Dermetrics / Laser treatments
Mosaic 3DFractional erbium glass laser
How the laser works, what it has been studied for and what to bear in mind before and after treatment.
In short: Mosaic 3D is an erbium glass laser. It places many tiny points of light in the skin and leaves the tissue between them unharmed. This stimulates the skin's healing. Studies look at skin ageing, pigment spots, scars and actinic keratoses. The studies cited examined related lasers, not this device.
Overview
The erbium glass laser sends many tiny beams of light into the skin. Each beam creates a microscopically small injury, while the tissue next to it remains unharmed. This is called a “non-ablative fractional” laser.1,2 It stimulates the skin's natural wound healing without removing the surface over a large area.
According to the manufacturer, Mosaic 3D works at 1550 nm. The laser energy is delivered in a rolling motion over the skin, and the device has integrated air cooling and sapphire tips for cooling and compression. The manufacturer lists wrinkles, acne scars and skin revitalisation on the face, neck and body as applications.4 The studies cited here examined lasers at 1550 nm1,2 or 1540 nm.3 We are not aware of studies on Mosaic 3D itself.
Possible applications
Side effects
- In the study of 17 people, redness, mild swelling and mild scaling occurred after each treatment. Two people developed erosions (open, superficial areas of skin). No scars or pigment changes were observed.3
- The study of 14 men reports no data on side effects.2
What is important to know?
- The studies are small, and they examined lasers other than Mosaic 3D. Whether the results apply to you cannot be said with certainty.
- The effect can wear off over time. This was shown by the values for actinic keratoses after one, three and six months.2
- Sessions: We recommend at least 3 sessions to achieve a good to very good result. Changes are already noticeable after the second session. For severe sun damage, up to 6 sessions 4 weeks apart may be recommended.
Preparation and aftercare
The following advice is general information and is not supported by the studies cited.
- Before: Avoid direct sun and sunbeds, stop using self-tanner. Let us know beforehand if you are prone to cold sores (herpes). On the day of treatment, do not apply make-up, creams or perfume to the area. Pause blood-thinning medication or supplements only after consultation.
- After: Cool the area, use sun protection every day and avoid direct sun, use a mild fragrance-free skin care product, do not pick off crusts, and avoid saunas, swimming pools and intense exercise for the first few days.
- If you have persistent strong redness, blisters, increasing pain, pus or fever, please contact the practice immediately.
Sources
- Friedman et al., Current trends and developments of a dual non-ablative fractional laser system (1550 nm erbium glass and 1927 nm thulium), Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 2025. Abstract read only.
- Katz et al., Nonablative fractional photothermolysis for facial actinic keratoses: 6-month follow-up with histologic evaluation, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2011. Abstract read only.
- Lapidoth, Report on the study of a fractional 1540 nm laser for actinic keratoses and sun damage, presented at the ASLMS annual meeting. Figures from the report; the original paper was not read.
- Cynosure Lutronic, Mosaic 3D product page. Manufacturer information, not a study.
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