The preference for a large spot size, such as 8mm, is rooted in the physics of how light travels through tissue. A larger spot size minimizes lateral scattering, allowing laser energy to maintain its intensity and penetrate deeper into the dermal layer where atrophic scars originate. Furthermore, a wider beam profile improves treatment uniformity and significantly enhances clinical efficiency.
The core advantage of a large spot size is its ability to deliver energy to the deep dermis without losing intensity to superficial scattering. This ensures effective collagen remodeling for deep-seated scars while reducing the risk of uneven treatment associated with overlapping small pulses.
The Physics of Penetration and Depth
To treat atrophic acne scars effectively, you must target the problem at its source: the deep dermis.
Overcoming Optical Scattering
When a laser beam hits the skin, photons naturally scatter outward. With a small spot size, this lateral scattering dissipates energy rapidly, preventing the beam from traveling deep into the tissue.
The "Column" Effect
A large spot size creates a broader column of light. This volume allows the central photons to travel further down before scattering reduces their energy. Therefore, an 8mm spot size naturally reaches deeper dermal layers than a smaller spot size, even if the energy settings are comparable.
Targeting Deep-Seated Scars
Atrophic scars involve collagen destruction or tethering deep within the skin. Because the large spot size ensures energy reaches these depths, it triggers the necessary breakdown of scar tissue and stimulates new collagen production where it is needed most.
Clinical Precision and Efficiency
Beyond depth, the geometry of the beam impacts how the treatment is performed and the quality of the outcome.
Ensuring Uniformity
A larger beam covers a wider surface area with a single pulse. This improves the uniformity of the treatment area, creating a consistent clinical endpoint across the skin. Small spot sizes often result in a "patchwork" effect that can lead to inconsistent texturing.
Reducing Overlap Risks
To cover a face with a small spot size, the practitioner must fire thousands of individual shots, necessitating frequent overlapping of pulses. Overlapping pulses can cause "hot spots" or excessive thermal damage, potentially leading to side effects. A large spot size drastically reduces the number of pulses required, minimizing these overlap risks.
Operational Efficiency
From a workflow perspective, a large spot size is faster. It covers the treatment area in significantly less time, improving patient comfort and increasing the overall efficiency of clinical operations.
Understanding the Trade-offs
While large spot sizes are generally preferred for efficacy, there are technical limitations to consider.
The Power Requirement
Increasing the spot size distributes the laser energy over a larger area, which decreases the energy density (fluence). To maintain an effective fluence at an 8mm spot size, the laser system must have high peak power. Lower-powered systems may not be able to sustain the necessary energy density when the spot size is increased.
Precision in Contoured Areas
Large spot sizes can be unwieldy around small, contoured features of the face, such as the nose or periorbital areas. In these specific regions, switching to a smaller spot size is often necessary for physical access and safety.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
Selecting the correct spot size is a balance between depth of penetration and anatomical precision.
- If your primary focus is treating deep atrophic scarring: Prioritize the largest spot size (e.g., 8mm-10mm) your laser's power supply can support to maximize dermal penetration.
- If your primary focus is safety in delicate, contoured areas: Switch to a smaller spot size to maintain control and avoid inadvertent exposure to sensitive structures like the eyes.
Ultimately, the 8mm spot size is the gold standard for scar remodeling because it effectively targets the deep dermis while ensuring a uniform, safe, and efficient procedure.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Large Spot Size (8mm+) | Small Spot Size | Clinical Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penetration Depth | Deep (Reaches deep dermis) | Superficial (High scattering) | Effective for atrophic scar remodeling |
| Beam Uniformity | High (Consistent coverage) | Low (Patchwork effect) | Ensures even skin texture results |
| Overlap Risk | Minimal | High (Potential hot spots) | Increases patient safety and comfort |
| Treatment Speed | Fast (Fewer pulses) | Slow (Many pulses) | Improves clinical workflow efficiency |
Elevate Your Clinic’s Scar Treatment Results with BELIS
To effectively treat deep atrophic scars, your clinic requires high-power laser systems capable of maintaining energy density at large spot sizes. BELIS specializes in professional-grade medical aesthetic equipment exclusively for clinics and premium salons.
Our advanced laser portfolio—including Nd:YAG and Pico systems, CO2 Fractional lasers, and Microneedle RF—is engineered to provide the depth and precision necessary for superior skin remodeling. Beyond scar revision, we offer comprehensive solutions for hair removal, body sculpting (EMSlim, Cryolipolysis), and specialized skin care.
Ready to upgrade your practice with industry-leading technology?
Contact us today to explore our professional laser systems
References
- Diep Ngoc Nguyen, Lan Phạm Thị. THE EFFICACY OF FRACTIONAL PICOSECOND 1064NM ND-YAG LASER IN THE TREATMENT OF ATROPHIC ACNE SCARS. DOI: 10.56320/tcdlhvn.36.73
This article is also based on technical information from Belislaser Knowledge Base .
Related Products
- Pico Laser Tattoo Removal Machine Picosure Picosecond Laser Machine
- Pico Picosecond Laser Machine for Tattoo Removal Picosure Pico Laser
- Hydrafacial Machine Facial Clean Face and Skin Care Machine
- Fractional CO2 Laser Machine for Skin Treatment
- Hydrofacial Machine with Facial Skin Analyzer and Skin Tester
People Also Ask
- How effective are picosecond lasers for skin rejuvenation? Discover the Zero-Downtime Secret to Radiant Skin
- Who is suitable for Pico laser? A Guide for Tattoo Removal, Pigmentation & Acne Scars
- What are the advantages of using a Picosecond laser over older laser technologies? Superior Speed, Safety, and Efficacy
- What does Pico do for skin? Unlock Non-Invasive Skin Rejuvenation
- How does a Pico laser work? Shatter Pigment and Revitalize Skin with Advanced Photomechanical Technology
