DESCRIPTION

Many people select Alma lasers, and this is especially true on an international level. Founded more than 25 years ago, Alma has a reputation for being durable, so it is often selected for a refurbished laser.

Alma Lasers is considered to be an innovator in lasers for both medical and aesthetic purposes. 

Their lasers work for the following applications:

• Hair removal

• Acne

• Skin rejuvenation

• Pigmented lesions

• Fractional ablative skin resurfacing

• Leg veins

• Vascular lesions

Since Alma machines take multiple hand pieces, there are many treatment options available.  Alma machines are made in Israel and then shipped to Illinois for distributed. 

ARI’S THOUGHTS

While the Alma brand is very popular, it’s not usually a laser I recommend. I tend to direct my clients to the Palomar.

Ultimately, you’ll find that the Alma is more costly than other lasers. For every 50,000 pulses you do for patient treatment, you will have to replace parts. On the other hand, with Palomar lasers, you need to replace parts every 100,000. Of course, if you go to the manufacturer to fix the fact that the Alma has locked after 50,000 pulses, they will double the prices that I charge.  

The machine comes with 1-year warranty from Alma.  Once that period is up, you’ll pay a $10,000- $20,000 year membership if you want one from the manufacturer.  That alone is a good reason to opt for a reconditioned machine and repairs from my company if you decide to buy an Alma laser.

The Alma has an i-button on the handpiece, which means it gets locked after 30k-1000k uses. This i-button can also get very dirty because of the gel that is used with the hand piece in providing treatments.

In summary, with the Alma, you’ll get the same results as Palomar. But in the end, you’ll pay more for Alma since it needs more servicing. The i-button on the hand piece needs to be constantly changed due to the issues described above.

Also it is important to note that this is the same machine as the Alma made in 2000. It’s just repackaged and renamed.

Who is Happiest with the Alma Brand?

Busy practices tend to appreciate the Alma the most because the laser diode is very fast and can handle a large area in a short time. It is a high quality diode when it is bought new from the manufacturer.

A busy practice can expect their Alma to cost them an additional $5000-$10,000 per year.

What Do You Need To Know Before You Purchase an Alma?

When you are purchasing an Alma laser, look for a low shot count on the machine. Customers are generally focused on how it looks cosmetically, but this is the wrong approach. 

Just because a machine is new doesn’t necessarily mean that it is going to be a good fit for your needs. Some of the new machines have had a tremendous amount of wear and tear and will not outlast the older ones. Remember that the current Alma models are the exact same machines, but they are just repackaged for sales purposes.

INVENTORY

1. Harmony Elite:

Laser & Light Technology

First, I carry the Harmony Elite, which is a versatile laser that can offer 60+ treatments.  It comes with a variety of hand pieces. It isn’t necessary to purchase them all with the machine as more can be added later. It’s a customizable product, which can be used for everything from acne clearing, pigment restoration and skin rejuvenation to hair removal.

2. Accent XL:

RF Technology

This Alma laser combines two radio frequencies: bipolar and unipolar.  The heat this laser creates can penetrate tissue. You won’t need local or topical anesthesia with the Accent XL.  With the Accent XL, you can offer your patients skin tightening, wrinkle reduction and body contouring.