Alma Hybrid

The Alma Hybrid is a resurfacing laser that pairs an ablative CO2 laser at 10,600 nm with a non-ablative 1570 nm laser in one console. The FDA cleared it as the Alma Hybrid Laser System under 510(k) K203441, with a decision dated July 2, 2021, and Alma announced the US launch later that month. Trade press described it at launch as the first platform to combine those two wavelengths for resurfacing.

Energy travels through an articulated arm, and the 510(k) summary describes three families of delivery devices. HyLight is the non-fractional CO2 applicator, with spot sizes from 0.15 to 3.0 mm at a 50 mm working distance. Pixel is a fractional CO2 applicator that fires 7x7 or 9x9 pixel patterns. ProScan is a scanning applicator that can fire CO2 alone, 1570 nm alone through a cooled tip, or both in sequence, using grid, HyGrid and grid sequential patterns. Alma calls its random sequential mode HyPer.

The same clearance lists both a 30 W and a 70 W CO2 configuration, and the CO2 ProScan output tops out at 120 mJ on the 30 W model and 240 mJ on the 70 W model, so confirm the power rating on the label. The Hybrid also differs from Alma's older Pixel CO2 system, which the FDA file cites as its primary predicate: Pixel CO2 is a CO2 only laser, so a console that offers a 1570 nm wavelength or HyGrid on screen is a Hybrid.

Before making an offer, a dealer will ask which delivery devices come with the unit and whether the ProScan is included, since it is the applicator that carries the 1570 nm laser and the combined modes. Expect questions about the articulated arm, the cooled 1570 nm tip, the software version and the service record. Photos of the serial label showing the power rating, the treatment screen and each applicator settle most of these questions.