Alma Hybrid™ Laser

The Alma Hybrid is an advanced resurfacing platform developed by Alma Lasers. It combines three technologies in one treatment session:

• Fractional CO₂ laser

• 1570 nm non-ablative laser

• IMPACT drug delivery technology

This allows treatment to be customised for concerns such as acne scarring, surgical scars, wrinkles, sun damage, pigmentation and skin texture.

The Alma Hybrid is commonly used for:

• Acne scars

• Surgical and traumatic scars

• Fine lines and wrinkles

• Sun damage and age spots

• Uneven skin texture

• Enlarged pores

• Crepey skin around the eyes or mouth

• Stretch marks

• Some forms of pigmentation and photoageing

At clinics such as Scars & Lasers, it is often selected when a more customised and precise treatment is needed than with a conventional CO₂ laser alone.

Traditional CO₂ lasers mainly provide ablative resurfacing. The Alma Hybrid differs because it combines ablative and non-ablative technologies in the same session.

This means the treatment can be adjusted to provide:

• More aggressive scar improvement where needed

• Less downtime in other areas

• Better blending between treated and untreated skin

• Improved safety for some skin types

• Greater flexibility for difficult scars or delicate areas

The addition of IMPACT technology also allows active topical medications to be delivered more effectively into the skin immediately after treatment.

Yes. The Alma Hybrid is particularly useful for acne scarring because it can target different types of scars at different depths.

It may be helpful for:

• Boxcar scars

• Rolling scars

• Superficial textural scarring

• Some mixed acne scars

Deep ice-pick scars may still require additional procedures such as TCA CROSS, subcision or punch excision.

The number of treatments depends on the concern being treated.

Typical treatment plans include:

• Mild sun damage or texture: 1–2 treatments

• Acne scarring: 2–4 treatments

• Surgical or traumatic scars: 2–5 treatments

• More severe or longstanding scars: sometimes more sessions

Treatments are usually spaced approximately 6–12 weeks apart.

Most patients describe the treatment as uncomfortable rather than painful. A topical anaesthetic cream is usually applied beforehand, and stronger anaesthesia can be used for more intensive treatments.

After treatment, the skin may feel:

• Hot or sunburnt for several hours

• Tight

• Sensitive or swollen

More intensive scar treatments can be associated with greater discomfort and downtime.

Downtime depends on how aggressive the treatment is.

For lighter treatments:

• Redness for 2–4 days

• Mild flaking or dryness

For stronger resurfacing or scar treatments:

• Redness and swelling for 5–10 days

• Bronzing, crusting or peeling

• Temporary sensitivity or itching

Some redness can persist for several weeks after deeper treatments.

Early improvement in skin texture and brightness may be seen within 1–2 weeks. However, collagen remodelling continues for several months.

Most patients notice progressive improvement over:

• 6–12 weeks after each session

• Up to 3–6 months after a stronger treatment

Scar improvement often continues gradually with each treatment session.

The Alma Hybrid may sometimes be used in darker skin types, but treatment needs to be more cautious.

Patients with more pigmented skin can have a higher risk of:

• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

• Temporary darkening

• Prolonged redness

For this reason, treatment settings often need to be gentler, and careful preparation and aftercare are important.

Possible side effects include:

• Redness

• Swelling

• Temporary darkening or lightening of the skin

• Crusting or peeling

• Acne flare or milia

• Cold sore reactivation

• Infection

• Persistent redness

• Rarely, scarring

An experienced assessment is important to decide whether Alma Hybrid is the most suitable option and how strongly it should be used.

Yes. Alma Hybrid is often combined with other treatments to improve results, depending on the type of scar or skin concern.

Examples may include:

• Subcision for rolling acne scars

• Vascular laser for red scars

• Picosecond laser for pigmentation

• Injectable treatments for certain depressed scars

• Skincare and topical medications delivered using IMPACT technology

Before treatment:

• Avoid tanning and sun exposure

• Stop irritating active skincare if advised

• Let your doctor know if you are prone to cold sores

After treatment:

• Use gentle skincare

• Avoid sun exposure

• Use sunscreen carefully

• Do not pick or scrub the skin

• Follow your clinic’s aftercare instructions closely

Treatment may not be suitable if you:

• Are pregnant

• Have an active skin infection

• Have very recent sun exposure or tanning

• Are taking isotretinoin or have taken it recently

• Have a history of poor wound healing or keloid scarring

• Have certain medical conditions affecting healing

A consultation is important to determine whether the Alma Hybrid is the best option, or whether another treatment may be safer or more effective.