A Cool Take on Ablative Fractional Laser Technology with UltraClear

If you're in the world of skin and aesthetics, chances are you’ve heard a bit of buzz around the UltraClear device. Recently introduced to the Australian market by Device Consulting, it’s already gaining attention for offering something a little different in the ablative fractional laser space.

If you're new to ablative fractional laser technology, here's a quick overview. Ablative fractional lasers deliver photonic energy which is attracted to water-rich tissue, resulting in a grid like pattern of vertical columns of ablation within the skin.

The laser parameters selected can influence the thermal damage and the depth of penetration within the tissue, allowing you to tailor a treatment to be more superficial or deep in nature depending on the concern. The benefit of treating a fraction of the skin, is to create tiny columns of damaged skin, surrounded by reservoirs of untreated skin that facilitate rapid re-epithelialisation, resulting in less downtime compared to traditional full ablative laser devices.

So, what makes this device stand out? The UltraClear laser can deliver pulses at an ultra-fast delivery rate of 5000Hz, meaning the beams are delivered incredibly fast, reducing the generation of heat within the tissue. The device allows for customisable coagulation zones of damage around the column of ablation, significantly reducing downtime without compromising results. Treatments are safer and more comfortable, particularly for those with melanin-rich skin.

At the Melbourne launch event, Dr John Sullivan from Kingsway Dermatology shared his experience using the device over the past nine months. He’s found it to be a great alternative to traditional ablative lasers, particularly for patients with darker skin tones, where minimising the risk of (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is crucial in achieving even skin tone. Dr John highlighted the versatility of the device  - describing it as a 6-in-1 system that can treat everything from superficial skin issues to more complex surgical applications.

The event itself was held at Eureka 89 (Melbourne’s highest dining venue) and followed on from UltraClear’s European debut at the Eiffel Tower in Paris. While the setting was definitely impressive, what really stood out was the level of education provided. Attendees were given access to an extensive 75-page portfolio of international results and treatment protocols, which was a nice touch for anyone wanting to dive deeper into the technology.

Overall, UltraClear feels like a considered addition to the treatment room - offering flexibility and real potential to meet a wide range of patient needs. It’ll be interesting to see how the device continues to roll out across clinics in Australia.

Dr John Sullivan of Kingsway Dermatology