Thirty Years of Redefining Dermatological Laser Technology

An interview with Pavel Efremkin, Founder and CEO of Aerolase and Heritage magazine.

Could you tell us about your personal background and what led you to found Aerolase?

With a background in science and engineering, complemented by business and investment experience, my interest has always been in developing technologies that deliver both precision and practical value. When exploring the landscape of medical lasers, it became clear that existing systems were falling short — often painful, technically demanding, limited versatility, or not suited for patients with darker skin types.

That recognition led to the founding vision behind Aerolase: to redefine what a dermatological laser should be. Drawing from aerospace disciplines — where safety, efficiency, and reliability are critical — the goal was to build a platform that addressed longstanding limitations. Using medical research, science and inventive engineering, Aerolase created and brought to market a new generation of dermatological lasers that combines the best features of prior technologies while addressing the unmet needs of modern patients and practitioners.

What was your vision when you first began developing Aerolase’s technologies?

The dermatology and aesthetic industry is relatively young. Lasers were gradually adopted as new wavelengths proved effective, but early systems came from industrial or scientific use—not medicine. Entering this industry dominated by well-established competitors, we knew that if we were going to offer something new, it had to be radically better, not just marginally different. So our engineering team set out to develop a compact, easy-to-use, and reliable laser system that could deliver high efficacy across a wide range of skin treatments. This is how the Aerolase Neo Elite was created: a skin laser that pioneered a new category in dermatological treatment.

Through clinical research and close collaboration with experts, we refined a new set of laser parameters that enabled broader applications and an unmatched treatment experience. Patients not only saw real results — they loved the comfort and came back for more. Because our 650-microsecond Technology® didn’t fit into any existing category, we had to define it and validate it clinically. Ultimately, our vision was long-term: to invest in meaningful R&D, unite engineering with clinical expertise, and continually improve through practitioner and patient feedback.

Your technologies are described as having an “aerospace-inspired” approach — what does that mean in concrete terms?

That reference comes from how we think about design. In aerospace, systems are built with zero margin for error — they must function reliably under demanding conditions. We adopted that mindset early on.

A good example is our 650-microsecond Technology®. It delivers energy in a highly controlled pulse that maximizes efficacy while minimizing collateral damage and discomfort. It enables a level of precision, comfort, and outcomes that weren’t previously possible with traditional lasers. Every element — from the pulse duration to the compact footprint — was intentional. Versatility was a guiding principle: one system should be able to treat a wide range of indications while fitting seamlessly into different practice models.

The result is a maintenance-free device with no consumables, built for consistent performance and lasting value. Most importantly, it was designed to be safe for all skin types — not as an added feature, but as a fundamental requirement.

What developments in patient demand and clinical practice have shaped the role of Aerolase’s technology in today’s dermatological landscape? And how do the Neo Elite and Era Elite lasers stand out in this evolving market?

Bringing a fundamentally new laser technology to market takes significant time and effort. You have to prove the concept, perfect the design, meet strict safety regulations, and build awareness. As a medical device company, that process is even more complex— but essential for long-term impact.

Today, two major shifts are driving demand for the kind of technology Aerolase has created. The first is generational. Millennials and Gen Z have overtaken Baby Boomers as the main aesthetic patient group, with a radically different mindset. Boomers focused on correcting signs of aging — accepting aggressive treatments, long downtimes, and the “no pain means no gain” motto.

Younger patients don’t want to fix aging — they value rejuvenation, natural results, and minimal disruption. They want effective treatments without pain or downtime. Aerolase delivers exactly that, which is why this demographic embraces it — and even older generations are now excited by the experience.

The second shift is on the provider side. In the early 2000s, laser treatments were limited to a small number of pioneering dermatologists. These early adopters could charge premium fees, and patients were willing to travel for access to cutting-edge care. Today, lasers have become essential tools — but so has the need for cost-efficiency. With increasing competition, providers must now balance patient results with business realities. That’s where Neo Elite and Era Elite stand out. These compact, maintenance-free systems deliver both ablative and non-ablative treatments for conditions like acne, pigmentation, vascular lesions, and rejuvenation— ensuring patient satisfaction, streamlined workflow, and strong ROI.

How does your scientific DNA continue to shape your approach to innovation today?

The mindset hasn’t changed. We continue to apply core engineering principles: energy efficiency, miniaturization, thermal control, and durability. Just as in aerospace, we anticipate failure points and eliminate them through design.

Our devices are engineered to perform consistently under real-world conditions — busy clinical environments, back-to-back patients, and diverse needs — while maintaining the highest safety standards. But what truly sets us apart is what comes after the purchase: robust support, ongoing education, and long-term collaboration. That commitment to both technology and people is the key to our differentiation.

How do these unique features translate into the treatment of various skin conditions?

Aerolase bridges the gap between medicine and aesthetics — a space often fragmented in this industry. Our lasers combine medical-grade efficacy with the safety and versatility required for aesthetic procedures, enabling practitioners to treat both with a single device. We work with partners who share our values and provide them with ongoing training and education. It’s not just about delivering a device — it’s about building long-term relationships that ensure sustainable success for everyone involved.

How do you see the industry evolving in the coming years, and how is Aerolase preparing for that future?

The industry is moving toward smarter, more patient- centric solutions—technologies that address real needs rather than just meeting technical specs. That means staying close to practitioners and patients, and remaining thoughtful about R&D investments.

My advice? Focus on solving something meaningful. Validate clinically, surround yourself with the right people, and be patient — medical innovation takes time. Most importantly, never compromise on safety, ethics, or your original purpose. That’s what creates lasting impact.