Frax 1940 / Nordlys Laser

Frax 1940 / Nordlys Laser

The Frax & Nordlys system from Candela comprises gentle laser & light treatments. Lasers use specific wavelengths to target skin concerns including pigmentation, pore size, redness, wrinkles & dull skin. Each laser has a specific role to play. Different lasers are employed to treat different skin types & presentations.

FactsFacts On The Frax 1940 Laser

  • This laser is classed as a fractional laser, treating predetermined portions of skin
  • Frax 1940 is ideal for addressing pigment, dull skin, sun damage & wrinkles 
  • This laser is non-ablative, meaning it has a quick healing time
  • Recovery ranges from 4 to 5 days
  • Most patients require 1-3 sessions, depending upon your expectations
  • Addition of retinoic acid directly after laser can improve clinical outcomes

What is the Frax Nordlys Laser?

This is a new & novel wavelength for 2022 & beyond. This laser is best for mild to moderate pigmentation, sun damage & wrinkles in lighter skin types.

It was developed to compete with Fraxel Dual, namely the 1927 & 1550 wavelength. The target for this laser is water in the upper epidermis & the papillary dermis. The depth of penetration for 1940 is deeper than Fraxel. The density coverage & power is equal (70%, up to 20 mj). Delivery of the laser beams are linear & sequential with the Frax.

What skin conditions can Frax 1940 laser treat?

Concept to understand: each laser wavelength plays a specific role. If a clinic has limited wavelengths & lasers, you may have a compromised treatment. The Frax 1940 laser is advertised as a multi-treatment platform that can address everything from melasma to wrinkles. My main indications are-

I do not use this laser to treat melasma. Darker skin types can be treated with this wavelength however multiple sessions are required.

Nordlys Laser
Fractional lasers such as Frax, Moxi, Fraxel & LaseMD can reduce scarring.

What condition can NOT be treated with Frax laser?

This laser is good for superficial skin conditions. It does not treat

  • Melasma (other lasers do a much better job)
  • Skin laxity (mild cases can respond)
  • Volume loss (only fillers or fat transfer can do this)
  • Acne scars (different methods required)
  • Deep wrinkles (Co2 lasers are much better)

What skin types can be treated with Frax 1940/1550 laser resurfacing?

Lighter skin types are suited for Frax 1940. This means Caucasian skin types. Darker skin types can be treated with this wavelength; however laser settings are conservative, namely lower energy & passes. Darker skin patients should be treated with pico lasers.

Davin’s Viewpoint on the Frax 1940 laser

The new platform from Candela provides a novel wavelength for skin rejuvenation. The Frax system comes in two wavelengths, namely a 1940 & a 1550. The 1940 is good for superficial skin concerns, including pigmentation (non-melasma) & dyschromia. This means sun damage, liver spots (often best in combination with the Pico or Q switch laser), sunspots or solar keratosis as well as fine lines & wrinkles.

Most patients require 1-2 sessions. In my practice I combine different lasers in the one setting. This is called hybrid laser resurfacing. It gives much better results than using one laser. Combinations with Frax include- CO2 with the CORE, eCO2, erbium fractional (much like HALO, only better), RF microneedling, & pico lasers.

We also use the Frax to deliver actives including retinoic acid & retinoids. These topicals further improve skin quality.

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