Wrinkle reduction, lightening of dark spots and a glow effect. These are just some of the results that can be achieved with the Thulium Laser, one of the newest skin treatment technologies in the world.
Used to reach the more superficial layers of the skin in a less invasive way, Thulium promotes cell regeneration and stimulates the production of collagen, resulting in a rejuvenated complexion that is firmer, more even, smoother and more radiant.
But to understand how this new technology works, you first need to know a little about the structure of the skin. Shall we begin?
The skin is made up of three main layers:
Epidermis: the outermost layer of the skin, made up of dead, keratinized cells. Its function is to protect the skin against the entry of external agents, such as bacteria and viruses.
Dermis: the middle layer of the skin, located just below the epidermis. It is made up of connective tissue, collagen and elastin fibers, nerves, blood vessels and sweat glands. Its function is to provide structural support to the skin and regulate body temperature.
Hypodermis: the deepest layer of the skin, also known as subcutaneous tissue. It is made up of adipose and connective tissue, which serves as thermal insulation and an energy reserve. The hypodermis also contains blood vessels and nerves that provide blood supply and innervation to the skin and underlying tissues.
Thulium in action
When reading about the Thulium Laser, you may have come across the following information: depending on the parameter used, which is defined according to each patient's needs, Thulium can be ablative or non-ablative.
But do you know what that means?
An ablative laser removes the superficial layers of the skin, causing a controlled injury and removing damaged tissue. In this process, the skin layers are “vaporized” by the laser, which stimulates collagen production and leads to firmer, rejuvenated skin. When the Thulium Laser is used with ablative parameters, it can reach deeper layers of the skin, such as the dermis, to produce this effect.
A non-ablative laser, on the other hand, is less invasive and does not remove the top layer of the skin. Instead, it heats the deeper layers, stimulating collagen production and promoting skin regeneration. The Thulium Laser can also be used with non-ablative parameters, reaching more superficial layers to produce this effect.
The choice between ablative and non-ablative parameters depends on each patient's individual needs and the type of treatment being performed.
For example, to treat deep wrinkles and acne scars, it may be more appropriate to use ablative parameters. To treat sun spots and improve skin texture, on the other hand, non-ablative parameters may be sufficient.
Protocol
In our practice, the use of the Thulium Laser is part of a recently developed protocol for post-surgical skin treatment. In other words, at the end of each facial surgery, after finishing the sutures, we move on to caring for our patients' skin.
The protocol consists of three stages:
Treatment of the hypodermis: we start with the deepest layers, using Morpheus 8. It is a technique that uses a microneedling radiofrequency device. The device is equipped with tiny needles that reach up to 8 mm deep, delivering controlled radiofrequency energy to the deep layers. This stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, improving skin texture, softening wrinkles and fine lines, reducing sagging and improving the overall appearance of the face.
At this stage, we also use the technique known as MD Morpheus, which makes it possible to treat the hypodermis at different levels, stimulating collagen production. In this way, we promote a process that increases the firmness of the hypodermis, called skin vulcanization.
Treatment of the dermis: after the Morpheus applications, we begin the procedure with the Fractional CO2 Laser, with pulses directed at the dermis. The aim is to increase collagen production in the dermis. As a result, we are able to reduce wrinkles, treat sagging and, consequently, increase skin firmness.
Treatment of the epidermis: this is where the Thulium Laser comes in. Unlike the previous procedures, which are performed while the patient is still on the operating table, Thulium is applied from the third to the sixth month after surgery.
Thus, after surgery, when we reach the sixth month, which is roughly when our patient is discharged, in addition to having had the surgery, the patient has already treated all the layers of the skin: the hypodermis, with Morpheus; the dermis, with the Fractional CO2 Laser; and the epidermis, with Thulium.
Combining different technologies can help treat multiple problems at once, resulting in an overall improvement in the appearance of the skin. In addition, this combined approach may allow for a shorter recovery time and less post-procedure discomfort than if each treatment were performed separately.
A curious fact
The name Thulium Laser comes from the chemical element thulium, a rare metal from the rare earth family. This element was discovered in 1879 by the Swedish chemist Per Teodor Cleve.
The name thulium was given in honor of the word “Thule,” which in Greek mythology referred to a mythical place located in the far north, beyond the British Isles. It is believed that the name was chosen because the element was discovered in Sweden, a country with a tradition of polar exploration and Arctic research.
The Thulium Laser is so named because it uses a thulium-doped crystal (that is, a crystal doped with thulium) as the active medium to generate the laser emission. The thulium crystal is excited by an energy source, which can be electrical or optical, and emits laser radiation in a wavelength range of around 1927 nanometers. This wavelength range is effective for treating benign skin lesions and for stimulating collagen production in the dermis, reducing fine wrinkles and improving the overall appearance of the skin.
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace a consultation. Whether any procedure is indicated depends on an in-person assessment, case by case. CRM SP 90.116 | RQE 11.350.
