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What Makes MLS® Laser Different To Other Class 4 Lasers?
You may be considering adding laser to your practice and so have looked at a number of different devices. If so, you’ve probably come across class 3B lasers, class 4 lasers, hot lasers, cold lasers and everything in between. Lasers which promise you a fix for every indication you might see in your clinic and others which are more specific. How do you know which one is right for your clinic? And what makes MLS® laser different to the rest?
Power
MLS® Laser is a class 4 or “high level” laser, meaning it delivers more than 0.5W peak power. Traditional class 3B (low level/cold lasers) deliver no more than 0.5W peak power. Higher power means shorter treatment times and quicker treatment benefits for your patients. MLS® offers 25W or 75W peak power options.
The key difference between MLS laser and other class 4 lasers is MLS®’s unique nanopulse technology which means MLS® is a NON-THERMAL laser and does not generate any significant heat build-up within the tissues. Read on to learn more about this.
Wavelength
Chromophores are elements in the body which can absorb light. Some key chromophores for laser treatments are water, haemoglobin, melanin and cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) – the wavelength used by a laser is what helps to determine which chromophore will absorb the light emitted. MLS® is different to lasers which are used for hair-removal or lasers which are used for surgery as these lasers use different wavelengths and power outputs. Hair removal lasers primarily target melanin and require a minimum of 1800W to create heat and destroy the hair follicle. Surgical lasers tend to use 6000-10000nm and target absorption by water. MLS® uses wavelengths which target CCO (905nm and 808nm) and can help to reduce pain, inflammation and swelling and encourage a healing response in the body.
Both these wavelengths are delivered in a simultaneous and synchronised system, reducing treatment times and increasing treatment efficacy. No need to change settings or handpieces for different wavelength delivery!
The 905nm wavelength is delivered at 25W or 75W peak power (depending on the device) giving it a strong analgesic effect. This wavelength features ASA’s unique nanopulse technology. This wavelength rapidly pulses on and off during treatments, allowing any thermal energy to dissipate and disperse evenly through the tissues meaning it is totally safe to use in both scan mode and point mode. Read on to learn more about these modes.
Point mode/scan mode
Most class 4 or high-power lasers require the laser to be kept moving continuously across the skin to avoid thermal injury (ie the build-up of heat in the tissues).
Due to its nanopulse technology, the MLS® laser can be used in ‘point mode’ which allows the head of the laser to be held in situ for a pre-set length of time. This is ideal for the treatment of focal areas of pain eg insertional tendinopathies, plantar fasciitis, trigger points etc and for treating smaller joints and ligaments.
Additional Applicators
In addition to the 2cm diameter handpiece, the Mphi laser can be upgraded to include a 5cm diameter ultra-head, containing the equivalent to x3 hand pieces, which allows for the simultaneous treatment of 2 different areas. Ideal for treating bilateral conditions in the same it would take to treat a unilateral complaint, for doing hands free treatments or more extensive treatments to one limb in the same session time.
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