© Luis Becerra Fotografo
March 17, 2026
Margit Hiebl
More glow, finer pores, a more even complexion: The thulium laser is widely used in aesthetic medicine and is considered particularly gentle.
With
Dr. med. Susanne Steinkraus
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The thulium laser is one of the most sought-after treatments in aesthetic medicine when it comes to skin rejuvenation without downtime. The gentle, non-ablative laser treatment improves skin quality, refines pores, reduces pigmentation disorders, and provides more glow – with minimal downtime. Particularly exciting: the thulium laser can be individually adjusted and combined with active ingredients.
Technically speaking, it is a non-ablative, fractional laser. This means: unlike ablative systems such as the CO2 laser, the top layer of skin is not removed during the treatment, but remains intact.
Its versatility. It is considered a true all-rounder, acting gently and precisely, ensuring a radiant complexion or allowing targeted correction. “The key to the result is the appropriate setting of the energy,” explains dermatologist Dr. Susanne Steinkraus. “Then the thulium laser is suitable for almost any skin type and can be used at any time of year.” Even sensitive areas like the décolleté or hands can be treated.
Another advantage: The therapy can be individually supplemented with active ingredients or integrated into comprehensive treatment concepts.
The laser works with a wavelength of 1927 nm and creates the finest microchannels in the skin. This has two advantages: on the one hand, it stimulates the new formation of collagen and elastin – the skin appears smoother, finer, and more even.
“In addition, these microchannels can be used to specifically deliver active ingredients,” says Dr. Susanne Steinkraus. And these can penetrate particularly deeply.
“The laser can be used cosmetically, but also much more intensely – for example, for wrinkles, scars, or to refine pores,” explains the doctor. Anti-aging active ingredients such as resveratrol, retinol, or ascorbic acid (vitamin C) are used here.
But pigment disorders such as melasma/chloasma, which are distributed over a large area, can also be gently reduced – the use of tranexamic acid supports further brightening and also prevents new formation.
The treatment lasts between 20 and 45 minutes. A numbing cream can be applied beforehand. It is usually not necessary - as the procedure is considered very low-pain. While the treatment head is guided over the skin and the laser pulses penetrate in a controlled manner, you only feel a tingling or slight warmth.
“Afterwards, there may be slight redness or minimal swelling, but these quickly subside,” explains the doctor. “There is no crust formation.” This also means: hardly any downtime - another plus point, especially for people with full schedules. Important for afterwards: Consistent UV protection. In the first week, direct sunlight, sauna, or exercise should also be avoided.
It depends on the individual skin goal. “As an intensive treatment, we recommend treatments every two weeks, combined with active ingredients—about five sessions in total. Alternatively, we work at four-week intervals. It always depends on the overall concept,” says Steinkraus.
First effects are often visible after just a few days. To further optimize the result, the dermatologist also combines other aesthetic procedures.
