Aerolase Neo Elite

The Aerolase Neo Elite is a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser built around a 650 microsecond pulse, which Aerolase markets under the name 650 Microsecond Technology. According to the company's thirtieth anniversary history, the Neo Elite went on sale in 2018. It works without contact cooling or cryogen. Aerolase Nd:YAG lasers were cleared by the FDA under K120235 in September 2012. That clearance lists trade names including FriendlyLight Neo and LightPod Neo, covers Fitzpatrick skin types I to VI, and its indications include vascular and pigmented lesions, wrinkles, inflammatory acne and hair reduction.

The Neo Elite uses a single handpiece. The 510(k) summary for the Nd:YAG family describes a power supply unit with air cooling, a handpiece joined to it by an umbilical cord, and a display panel on the front of the unit for setting parameters. Aerolase publishes a fluence of up to 255 J/cm2 at 650 microseconds and 318 J/cm2 at 1.5 ms, with a repetition rate of up to 2 Hz.

Three current Neo models share the same pulse width and wavelength, so the label matters. The Neo V reaches 510 J/cm2 at 1.5 ms at up to 1.5 Hz and is aimed at vascular work such as leg veins. The Neo Derm lists the same 318 J/cm2 and 2 Hz figures as the Elite, which means the published numbers alone will not separate those two. Clinical papers on the Aerolase site also use the names LightPod Neo and LightPod Neo Elite. The Era Elite is a 2940 nm erbium laser, not a Neo variant.

With only one handpiece, its condition carries more weight than usual. Photograph the handpiece window, the full length of the umbilical cord and its connectors, and the air vents on the power supply. A dealer will also ask for the model and serial label, the display showing any pulse count and software version, and the unit's service history.