When I was selecting a laser system for my practice, the decision was not based on a single specification or marketing claim. My goal was to choose technology that offered flexibility, safety and the ability to tailor treatments to different skin types, concerns and recovery tolerances. That process is what ultimately led me to the Alma Hybrid platform!
Laser resurfacing works by delivering controlled energy into the skin to stimulate collagen remodelling and tissue repair. Different lasers interact with the skin in different ways depending on their wavelength, pulse structure and how energy is delivered.
Some systems are extremely powerful but offer limited flexibility. Others are gentler but may struggle to produce meaningful structural change. When I evaluate technology, I am looking for a platform that allows treatments to be adjusted across a wide spectrum of intensity.
One of the main reasons I chose the Alma Hybrid is that it combines two different energy sources that work in complementary ways.
The first is a fractional CO₂ laser. This is an ablative wavelength that removes microscopic columns of skin and stimulates significant collagen remodelling during healing.
The second is a 1570 nanometre non ablative laser. This wavelength delivers heat deeper within the dermis without removing the surface layer of skin.
Having both of these technologies within the same platform allows me to tailor treatments across a range of intensities, from minimal downtime procedures through to more intensive resurfacing when appropriate.
Another key advantage is how adjustable the system is. Parameters such as grid pattern, treatment density, energy levels and the ratio between ablative and non ablative energy can all be modified.
This level of control allows me to tailor treatments very precisely. By adjusting density, power and the balance between the two wavelengths, I can influence how much tissue is treated and how deeply the energy is delivered.
In practical terms, this means I can design treatments that match the downtime a patient is comfortable with. Some people prefer minimal disruption to work or social commitments, while others are happy to accept a longer recovery period in exchange for stronger results.
Being able to adjust these variables allows treatments to be tailored around lifestyle as well as skin goals, which helps achieve the best possible outcome for each individual.
Traditional resurfacing platforms typically focus on either ablative or non ablative treatments. Each approach has advantages but also limitations.
Ablative lasers are very effective for improving texture, scarring and deeper lines, but they involve more recovery. Non ablative lasers involve less downtime but generally produce more gradual results.
By combining both technologies, the Hybrid platform allows these approaches to be balanced. The ablative component creates controlled micro injury while the non ablative component delivers deeper thermal stimulation to support collagen formation.
Modern laser systems use advanced scanning technology to deliver energy in controlled patterns across the skin. This helps ensure consistent coverage while preserving surrounding healthy tissue.
Leaving areas of untreated skin between microscopic treatment zones allows the skin to heal more efficiently and reduces overall recovery time.
Laser resurfacing is only one part of a broader approach to improving skin quality. In practice, treatments are often combined with other strategies depending on the concern being addressed.
For me, choosing a laser platform was about selecting technology that provides flexibility, precision and the ability to tailor treatments thoughtfully rather than relying on a single intensity or approach.
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Written by Dr Brandon Kober-Brown MBBS, ProfDipMensHlth, GCCM
Registered Medical Practitioner (General Registration)MED0002581903
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be taken as personal medical advice. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a registered medical professional. Suitability for Laser and other treatments varies between individuals and should be assessed by an appropriately qualified practitioner.
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