Thulium Fiber Lasers (TFL) in Advanced Surgical Dissection
A significant breakthrough in 2026 is the adoption of the Thulium Fiber Laser (TFL) for soft tissue dissection. Traditionally used in urology for kidney stone fragmentation, TFL is now being integrated into plastic and general surgery across Italy.
The TFL operates at a wavelength that is highly absorbed by water, allowing for extremely thin and precise incisions. Italian surgeons have demonstrated that TFL provides superior hemostasis (blood clotting) during the procedure compared to traditional scalpels or electrocautery. This results in less post-operative swelling and a reduced risk of hematomas. In complex facial surgeries, TFL allows for a "clean" dissection of tissue layers, preserving delicate nerves and blood vessels that might otherwise be compromised by heat spread.