Astanza Duality

The Astanza Duality is a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser sold by Astanza Laser of Dallas for tattoo removal and benign pigmented lesions. It emits 1064 nm and 532 nm. Astanza's specification table lists a 6 nanosecond pulse, repetition rates of 1, 2, 5 and 10 Hz, and fluence up to 22 J/cm2 at 1064 nm and 12 J/cm2 at 532 nm, both measured with a 2 mm spot. Its spots are square: 3 x 3, 4 x 4 and 5 x 5 mm, with a 2 x 2 mm handpiece as an option.

Astanza designed the square spot so pulses can sit next to each other in a grid instead of overlapping. For blue and green ink, Astanza pointed buyers to its Trinity.

In September 2023 Astanza introduced the Duality Signature as the replacement for the Duality and offered upgrades to existing owners. The two are easy to confuse, and the difference matters to a buyer. The Signature offers three pulse modes: standard Q-switched, Opti-Pulse, which splits the energy into two 6 ns pulses 150 microseconds apart, and a 300 microsecond Photo-Thermal mode at 1064 nm. The original Duality was described with only the Q-switched mode. The Signature's standard handpieces are 2, 3 and 4 mm. Larger 5 and 7 mm handpieces and the 8 mm DF and 9 mm HC microbeam handpieces are optional. Astanza now lists the Duality Signature as no longer available but says it still services current owners.

To tell which one you have, check the pulse mode menu. If it offers Opti-Pulse or Photo-Thermal, the laser is a Signature or an upgraded unit. List every square handpiece by size, give the shot counter reading and say whether service was done by Astanza or a third party. Photos of the serial label, the mode screen and the handpiece lenses let a buyer judge the system before an inspection.