Thulium Laser / BabyFace Ultra: What is the purpose of the 1927 nm Fractional Laser?

What is a thulium laser?

Thulium lasers are a family of lasers that can be used in dermatology at different wavelengths. In aesthetic dermatology, fractional thulium lasers, especially those with a wavelength of 1927 nm, are one of the important non-ablative systems used for the treatment of pigmentation, photoaging, and improving skin quality.

The 1927 nm wavelength is strongly absorbed by water. Therefore, it aims to reduce pigment irregularities, renew the skin surface, support collagen remodeling, and provide a more homogeneous skin tone/texture by creating controlled microthermal fields, especially in the epidermis and superficial dermis.

What is BabyFace Ultra?

The BabyFace Ultra we use in our clinic is a fractional, non-ablative laser platform based on Lutronic's 1927 nm thulium laser technology.

We particularly evaluate this device for sunspots, widespread pigment irregularities, photoaging, uneven skin tone, superficial skin texture problems, and selected cases of melasma/post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

The main advantage is that it can create a controlled laser effect without peeling the skin as aggressively as classic ablative resurfacing methods.

How does BabyFace Ultra work?

Laser energy is delivered to the skin fractionally. The entire skin is not damaged continuously; numerous microscopic thermal treatment areas are created, leaving intact tissue in between.

This controlled stimulation can promote epidermal renewal, the rearrangement of pigment-containing cellular structures, and dermal collagen remodeling.

What health problems can BabyFace Ultra be used for?

It can be used in solar lentigo and sun damage, widespread pigmentation disorders, photoaging, dull/uneven skin appearance, superficial texture problems, selected melasma patients, PIH, and some superficial scar/skin rejuvenation indications.

Is it effective on sunspots?

Yes. Because the 1927 nm laser can target epidermal and superficial pigment problems, it can be used for solar lentigo, diffuse sun damage, mottled pigmentation, and general photoaging.

Can it be used for melasma?

It may be used in selected patients; however, it is not a permanent solution on its own for the treatment of melasma. Melasma is a chronic, recurrent, complex disorder associated with UV/visible light, hormones, and genetic factors.

Therefore, it should be planned in conjunction with strong sun protection and appropriate topical treatment.

Can it be used in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation?

Yes. 1927 nm non-ablative fractional laser has been investigated for PIH, particularly in dark skin types, using low energy/low intensity protocols.

This data is important for patients prone to pigmentation; however, the risk is not zero.

Can it be used on dark skin types?

Yes. It has been particularly studied in Fitzpatrick skin types III–VI. However, this does not mean it is "risk-free for dark skin".

Lower energy, lower intensity, the correct session interval, and strict sun protection are important in reducing the risk of PIH (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease).

Why is BabyFace Ultra different from CO₂ or Er:YAG?

CO₂ and Er:YAG are classic ablative resurfacing systems. They can create true ablation in the epidermis, resulting in more intense inflammation and a longer healing time.

The 1927 nm thulium approach in BabyFace Ultra is non-ablative. Compared to ablative resurfacing methods, recovery time and some side effects may be more limited. However, the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially in individuals prone to pigmentation, is not completely eliminated; energy and intensity selection are important.

Does this mean it's better than CO₂ or Er:YAG?

No. Each laser is effective in different areas. For deep atrophic scars, powerful ablative resurfacing may be more effective; for pigmentation and photoaging, a more controlled non-ablative approach may be more suitable.

In clinical practice, the 1927 nm thulium laser can be considered as an option, especially in suitable patients with prominent superficial pigment irregularities and photodamage, who do not want a long recovery time.

What is the downtime?

It varies depending on the energy and intensity used. Generally, redness, mild swelling, dryness, and fine bumps or slight crusting may last for a few days.

The recovery time is generally shorter compared to ablative CO₂ or Er:YAG resurfacing.

How many sessions are needed?

There is no single standard. The number of sessions varies depending on the type of pigmentation, the degree of photoaging, skin type, the energy/intensity used, and the patient's treatment goal.

Does it increase the permeability of the product to the skin?

Fractional lasers can create temporary microchannels that enhance the penetration of certain topical substances into the skin. This approach is called laser-assisted drug delivery.

However, not every serum or cosmetic product is suitable for application to skin after laser treatment; sterility, ingredients, and potential for irritation are important factors.

Can tranexamic acid be administered with BabyFace Ultra?

There are clinical studies using 1927 nm fractional lasers to enhance the penetration of topical agents such as tranexamic acid. However, it is not a standard protocol that should be automatically applied to every patient.

Is it effective for skin rejuvenation?

Yes. Improvements have been reported in parameters such as skin tone, lentigo, photodamage, texture, pore appearance, and overall skin quality.

However, this technology is not a treatment used for powerful lifting in advanced facial sagging; rather, it affects the skin surface, pigmentation, and epidermal/superficial dermal quality.

Can it be used on acne scars?

It can be helpful for some types of scarring and superficial tissue irregularities. For deep atrophic acne scars, subcision, radiofrequency microneedling, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) CROSS, or deeper resurfacing techniques may be more significant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of laser is BabyFace Ultra? It is a non-ablative fractional laser system based on 1927 nm thulium technology.

What are the most common problems it's used for? Especially for pigmentation, photoaging, sun spots, and skin quality problems.

Does it completely cure melasma? No. Melasma is chronic and recurrent.

Is it safe for dark skin? It can be used with appropriate parameters; however, the risk of PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease) is not completely eliminated.

Is it milder than CO₂ laser? Generally yes. Because it is non-ablative, the healing time and inflammation are more limited; however, its indications are not exactly the same as CO₂ laser.

Dermatologist's Note

A key advantage of the 1927 nm thulium laser is its ability to offer a more controlled inflammation and healing profile compared to aggressive ablative resurfacing when treating pigmentation and superficial skin quality problems.

In patient selection, pigmentation tendency, sun damage, skin type, treatment goal, and acceptable recovery time should be evaluated together.

However, a single-device approach is not appropriate for problems such as melasma, PID, or photoaging. Laser selection should be made after evaluating the diagnosis, skin type, depth of pigmentation, and the patient's previous treatments.