Achieving and sustaining business success in the ever-competitive aesthetic laser landscape is always easier said than done. As a professional, you know that staying ahead of the competition goes beyond simply having technical expertise. There’s also the business side you must master to build a visible, compelling, and consistently growing brand.
But where do you really start to turn your vision into reality? Do you have to jump on the latest marketing trends immediately to ride the competition? Well, in order to legibly lay the direction of your business on the drawing table, you must first understand its nature or remain grounded in its fundamentals to avoid getting lost along the way.
How do you do so? Understand its history. That’s right, verse yourself in aesthetic lasers’ rich history and evolution. Professionals who keep up with these developments can offer better care, manage safety risks, and educate clients effectively– an important aspect of building and strengthening your client base.
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The Early Foundations: 1960s
The first laser used for clinical applications was based on a ruby rod that emits light energy at a wavelength of 694 nm. American physicist Theodore Maiman was behind this inception in 1960. Three years later, Leon Goldman, an American surgeon pioneering laser application for dermatology, reported developments in using Maiman’s ruby rod laser for pigmented skin treatment.
In the years to come, Goldman will further his work by publishing his developments for wider laser application in medical aesthetics. He worked on exploring and shedding brighter light on ruby and Q-switch lasers as a tattoo removal solution and treatment for pigmented lesions. He also expanded his work on argon and CO2 lasers for treating vascular and skin lesions. In the years to come, more will focus on developing the ‘holy grail’ of cosmetic lasers; many fail, while some succeed. From the ’60s to ’70s, the development of aesthetic lasers has been a constant struggle.
Laser Hair Removal: The 1980s
The preceding years of the ‘80s highlight the early quest for hair-removal lasers. This phase became the precursor to the transformative decade of this particular field of cosmetics. Lasertron Inc. attempted to use an argon laser targeting the hemoglobin around hair follicles, but it failed to deliver permanent results, leading to customer complaints. In 1983, researchers Oshiro and Maruyama discovered that a ruby laser could cause hair loss when used on pigmented skin lesions, while increasing the laser’s power also damaged the epidermis.
While these attempts may seem a failure, it eventually paved the way for the most notable turn in cosmetic laser development in the ‘80s. These earlier observations helped Anderson and Parrish develop the theory of selective photothermolysis—the idea that lasers could selectively target specific tissues (like hair follicles) without damaging surrounding areas.
Although laser hair removal was still a diamond in the rough in the 80s, these early developments laid the groundwork for more effective treatments in the decades to come.
Advancements in Technology: 1990s
The ‘90s is an important technological period, and the cosmetic laser industry is one of the most competitive in this time.
The development of robotic scanning devices revolutionized cosmetic laser treatments. These game-changing equipment allowed lasers to move across the treatment area with precision, cutting back the risk of tissue damage and over-treating specific spots. This innovation opened the doors for ablative resurfacing lasers, which created controlled wounds in the skin to promote collagen production, tighten the skin, and reduce wrinkles.
While these lasers showed dramatic results, the high risk of side effects like scarring and hypopigmentation were still inadequately addressed, leading to a decline in their use. Despite the setbacks, the 90s marked significant progress in laser technology for skin resurfacing.
The Rise of Non-Invasive Treatments: Early 2000s
The outset of the millennium shows a promising phase for the cosmetic laser industry. Leading developers committed to the cause of creating lasers with minimal damage to the skin areas. In the end, cosmetic laser technology saw key advancements that emphasized non-invasive treatments.
The introduction of fractional lasers was a game-changer, as these lasers targeted specific areas of the skin with microscopic beams, leaving surrounding tissue intact. This allowed for quicker healing and less downtime compared to traditional methods. On top of that, erbium lasers, with their shorter wavelength and reduced heat production, helped realize a safer alternative to CO2 lasers, offering effective resurfacing with minimal side effects. These innovations made laser resurfacing a safer, more accessible, and non-invasive option for treating skin concerns like wrinkles, scars, and sun damage.
Customization and Integration: 2010s
The 2010s witnessed a significant evolution in cosmetic laser technology that’s still impressive today. It emphasizes customization and integrates multiple therapeutic approaches. One of the most notable advancements was the development of hybrid fractional lasers, like the HALO laser, the world’s first of its kind, which combined ablative and non-ablative wavelengths. This fusion allowed for superior skin resurfacing results with minimal downtime.
Parallel to this, the integration of radiofrequency (RF) energy with treatments like microneedling raised collagen stimulation to the next level, offering more precise, tailored solutions for skin rejuvenation. These innovations paved the way for more personalized, effective, and less invasive procedures, catering to individual patient needs with undeniable results.
AI and Smart Lasers: 2020s and Beyond
The rapid AI integration in everything tech spares no industry. Like many markets, cosmetic lasers saw the remarkable potential of AI integration into their already advanced dermatology techs.
These advanced systems leverage AI to analyze skin conditions in real time, adjusting settings for optimal results tailored to individual needs. With this unmatched accuracy, AI-powered lasers remove human error, reduce recovery time, and improve overall outcomes. As technology evolves, even greater advancements in non-invasive aesthetics are just in the horizon, with lasers becoming increasingly intelligent and responsive to patient-specific concerns.
As Dr. Ava Shabam puts it, “AI-powered technology in dermatology is not just a trend—it’s the future of personalized skincare.”
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