Laser technology has long been a cornerstone of dermatology and aesthetic medicine, offering solutions for wrinkles, scars, pigmentation, and overall skin rejuvenation. Among these, traditional CO2 lasers have been widely used for skin resurfacing. However, the UltraClear Laser System represents a significant evolution in laser therapy, offering advanced capabilities, higher patient comfort, and faster recovery.

How Traditional CO2 Lasers Work

CO2 lasers utilise thermal energy to vaporise water-containing cells in the skin, creating ablative effects that stimulate new collagen production. While effective in improving deep wrinkles and scars, CO2 lasers deposit bulk heat into surrounding tissue, which can lead to significant discomfort, extended healing times, and an increased risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially in darker skin types. Treatments typically require topical or local anaesthesia, and social downtime can last a week or more.

UltraClear’s Innovative Approach

The UltraClear 2910 nm fibre laser uses a first-of-its-kind cold fibre technology combined with 3DIntelliPulse™ micro-pulsing. Unlike CO2 lasers, UltraClear delivers energy in ultra-fast, fractionated micro-pulses, minimising bulk thermal damage while preserving healthy tissue. The laser’s energy is highly precise, targeting both superficial and deeper layers of the skin to promote collagen remodelling and dermal remodelling through a presumed mechanism of action.

This precision allows UltraClear to treat a wide variety of skin concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, scars, age spots¹ (benign cosmetic keratosis), pigmentation irregularities, and vascular dyschromia. By controlling the depth, coverage, and pulse duration, providers can customise treatments for each patient, offering a tailored approach that older lasers cannot achieve.

Benefits Compared to Other Technologies

1. Reduced Discomfort: The cold fibre mechanism reduces pain sensations during treatment. Many patients do not require topical anaesthesia for superficial modes like 3DMIRACL™ or Clear.

    

2. Minimal Downtime: UltraClear treatments typically allow patients to return to normal activities within 24–48 hours, whereas CO2 laser procedures often require 7–14 days of recovery.

    

3. Safer for All Skin Types: Non-thermal micro-pulsing reduces the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, making UltraClear safer for patients with darker skin tones.

    

4. Versatility: Multiple modes, including Clear, Clear+, Ultra, UltraClear, Laser-Coring, and 3DMIRACL™, allow treatment of superficial concerns, deep wrinkles, scars, and textural irregularities—all in one system.

    

5. Enhanced Results: Fractional energy delivery promotes precise collagen stimulation with minimal collateral tissue damage, producing natural-looking rejuvenation with visible improvements after a single session.

    

Clinical Considerations

CO2 lasers remain effective for certain deep resurfacing applications, but the higher risk of thermal injury and prolonged recovery often limits their use for patients seeking minimal downtime. In contrast, UltraClear’s micro-pulsed, cold fibre approach allows for both aggressive and subtle treatments in a single platform, providing providers with greater flexibility and patients with superior comfort and satisfaction.

Conclusion

While traditional CO2 lasers laid the foundation for modern skin resurfacing, the UltraClear Laser System has redefined what is possible in aesthetic medicine. With its cold fibre technology, fractionated micro-pulses, and multi-modal capabilities, UltraClear offers safer, faster, and more versatile treatments for a broad range of skin concerns. Patients benefit from reduced discomfort, minimal downtime, and high satisfaction, while providers gain a powerful, precise tool for achieving optimal skin rejuvenation outcomes.

¹Age spots: benign cosmetic keratosis