Fotona TimeWalker

Fotona's TimeWalker is a compact Er:YAG and Nd:YAG laser aimed at facial treatments, combining a 2940 nm erbium source with a 1064 nm neodymium source. In the FDA device database, the TimeWalker AT is listed as model M021-5AF/1 and is covered by Fotona's LightWalker Laser System Family clearance, K202985, decided on March 19, 2021, as well as a 2024 update to that family, K242202. Er:YAG travels through an articulated arm and Nd:YAG through an optical fiber.

Fotona sells two TimeWalker models, and the gap between them is large. The base TimeWalker Fotona4D is rated at 12 W and 0.9 J on the Er:YAG side, with MSP and SMOOTH modes, and 30 W and 10 J on the Nd:YAG side, with FRAC3 and PIANO. The TimeWalker Fotona4D PRO raises Er:YAG to 20 W and 1.5 J and adds SP, LP, VLP and SuperSMOOTH. On the Nd:YAG side the PRO reaches 20 J and adds VERSA, PLLT and QCW. The current version is sold as TimeWalker II.

The TimeWalker is not a smaller SP Dynamis. The SP Dynamis has an 80 W Nd:YAG and supports scanners such as the L-Runner Pro, while the TimeWalker tops out at 30 W and is built around facial protocols such as Fotona4D, SmoothEye and LipLase. Accessory codes printed in Fotona's TimeWalker brochure include PS03, FS01 and R33-T, along with an LA adapter, the intraoral piece used in Fotona4D treatments. Fotona also lists a MatrixView skin temperature sensor and a wireless footswitch.

The mode list on the screen tells a buyer which model you have: a unit that offers VERSA, PLLT or QCW is the PRO, while one limited to FRAC3 and PIANO on the Nd:YAG side is the base model. Photograph that screen along with the serial label. List each handpiece and adapter by code, note the condition of the arm and the Nd:YAG fiber, and include service records.