A transparent water-based gel is a functional component of the optical system, not just a lubricant. It serves as a critical coupling medium that eliminates the air gap between the device handpiece and the skin surface. This ensures that the pulsed infrared energy is transmitted efficiently into the tissue rather than reflecting off the surface, while simultaneously protecting the outer skin layer from thermal damage.
The gel functions as an optical and thermal bridge, matching the refractive properties of the skin to maximize energy absorption in deep tissues while acting as a coolant to prevent epidermal burns.
The Optical Function: Maximizing Energy Delivery
Bridging the Air-Skin Interface
Light travels differently through air than it does through skin. Without a coupling medium, a significant portion of the infrared energy would bounce off the skin's surface due to the difference in density between the air and the tissue.
Reducing Reflection
The water-based gel reduces this reflection by optically matching the device to the skin. This allows the light to pass through the outer layers with minimal loss, ensuring that the maximum amount of energy reaches the therapeutic target depth.
Ensuring Continuous Contact
The gel creates a continuous physical link between the handpiece and the irregular surface of the skin. This prevents energy "leakage" and ensures the device maintains the necessary connection for the pulse to be effective.
The Thermal Function: Safety and Consistency
Protecting the Epidermis
The gel acts as a secondary temperature control agent. It absorbs excess surface heat, shielding the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin) from overheating while the infrared energy targets deeper structures.
Ensuring Uniform Heat Penetration
By maintaining a consistent interface, the gel allows for uniform heat distribution. This prevents "hot spots" caused by uneven contact, ensuring the treatment is consistent across the entire application area.
Risks of Improper Application
The Danger of Air Gaps
If the gel is applied too thinly or unevenly, air pockets may remain between the device and the skin. This interrupts the energy transfer, leading to ineffective treatment or, in some cases, surface burns due to uncontrolled energy discharge.
The Necessity of Transparency
The gel must be transparent to allow the infrared light to pass through unimpeded. Opaque or colored gels can absorb the light energy on the surface of the skin, blocking it from the target tissue and potentially causing unintended heating at the surface.
Optimizing Treatment Outcomes
To ensure the safety and effectiveness of pulsed infrared procedures, the role of the coupling gel must be respected as a core part of the protocol.
- If your primary focus is patient safety: Apply a generous, even layer of gel to act as a thermal buffer, protecting the epidermis from the high heat of the energy pulse.
- If your primary focus is clinical efficacy: Ensure the gel is strictly water-based and transparent to minimize reflection and guarantee that the energy penetrates to the correct tissue depth.
The correct application of coupling gel transforms the skin and device into a single, efficient optical system.
Summary Table:
| Function | Role in Treatment | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Optical Coupling | Eliminates air gaps between handpiece and skin | Minimizes energy reflection & maximizes penetration |
| Thermal Protection | Acts as a secondary cooling agent for the epidermis | Prevents surface burns and thermal damage |
| Energy Uniformity | Creates a continuous physical link across irregular surfaces | Ensures even heat distribution and avoids hot spots |
| Transparency | Allows infrared light to pass unimpeded | Prevents energy absorption on the skin surface |
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References
- Olga Mastrangelo, Steven Paul Nisticò. Neck Rejuvenation With a New Infrared Emission. DOI: 10.5826/dpc.1202a44
This article is also based on technical information from Belislaser Knowledge Base .
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