How to contrast CO2 and Thulium lasers and choose according to applications?

When it comes to advanced dermatology treatments, carbon dioxide lasers and Thulium lasers are two most talked about technologies. Both of them provide unique benefits for skin regeneration, acne removal and a series of other aesthetic issues. But how do they differ, and which one is right for you? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the technologies of CO2 laser and Thulium laser, and explore their definitions, working principles, functional differences, price ranges and main applications.

What are CO2 and Thulium lasers?

1.Definition of CO2 laser

CO2 laser is a kind of gas laser, which uses carbon dioxide (CO2) as the activation medium. It operates at a wavelength of 10,600 nm, which is primarily absorbed by water in the skin. This makes it highly effective for ablative and micro-ablative treatments, where it creates controlled thermal damage to stimulate collagen production and skin renewal.

2.Definition of technetium laser

On the other hand, Thulium laser is a kind of solid-state laser, and its working wavelengths is 1,927 nm or 1,940 nm. It emits long pulse infrared light, aiming at water, melanin and hemoglobin in the skin. Unlike carbon dioxide lasers, Thulium lasers are non-ablative, which means that they heat the deep layers of the skin without removing the surface layer, thus reducing downtime and speeding up recovery.

Working Principles

1.CO2 Laser Working Principle

The CO2 laser works via focal photothermolysis, producing patterned micro-zones of thermal damage controlled by a computer. This accuracy allows it to stimulate the skin’s self-repair mechanism while protecting normal tissues. The wavelength of 10,600 nm is highly absorbed by water, making it ideal choice for ablation treatments to remove the outer layer (epidermis) of skin and heat the lower dermis to promote collagen remodeling.(Source:https://www.aslms.org/)

2.The working principle of Thulium laser

Thulium laser emits long pulse infrared light with wavelengths of 1,927 nm or 1,940 nm. This light penetrates deeper into the dermis than into the epidermis, heating the target tissue without causing surface damage. Its non-ablative properties make it suitable for 3 d skin whitening, anti-aging treatment, and even promoting hair regeneration by stimulating hair follicles.

Functional Differences

1.Share Functions

Both CO2 lasers and Thulium lasers are fractional lasers, meaning they emit light in a regular dot-matrix pattern. This produces a tiny heat damaged area, while the surrounding tissues are not affected, which promotes the production of collagen and the renewal of skin. About 90% of the applications are overlapping, including.

2.Anti-aging and wrinkle resistance

• Treating moderate to severe acne and large pores.
• Adjuvant treatment of senile plaque and freckles.
• A scar that supports a depression or hypertrophy.
• Adjuvant treatment of local alopecia.
• Skin care products have enhanced absorption.
• Vaginal contraction therapy.

The special Applications of Thulium laser

• Promoting hair regeneration: Clinical evidence shows that 1,927 nm Thulium lasers can stimulate hair follicle regeneration. Treatments for three months per month can improve hairlines, and the effect is better with external products.
• Enhancing Dermal Absorption: Thulium lasers can open skin microchannels to improve the absorption of skincare products, making them more effective.

Price Differences

1.Carbon dioxide laser price range

The price of carbon dioxide laser depends on the type of laser tube (RF or glass) and power. For ordinary beauty salon, a 30 w machines are enough, while deep treatment or medical treatments may require 60 w-100 w+ machines. Depending on configuration, laser light source and certification (e.g. G. FDA/CE).

2.Technetium laser price interval

The price of Thulium laser depends on power and the quality of laser rod. Higher power, more stable laser rods are more expensive. According to power (5-30w), laser type (fiber/diode), origin and certification (FDA/CE), the price range is usually between 5000 and 20000.

Laser types and skin reactions

1.Carbon dioxide laser skin response

As an ablative laser, carbon dioxide laser treatments can cause red spots and slight scales on the skin. Recovery time ranges from 3 months to 6 months, depending on the intensity of the treatment. Treatment intervals is usually 3 to 6 months.

2.Skin response of Thulium laser

Thulium lasers is non-ablative, causing slight redness, but not visible damage. The skin can be restored in about 2 hours, which is very suitable for applying skin care products immediately after treatment. Recovery time is about 1 week, with no obvious downtime. However, sun protection and skincare are recommended for a week post-treatment. Treatment intervals can be once every 2 to 4 weeks.

Common problems

Q 1: What kind of laser acne removal is better?

A 1:Both CO2 lasers and Thulium lasers can effectively remove acne, but CO2 lasers may be more suitable for severe acne and scars because of their ablative properties. Thulium lasers is more suitable for mild to moderate acne and pore thinning.

Q 2: How long does it take to recover after CO2 laser therapy?

A 2:Recovery time after a CO2 laser treatment can vary from 3 months to 6 months, depending on the intensity of the treatment. The recovery time of Thulium laser is short, about a week.

Q 3: Can Thulium lasers promote hair re growth?

A 3:Yes, clinical evidence suggests that 1,927 nm Thulium lasers can stimulate hair follicle regeneration, improving hairlines when used monthly for three months, especially when combined with topical products.

Q 4: Which kind of laser is more expensive?

A 4:Technetium lasers are often more expensive than carbon dioxide lasers, ranging from 5000 to 2,000–10,000, while carbon dioxide lasers are 2000 to 10000.

Conclusion

Choosing between CO2 laser and Thulium laser depends on your specific needs and goals. If you are looking for a positive method to treat severe acne, scars or deep wrinkles, carbon dioxide laser may be the better choice. However, if you like a non-ablative method, with minimum downtime and additional benefits, such as hair regeneration stimulation, Thulium laser could be ideal.

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only, and should not be regarded as medical advice. Be sure to consult a qualified health care professional before receiving any laser therapy.