DEKA Motus AX

The Motus AX is DEKA's single wavelength alexandrite laser, emitting at 755 nm, and the first model in the Motus line. FDA clearance K162886, decided on June 19, 2017, covers temporary and permanent hair reduction on Fitzpatrick skin types I to VI including tanned skin, benign pigmented lesions, wrinkles and photocoagulation of benign vascular lesions such as port wine stains and telangiectasias. Cartessa Aesthetics announced an exclusive agreement to bring the AX to the United States in January 2018.

The clearance describes interchangeable quick release handpieces with electronic spot recognition, a user replaceable fiber and activation by footswitch or fingerswitch, at repetition rates up to 10 Hz. Stamp spots run from 2.5 mm, rated up to 600 J/cm2, through 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16 and 18 mm to 20 mm at 10 J/cm2. The Moveo handpiece is the signature accessory: it has integrated skin cooling, a cooled sapphire tip that stays on the skin, and a cleared maximum of 8 J/cm2, since it builds heat through repeated passes rather than one high energy pulse.

Telling an AX from its relatives comes down to wavelengths and dates. The Motus AY, cleared in August 2018, added a 1064 nm Nd:YAG source, so any Motus that offers 1064 nm is not an AX. Watch for the newer Motus PRO AX, the alexandrite only model in the Motus PRO family cleared under K241459 in June 2024. Its clearance lists stamp spots up to 24 mm and repetition rates up to 12 Hz, so an AX that offers 22 or 24 mm spots is the PRO generation.

The Moveo handpiece accounts for much of an AX's appeal to buyers, so describe its sapphire tip closely, noting any chips, scratches or cooling faults. List each stamp handpiece by spot size and say whether the fiber has been replaced. A buyer will also want the service history and software version. Photograph the serial label and main screen.