virtually pain-free treatment of skin of color, with no need for skin cooling or anesthetics and no skin contact during treatment by the handpiece. This uniquely gentle, sanitary, and effective laser treatment experience for patients of color can increase the likelihood that they will return for follow-up treatment sessions and also recommend the treatment to others.