A new laser technology may provide dermatologists with enhanced control over treatment depth while minimizing epidermal damage, according to a study.
The research, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology and conducted across multiple institutions including Harvard Medical School, examined focal point technology (FPT) and its approach to overcoming current limitations in laser skin treatments, particularly for patients with darker skin tones.
Researchers evaluated a 1550 nm laser system that generated precise, cone-shaped thermal zones while protecting the epidermis. In clinical testing involving 21 human patients, the technology demonstrated the ability to deliver high-energy treatments with minimal adverse effects.
"The 1550 nm laser with focal point technology enables precise control of lesion depth while simultaneously sparing a large portion of the epidermis, lowering the risk of adverse effects," the study authors reported in their findings.
The technology employed a focused toroidal (ring) laser beam delivered through a cold sapphire window, creating what the researchers termed "conical thermal zones" (CTZs). This approach allowed for treatment depths up to 2 mm while maintaining epidermal protection—a significant advancement over current laser technologies.
In the initial safety and dosimetry study, the researchers tested the device on patients with Fitzpatrick skin types I to IV, using varying energy levels from 70 to 200 mJ per microbeam. The study demonstrated that even at high energy levels, the technology could safely deliver treatment with minimal side effects.
The research team expanded testing to include patients with darker skin types, with ongoing pilot studies involving 56 patients, including 13 with Fitzpatrick skin type IV and 5 with types V and VI. Notably, "no subjects in the pilot study experienced significant adverse events [as a result of] laser exposure, even when energies of more than 100 mJ/CTZ were used," the study authors reported.
A key innovation of the technology is its ability to shape the laser beam into a ring before focusing it on the skin, which further reduced epidermal involvement while maintaining the necessary volume of dermal coagulation. The central spared region allowed for rapid healing from both inside the ring outward and outside inward.
The technology also incorporated real-time imaging capabilities, allowing for precise targeting and monitoring during treatment. This feature could potentially lead to customized treatments based on individual skin characteristics.
Study limitations included that clinical data are still being collected to further explore the safety and efficacy of the device. Additionally, while the initial results were promising, longer-term follow-up studies may be needed to fully assess the technology's effectiveness across various skin conditions and types.
The researchers suggested that this technology could particularly benefit patients with darker skin types, who historically have faced higher risks of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and other adverse effects with traditional laser treatments. The ability to spare the epidermis while delivering therapeutic energy to deeper skin layers represented a significant advance in dermatologic laser treatment.
The study was supported by AVAVA Inc., with additional support for Dr. Anderson through the Lancer Endowed Chair in Dermatology at Massachusetts General Hospital. Conflict of interest disclosures can be found in the study.
