How the Aerolase Neo Works: Chromophores, Safety, and Workflow | Dr. Francisca Kartono at AAD 2026

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Dr. Francisca Kartono, a board-certified dermatologist in private practice, explains the clinical science and practice workflow behind the Aerolase Neo during a live demonstration at the 2026 American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting in Denver.

The Aerolase Neo is a 1064nm Nd:YAG laser with a 650-microsecond pulse width that targets three chromophores. Melanin absorption evens skin tone and improves texture and glow. Hemoglobin absorption reduces redness and unwanted blood vessels associated with acne, rosacea, and sun damage. Water absorption heats the dermis to stimulate neocollagenesis, upregulating the collagen signaling pathways that maintain skin elasticity and tone.

Dr. Kartono explains why the 650-microsecond pulse width at 1064nm makes the Neo safer for darker skin types than shorter wavelengths such as 532nm, which are absorbed more strongly by melanin and carry a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in Asian and darker brown skin.

She also covers the practice workflow advantages that make the Neo a delegatable procedure: sessions finish in 15 to 20 minutes, patients require no numbing cream, and there is no post-treatment downtime, allowing patients to return to work immediately. Patients typically pre-book a series of four to six sessions at two to four week intervals, with an added benefit of reduction in unwanted facial hair.

Dr. Kartono additionally describes pairing the Neo with the Aerolase Era, a 2940nm erbium laser that ablates superficial skin cells through selective water absorption, for same-day combination treatments that add resurfacing to the Neo's rejuvenation effects.

Presented by Francisca Kartono, DO, FAOCD, FAAD

Board-certified dermatologist and the owner and medical director of MI Skin Center in Northville, MI. Dr. Kartono earned her Biochemistry degree from UCLA, attended Western University of Health Sciences for medical school, and completed her dermatology residency through Michigan State University. She has served as an assistant clinical professor at Ohio State University Medical Center and is currently faculty at multiple residency programs at Trinity Health and Beaumont Hospital System. Dr. Kartono has published extensively, lectured nationally, participated in clinical trials, and was recently appointed President of the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.