How Exolase ONE combines two laser wavelengths for surface renewal and deeper collagen remodelling

Exolase ONE: The First UK Clinic Launch at Dr Motox

Dr Motox Clinic is the first clinic in the UK to introduce Exolase ONE, a brand-new fractional laser that combines two erbium wavelengths in a single treatment pulse. Uneven texture and pigmentation are often most obvious near the surface, while collagen loss, fine lines and reduced firmness involve deeper layers.

Exolase ONE is designed to address both levels at once. Its ONEpulse™ technology aligns a 2940 nm Er:YAG wavelength with a 1540 nm Er:Glass wavelength in the same microscopic treatment zone. One component resurfaces tiny areas of the surface while the other delivers controlled heat below it.

Diagram showing how Exolase ONE combines 2940 nm Er:YAG surface resurfacing with 1540 nm Er:Glass deeper non-ablative heating
ONEpulse™ places the two wavelengths along one aligned pathway. Treatment depth and intensity are personalised.

What is Exolase ONE?

Exolase ONE is a fractional laser system. “Fractional” means it treats a pattern of microscopic columns while leaving surrounding skin untreated to support healing. This differs from fully ablative resurfacing, which removes a continuous surface layer and usually involves more recovery.

What makes this platform different is the co-axial delivery of two wavelengths. BTL describes Exolase ONE as the first medical application of “fused erbium” laser technology. The public BTL Exolase ONE information explains the manufacturer’s concept; our clinical assessment will determine how the technology is used safely for an individual patient.

How do the two wavelengths work?

2940 nm Er:YAG: precise surface resurfacing

The 2940 nm Er:YAG wavelength is strongly absorbed by water in skin. It can create precise micro-ablative channels at the surface with limited spread of heat into neighbouring tissue. This may support smoother-looking texture, more even tone and epidermal renewal. Results, recovery and risk depend on settings, skin type and the concern being treated.

1540 nm Er:Glass: controlled dermal heating

The 1540 nm Er:Glass wavelength is non-ablative: it heats selected microscopic zones in the dermis without removing the surface in the same way. The dermis is the supportive layer containing collagen and elastin. Controlled heat can stimulate a repair response and collagen remodelling over the following weeks and months. Think of it as sending a carefully measured “renewal signal” below the surface rather than peeling the whole skin.

Which skin concerns is it designed to address?

Manufacturer information positions Exolase ONE as a treatment for five connected signs of skin ageing: irregular texture and visible pores, uneven pigmentation, selected redness, fine lines and wrinkles, and reduced firmness. It is not a one-setting treatment for everyone. Pigment type, vascular activity, previous scarring, tendency to develop pigmentation after inflammation and tolerance for downtime all influence whether laser treatment is suitable.

Diagram of five skin concerns Exolase ONE is designed to address: texture, pigmentation, redness, fine lines and firmness
Five potential targets, but one personalised plan. Improvement is not guaranteed and individual results vary.

What does the early evidence show?

The evidence specific to Exolase ONE is new. In preliminary manufacturer-supplied material reviewed by Dr Motox, a small evaluation followed 20 adults who received two treatments four weeks apart. Improvements were reported across texture, wrinkles, redness, pigmentation and laxity, with generally favourable comfort and satisfaction ratings.

These findings are encouraging, but they are not the same as a large independent randomised clinical trial. A separate exploratory tissue study was conducted in a single animal model, so it cannot be assumed to predict patient outcomes. We will therefore describe Exolase ONE as promising technology, not a guaranteed transformation. Wider laser evidence supports both ablative and non-ablative approaches for rejuvenation, while also showing that the balance between improvement, discomfort, downtime and side effects changes with the device and treatment intensity. A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis is useful context for that trade-off.

What might treatment and recovery involve?

Early manufacturer data suggest the procedure may be well tolerated, but comfort is individual and settings matter. Patients may experience heat, prickling or a snapping sensation during treatment. Afterwards, temporary redness, swelling, sensitivity, dryness, flaking or a bronzed appearance may occur. More intensive resurfacing generally means more visible recovery. Exact downtime, number of sessions and intervals will be confirmed only after Dr Motox has completed clinical training and finalised the clinic protocol.

Aftercare will normally prioritise gentle cleansing, barrier support and strict broad-spectrum SPF. Avoid picking, scrubs, retinoids, exfoliating acids, hot showers, saunas and strenuous exercise until your clinician advises otherwise. The Dr Motox Exosome Collagen Face & Neck Sheet Mask will be a staple hydration step once the treating clinician confirms the skin surface is ready. It is suitable for dry, oily and sensitive skin types, but patch test first and never apply it to infected, broken or actively inflamed skin.

Who may not be suitable?

A medical consultation is essential. Treatment may need to be postponed or adapted for active infection, cold sores, open wounds, sunburn or recent tanning, uncontrolled inflammatory skin disease, certain photosensitising medicines, impaired healing, or a history of problematic scarring or pigment change. Elective laser treatment is generally deferred during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Patients with darker skin tones are not automatically excluded, but wavelength, diagnosis and settings require careful assessment because post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can be more visible and persistent.

How does Exolase ONE compare with IPL?

IPL is intense pulsed light rather than a laser. It can be useful for selected pigment and vascular concerns, while fractional resurfacing is often considered when texture, fine lines and collagen remodelling are important. Neither is simply “better”; the diagnosis decides the tool. Our guide to IPL for pigmentation and redness explains that option in more detail.

Frequently asked questions

Is Exolase ONE ablative or non-ablative?

It combines both: a fractional ablative 2940 nm Er:YAG component and a fractional non-ablative 1540 nm Er:Glass component in one aligned pulse.

How many sessions will I need?

The early manufacturer evaluation used two sessions four weeks apart, but that is not a universal prescription. Your course will depend on the concern, skin response and treatment intensity.

When will results appear?

Surface changes may become noticeable as the skin renews, while collagen remodelling develops more gradually over weeks to months. Results vary and maintenance may be needed.

Can Exolase ONE treat every skin tone?

No responsible clinic should promise universal suitability without assessment. Skin tone, tanning history, pigment behaviour and the intended settings must be reviewed first.

How can I register interest?

You can book a consultation with Dr Motox. The team will confirm launch availability, expected downtime and whether Exolase ONE or another treatment is the safer match for your goals.

This article is educational and does not replace an individual medical consultation. Laser outcomes and side effects vary. Final indications, protocols and availability will be confirmed before launch.