Ask The Expert: What is laser stacking?

Given how busy everyone seems to be these days, it makes sense that we want to get the most value — both in time and money — out of our beauty treatments. In the past, this led to the rise of express services, such as 30-minute facials. Now, that efficiency-first mindset has extended into aesthetic treatments too.

We’ve all seen the reels and heard the stories of beauty tourism in places like Seoul, where influencers undergo multiple treatments in a single session. But beyond saving time, is there any real benefit to doing so? And is it actually better — or worse — for your skin?

Dr. Ben Yim from IDS Clinic sat down with us to discuss the pros and cons of laser-stacking, as well as the alternatives worth considering.

What is the difference between laser-stacking vs multiple treatments?

In the same way you would curate your skincare to suit your skin’s specific needs, it makes sense to select a range of aesthetic treatments that target specific skin concerns. Laser stacking’s popularity arose from this focus, as well as its preventative benefits. Since some treatments can take anywhere from three weeks to three months to show results, combining treatments can benefit the skin over a longer term.

First of all, it’s important to clarify the difference between laser stacking and doing multiple treatments in one session. While multiple treatments can include laser-stacking, the term specifically refers to the usage of different types of lasers, rather than combining entirely different treatments such as injectables, Ultherapy or Thermage.

“Stacking applies multiple pulses of energy in one shot to a specific area of the skin. This allows more energy to be delivered compared to a single pulse, causing the temperature to rise faster and making the treatment more effective,” says Dr. Ben Yim. “The multiple wavelengths of light target different layers of the skin, delivering better lifting and contouring results compared to traditional single-wavelength lasers.”

Overall, Dr. Ben says the approach can deliver more comprehensive results. He cites Titanium and Multifrax laser treatments — both offered at IDS Clinic — as a popular pairing. “Titanium laser lifting brightens, tightens and reshapes the face in a single session, while Multifrax, applied afterwards, treats the skin from the top layer to the deep dermis. This allows for total skin rejuvenation. The concept is to increase total collagen banking by targeting multiple levels of the skin.”

Can laser stacking be enhanced with multiple treatments?

According to Dr. Ben, a number of treatments can be enhanced when done together. “One of  the popular lifting programmes now is called Ul-The-Ti, Ultherapy, Thermage and Titanium (the only laser in the mix) in combination, each uses a different modality and works on different layers of the skin to deliver the best results,” he says. Another combination that is becoming more popular is the Titanium laser, Ultherapy and Wonder face. This targets the skin, the layer below the skin and the muscle layers, to deliver a complete anti-ageing lifting therapy. Doing multiple treatments is popular (in particular in South Korea) because it uses multiple different energy devices in a single sitting, delivering different results to different layers of the skin. “The aim is to target multiple problems at one time like pigmentation, redness or skin laxity,” says Dr. Ben. 

What are the pros and cons of laser stacking?

Doing treatments together definitely saves time. There’s only one application of numbing cream and the lasers are applied within minutes of each other. In terms of efficiency and time saved, it’s clear why this can be popular. But Dr. Ben cautions that the downside can be potentially overheating and burning the skin (not to mention a higher cost at once). Lasers or chemical solutions that remove the surface of the skin should also not be stacked as they run higher risk of burns.

He also adds the importance of ensuring your doctor is experienced in the medical aesthetic field, and the machines at the clinic are authentic. “The most important thing is that the doctor understands what your skin needs,” he cautions. 

To ensure your skin is well cared for post-treatment, Dr Ben also advises using a hydrating mask in the evening and ensuring the skin is well moisturised during the day and night. “Topical sunscreens are also essential and I would advise patients to stop some of their daily skincare that might aggravate any redness or sensitivity of their skin for two days after the treatments.” In particular, products containing retinol or AHA’s and BHA’s should be avoided.

Instead, be sure to use hydrating products after treatments. “I would advise using a hydrating mask in the evening and applying moisturiser both day and night for two days after the session,” says Dr Ben. Topical sunscreen is also essential. 

Is laser stacking right for your skin?

Ultimately, laser stacking and combining multiple treatments in a single session can be an efficient way to maximise your results in one go. When done strategically — and with a doctor who understands your skin’s specific needs — it can be a highly effective approach to achieving your aesthetic goals.

Of course, it’s important to remember that this isn’t a miracle solution for every skin concern. Rather, it’s a way to enjoy some immediate post-treatment benefits while allowing for further improvements to develop over the following months as the full effects gradually take hold.