The Stack parameter controls the repetition of laser pulses at a single microscopic point before the scanner moves to the next coordinate. Instead of firing once and moving on, the system delivers a rapid sequence of multiple pulses into the exact same micro-channel (DOT).
Core Takeaway The Stack function decouples the depth of the injury from the width of the surface wound. By "drilling" deeper with multiple consecutive pulses, practitioners can treat deep tissue issues—such as acne scars or deep wrinkles—without causing excessive thermal damage to the surrounding skin surface.
The Mechanics of Fractional Stacking
Sequential Pulse Delivery
In a standard fractional CO2 application, the scanner creates a grid of microscopic treatment zones. Typically, the laser fires one pulse per zone.
When the Stack parameter is engaged, the scanner holds its position at each specific dot.
It delivers a pre-set number of pulses (e.g., 2, 3, or more) into that single point. Only after the sequence is complete does the scanner move to the adjacent interval.
Vertical Penetration vs. Lateral Damage
The primary technical goal of this setting is to increase ablation depth.
A single high-energy pulse tends to explode laterally upon contact with the epidermis, creating a wider surface wound.
By stacking multiple pulses, the laser progressively penetrates deeper layers of the dermis. This allows for significant thermal stimulation at depth while maintaining a smaller, more controlled footprint on the skin's surface.
Efficiency in Workflow
Using the Stack parameter achieves deep tissue stimulation in a single pass.
Without this feature, a practitioner seeking greater depth might have to manually scan the entire area a second time.
Stacking eliminates the need for repetitive manual passes, ensuring the energy is delivered precisely where intended without alignment errors.
Clinical Implications of Stacking
Enhanced Tissue Remodeling
Deep tissue heating is essential for stimulating collagen production, which is the mechanism for tightening skin and smoothing scars.
The "Smart Stack" capability allows energy to reach these deeper reticular dermis layers.
This maximizes the tissue remodeling efficiency required for treating complex skin conditions like deep atrophic scarring.
Preservation of Healthy Tissue
Fractional lasers rely on leaving intervals of healthy, untreated skin between microbeams to accelerate healing.
Stacking respects this principle by focusing energy vertically.
By limiting the lateral spread of heat (thermal damage) on the surface, the system preserves the integrity of the surrounding tissue bridges. This is critical for maintaining the short recovery times associated with fractional therapy.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Thermal Accumulation Risks
While stacking offers precision, it drastically increases the total energy delivered to a specific point.
If the stack level is set too high for a specific skin type, the heat may eventually radiate outward from the micro-channel.
This can diminish the protective benefit of the healthy tissue intervals, potentially leading to bulk heating rather than fractional heating.
Balancing Depth and Safety
The Stack setting is not a "more is better" tool; it is a precision tool.
High stack settings increase the intensity of the thermal stimulation.
This requires careful assessment of the patient's skin condition to prevent adverse effects like prolonged redness or hyperpigmentation.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
The Stack parameter allows you to customize the laser's geometry—transforming the beam from a shallow cone into a deep cylinder.
- If your primary focus is Surface Texture and Pigment: Use a Low Stack (1) setting to treat the epidermis with minimal downtime and rapid healing.
- If your primary focus is Deep Wrinkles or Acne Scars: Use a High Stack (2-5) setting to drive energy deep into the dermis for maximum collagen remodeling and scar breakdown.
Mastering the Stack parameter creates a bridge between superficial polishing and deep surgical-grade resurfacing within the same system.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Single Pulse (Stack 1) | Multi-Pulse (Stack 2-5) |
|---|---|---|
| Penetration Depth | Superficial (Epidermis) | Deep (Dermis) |
| Tissue Effect | Surface polishing & pigment | Collagen remodeling & scar repair |
| Lateral Damage | Minimal | Controlled vertical focus |
| Ideal For | Fine lines & skin texture | Deep acne scars & wrinkles |
| Recovery Time | Very fast | Moderate (targeted deep repair) |
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From deep tissue remodeling to specialized body sculpting (EMSlim, Cryolipolysis) and skin care (Hydrafacial, Skin Testers), our portfolio is designed to enhance your service quality and patient satisfaction.
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References
- Piero Campolmi, Silvia Moretti. Highlights of Thirty-Year Experience of Laser Use at the Florence (Italy) Department of Dermatology. DOI: 10.1100/2012/546528
This article is also based on technical information from Belislaser Knowledge Base .
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