Data from Fortune Business Insights shows that the medical laser market is projected to reach $11.26 billion by 2032. This gives clinics a fantastic opportunity to capitalise on a rapidly growing market.
By offering the latest and most in-demand treatments, clinics can expect lucrative returns on their investment in laser technology.
But with so many laser devices to choose from, which laser is right for your clinic?
Read on to find out more about some of the most popular laser solutions – Erbium (Er) YAG and Neodymium-doped (Nd) YAG laser devices.
What is a laser?
LASER = Light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation
Essentially, a laser emits a high-energy light beam at a specific wavelength. This beam can be focused on different conditions to either destroy, vaporise, or break down unwanted cells or pigment.
The wavelength of this light determines its interaction with the targeted tissue. This makes the different types of lasers suitable for different applications.
The Latest in Laser Development
Newer, more advanced laser systems offer added power, precision and efficiency with reduced side effects when compared to older laser devices. Modern devices have come a long way since the first Ruby laser for clinical application was used by Theodore Maiman.
Research revealed the importance of targeted wavelengths.
These key wavelengths can be used to specifically target different tissues. The absorption of electromagnetic radiation (laser energy) is largely affected by the transmitted wavelength and the absorption qualities of the target tissue, also known as an endogenous chromophore (a substance that absorbs light).
The body has three distinct endogenous chromophores that laser devices aim to target – water, melanin, and haemoglobin – each absorbing a specific wavelength more readily than others.
Endogenous Chromophores – Laser Wavelength Absorption
First, we must understand why the three endogenous chromophores in the body are so important. To do so we need to look at which treatments they correspond to.
Water
Water is the largest component of the human body, contributing up to 60% of the total mass in an adult. This means that most tissues in the body contain a substantial amount of water and to be able to specifically target this water with a laser would allow an interaction between the tissue and the device.
The skin sits just above the average water content of the body at a water content of around 64%. This means that with the right laser output – one that is tuned to this specific water content – a laser could be used to selectively treat the skin, without affecting the other two endogenous chromophores.
Generally, skin absorption is highest with a wavelength of 2940nm. This is featured in the Dermablate system, produced by an Er:YAG laser, making this device perfect for skin ablation and other dermatological treatments.
Haemoglobin
Haemoglobin is found in red blood cells and is used to transport oxygen organs and expel carbon dioxide.
Like water, haemoglobin also has a unique absorption property, experiencing maximum absorption between 375 and 450nm. However, due to these very short wavelengths, emission at 375 – 450nm would struggle to penetrate the skin – this is why a slightly longer 532 – 577nm wavelength is recommended for targeting haemoglobin.
Melanin
Melanin is found in various parts of the body, it is responsible for giving colour to the skin, hair, and eyes. Melanin has an optimal absorption between 760nm and 1060nm, a slightly longer wavelength than haemoglobin.
By creating these wavelengths, parts of the body with high melanin content can be selectively treated. Hair contains a large amount of melanin, with up to 4.8% of dark hair mass being melanin – much less is present in lighter or red-coloured hair.
This is partly why hair removal treatment on darker hair types is far easier than lighter hair – with more melanin present, lasers can target the hair more easily.
Uses of Er:YAG & Nd:YAG Lasers
Er:YAG and Nd:YAG lasers find themselves at the forefront of laser innovation, promising faster treatment times, fewer side effects, and a greater variation in treatment types.
The adaptability of laser wavelength emissions makes these types of laser some of the most popular and versatile platforms for the modern clinic.
Typical Er:YAG and Nd:YAG lasers are able to treat:
- Laser hair removal
- Vascular lesions
- Skin ablation
- Skin rejuvenation
- Acne treatment
- Scar reduction
- Tattoo removal
- Pigmentation
What is an Er:YAG laser?
Er:YAG = Erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet
Er:YAG lasers use an erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet as its lasing medium and are a class of solid-state laser.
In this laser type, a small amount of erbium ions replaces some of the yttrium ions in the crystal, as both ions are of similar size.
The erbium ions provide the necessary laser activity. Er:YAG lasers emit infrared light with a wavelength of 2940 nm. The Asclepion Dermablate features an Er:YAG laser and can be used for a variety of aesthetic and medical applications.
How Er:YAG Lasers Are Used
The Erbium YAG lasers are absorbed by water in the skin. When the laser targets an area, its energy heats and vaporises the water-rich tissues layer by layer. This precise action removes damaged skin while leaving surrounding areas mostly untouched.
It is like peeling away imperfections to reveal healthier skin underneath. The heat also stimulates collagen production, boosting skin renewal. Since the laser focuses on water – it is perfect for treatments like skin resurfacing and scar reduction.
The result? Effective treatments with minimal side effects and quick recovery times.
Applications of Er:YAG lasers
Er:YAG lasers are great for treating precise, surface-level skin issues. They work great in both cosmetic and medical procedures, mainly because they target specific skin concerns so well.
Skin resurfacing
One of the most popular uses of the Er:YAG laser is for skin resurfacing. It helps remove damaged skin layers, addressing wrinkles, fine lines, and sun damage. The laser’s high water absorption makes it especially effective for treating delicate areas, such as around the eyes and mouth.
Scar reduction
Er:YAG lasers are great at improving the appearance of most scars including acne scars, surgical scars, and other superficial marks. The laser works by gently removing layers of damaged skin, which helps promote healing and smooths out the skin’s texture.
Pigmentation issues
Uneven pigmentation, like age spots, freckles, or melasma? The Er:YAG laser can help with that too. It targets the pigmented areas, breaking them down bit by bit, fading them without harming the surrounding skin. Over time, the complexion evens out.
Benign skin lesions
Seborrheic keratosis, warts, and other benign skin growths? The Er:YAG laser removes these growths with pinpoint accuracy, making sure there’s minimal damage to the healthy skin around them.
Non-melanoma skin cancers
For those with superficial non-melanoma skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma, Er:YAG lasers can offer a non-invasive treatment option. The laser works by removing the diseased tissue layer by layer, which minimizes scarring and speeds up recovery time.
Other skin disorders
Er:YAG lasers can treat a variety of other skin issues, such as:
- Atrophic acne scars
- Smallpox scars
- Sun-damaged skin
- Herpes simplex scars
- Mild to medium facial wrinkles
- Vascular birthmarks (like capillary vascular malformations)
Benefits of Er:YAG Lasers
Tissue precision
Er:YAG lasers are precise. They remove damaged tissue without hurting the healthy skin around it. This means you get highly accurate treatment that targets exactly what needs to be fixed.
Minimal downtime
Recovery time is usually quick. Since the laser causes less trauma to the skin, patients can get back to their day-to-day activities faster.
Reduced thermal damage
The laser doesn’t spread too much heat, which is great. This reduces the chances of redness or pigmentation changes after treatment.
Cost-effective
The cost of consumables is lower with the Er:YAG laser. So, it becomes a more affordable option for both clinics and patients.
Less invasive
Compared to treatments like dermabrasion or chemical peeling, the Er:YAG is less invasive. It is a more comfortable experience, with less discomfort during and after the procedure.
What is a Nd:YAG Laser?
Nd:YAG = Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet
Nd:YAG is also a solid-state laser. However, it uses a crystal infused with neodymium ions as its active medium.
These lasers generally produce a laser with a wavelength of 1064 nanometers. However, beam modification can be used to create a number of other wavelengths by doubling, tripling, quadrupling, etc. the laser output – allowing for 532nm, 355nm, 266nm, etc. wavelength output.
This makes it suitable for a wide range of medical and aesthetic treatments.
How it works?
Nd:YAG lasers work by using a crystal doped with neodymium ions as the active medium. When a light source excites these ions, they release energy in the form of a focused laser beam with a wavelength of 1064 nanometers.
This is invisible to the naked eye but can penetrate deep into tissues.
It targets specific structures, like pigments or blood vessels, without harming surrounding areas. The laser’s precision makes it perfect for treatments like tattoo removal, hair reduction, and vascular lesion therapy.
Applications of Nd:YAG lasers
Nd:YAG lasers are highly versatile and widely used in both medical and cosmetic treatments. Here is a quick look at their applications.
Tattoo removal
This laser breaks down ink particles, especially dark colours like black and blue. Over time, the body clears these particles, fading the tattoo.
Laser hair removal
Nd:YAG lasers are effective for hair removal on various skin classifications, including darker skin shades. The longer wavelength is absorbed less by melanin, making it safer for deeper skin tones. The laser targets hair follicles to slow or stop hair growth.
Vascular lesions
Nd:YAG lasers are used in the treatment of vascular lesions, like spider veins and port wine stains. The laser targets blood vessels, causing them to collapse and be absorbed by the body, resulting in clearer skin.
Skin rejuvenation
The laser stimulates collagen production, improving skin texture and tone. This non-invasive treatment helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, offering a smoother, firmer complexion.
Nail fungus treatment
For nail fungus, the Nd:YAG laser penetrates the nail to destroy the fungus without harming the nail itself. Multiple treatments can restore the nail’s normal appearance.
Pigmentation issues
Nd:YAG lasers can target and reduce pigmentation problems like age spots, freckles, and melasma, leading to a more even skin tone.
Benefits of this laser type
Deep penetration
These lasers go deep into the skin. They are great at treating conditions beneath the surface, where other methods might not reach.
Safe for darker skin tones
Nd:YAG lasers work well for all skin types, even darker skin. They carry a lower risk of causing hyperpigmentation compared to some other lasers.
Non-invasive
No cuts or injections are required for many treatments. That means quicker recovery time for patients.
Precision
These lasers target specific areas. This helps minimize damage to surrounding tissues, making the treatment safer and more effective.
Minimal downtime
Patients can get back to their normal activities quickly. There is less downtime after the procedure, which is always a plus.
Suitable candidates for each laser type
Both lasers are safe for various skin types. However, their suitability depends on individual needs.
Nd:YAG lasers are ideal for darker skin tones. They work well for hair removal because they penetrate deeply without affecting melanin.
Er:YAG lasers are better suited for fair skin. They are great for resurfacing and scar treatments as they precisely target water in the skin.
Common side effects
While both lasers are generally safe, some minor side effects may occur.
- Mild redness and swelling in the treated area
- Minor peeling
- In rare cases, scarring or pigmentation changes
Most of these side effects subside within days to weeks, depending on the treatment’s intensity.
Differences between Nd:YAG and Er:YAG lasers
| Feature | Nd:YAG Laser | Er: YAG Laser |
| Wavelength | 1064 nm | 2940 nm |
| Penetration depth | Deep | Surface-level |
| Best for | Hair removal, vascular lesions, tattoos | Skin resurfacing, scar reduction |
| Asclepion lasers | NanoStar | Dermablate |
Final Thoughts
Er:YAG and Nd:YAG lasers are powerful tools in the medical and aesthetic fields. Their unique wavelengths and mechanisms make them suitable for treating a wide range of conditions with precision and minimal invasiveness.
If you are interested in learning more about the Asclepion Er:YAG and Nd:YAG lasers, feel free to reach out to our team. We are here to answer your questions and offer guidance on the best devices for your clinic.
