A Diffractive Lens Array (DLA) serves as a critical optical modifier that transforms the output of a clinical-grade picosecond laser. Rather than delivering energy in a uniform flat beam, the DLA concentrates the laser energy into a pattern of high-intensity microbeams. This focused delivery mechanism creates precise, controlled zones of pressure-induced injury—specifically known as vacuoles—beneath the skin's surface without ablating the outer layer.
Core Takeaway The DLA functions by converting laser energy into mechanical stress that creates subsurface vacuoles. This microscopic injury triggers a specific biological cascade: the release of chemokines and growth factors by keratinocytes, which drives the regeneration of Type III collagen, elastic fibers, and mucin for effective scar remodeling.
The Mechanism of Action
Energy Redistribution
The primary function of the DLA is to fractionate the laser beam. It redistributes the total energy into a grid of tightly focused microbeams.
This creates areas of extremely high intensity surrounded by areas of lower background energy. This allows the laser to penetrate deeply into the epidermal or dermal layers with pinpoint accuracy.
Vacuole Formation
When these high-intensity microbeams interact with the tissue, they do not burn the skin in the traditional sense. Instead, they induce vacuole formation.
These vacuoles are microscopic pockets of damage created by the rapid expansion of plasma (often referred to as Laser Induced Optical Breakdown). This physical disruption occurs internally, leaving the skin's surface largely intact.
The Biological Response
Stimulating Cellular Signaling
The creation of vacuoles acts as a powerful "wake-up call" to the skin’s cells. The controlled injury stimulates keratinocytes (the primary cells of the epidermis).
Once activated, these cells release a cascade of biological signals. These include chemokines, cytokines, and various growth factors, which act as messengers to initiate the healing process.
Dermal Remodeling and Regeneration
The release of these biological signals directly influences the structural components of the skin. They promote the regeneration of Type III collagen and elastic fibers.
Additionally, this process stimulates the deposition of mucin. The combined effect of new collagen, elastin, and mucin results in the thickening and smoothing of the dermis, which is essential for filling and reducing the appearance of acne scars.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Mechanical vs. Thermal Injury
It is important to distinguish the DLA mechanism from other fractional technologies. While systems like Thulium lasers or Fractional CO2 rely on creating thermal zones (heat damage) or physical ablation (removing tissue) to trigger repair, DLA relies on mechanical shockwaves and vacuolization.
Dependence on Biological Response
Because DLA treatments rely heavily on the chemokine and cytokine cascade, the clinical outcome is dependent on the patient's biological ability to produce these signals.
Unlike ablative CO2 lasers, which physically remove scar tissue to force regeneration from reservoirs of undamaged tissue, DLA relies on the body remodeling the tissue from the "inside out." This typically results in less downtime but may require multiple sessions to achieve the comprehensive remodeling seen in more aggressive ablative procedures.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
When evaluating laser technologies for skin resurfacing and scar treatment, the choice depends on the specific mechanism of injury required.
- If your primary focus is deep scar remodeling with minimal downtime: Prioritize DLA-equipped picosecond lasers, as they stimulate Type III collagen and elastic fibers through subsurface vacuolization without breaking the skin barrier.
- If your primary focus is surface texture and product delivery: Consider non-ablative fractional devices (like Thulium), which create micro-channels that enhance the penetration of bioactive serums and exosomes.
- If your primary focus is severe texture correction: Evaluate Fractional CO2 systems, which utilize Microscopic Treatment Zones (MTZs) to physically ablate tissue and accelerate epidermal regeneration from undamaged reservoirs.
The effectiveness of a DLA treatment lies in its ability to trick the skin into a potent healing response without the trauma of an open wound.
Summary Table:
| Feature | DLA Picosecond Laser Mechanism | Clinical Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Delivery | High-intensity microbeam patterns | Precise, targeted treatment zones |
| Tissue Interaction | Subsurface vacuole formation (LIOB) | No surface ablation; minimal downtime |
| Biological Trigger | Chemokine & growth factor release | Accelerated cellular repair signaling |
| Dermal Response | Regeneration of Type III collagen & mucin | Improved skin texture & scar remodeling |
| Primary Goal | Mechanical shockwave stimulation | Deep remodeling with intact skin barrier |
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References
- Rawaa Almukhtar. Expanding the Applications of Picosecond Lasers. DOI: 10.19080/jojdc.2018.01.555557
This article is also based on technical information from Belislaser Knowledge Base .
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