Reading laser specifications so you do not buy the wrong device

Wavelength determines the target

Wavelength determines which chromophore absorbs the energy. A 1064 nm device and a 755 nm device are not interchangeable even though both are called pigment lasers.

Pulse duration determines collateral thermal damage

The shorter the pulse, the more energy is confined to the target and the less spreads into surrounding tissue. This is why picosecond and nanosecond lasers give different results on the same pigmented lesion.

Three questions to put to the distributor

• Does this device hold a Vietnamese marketing registration, and what is the number
• Is there peer-reviewed research published in a PubMed-indexed journal
• What is the handpiece warranty policy and the replacement cost

The third question is usually skipped and is where the largest unplanned cost arises in the first three years of operation.

Independent cross-checking

The US FDA 510(k) database shows which indication a device was cleared for. A device cleared for "temporary reduction of wrinkles" but marketed as "permanent wrinkle removal" is a warning sign.