PIANO™ Laser Thermolifting — deep heating and lifting
An ultra-long-pulse Nd:YAG laser mode, available only on the Fotona system. Even, high-volume heating of the dermis (40–45°C) contracts collagen fibres and stimulates their renewal — a strong lifting and firming effect with no damage to the epidermis and no downtime.
PIANO Thermolifting — the Nd:YAG mode found only in Fotona lasers
Laser lifting in PIANO mode is a therapy used to rejuvenate, firm and tighten the skin and to remodel the contour of the face and body. PIANO is an ultra-long-pulse Nd:YAG™ mode available only on the Fotona laser system. It delivers safe, fast heating of the tissue through concentrated, focused delivery of energy beneath the skin. Controlled heating contracts existing collagen fibres and stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin, giving a lifting and tightening effect. It is a non-ablative therapy mode — it does not vaporise the epidermis — recommended for patients who can't set aside time for downtime.
Learn more
Why PIANO heats deeply and in high volume
The Nd:YAG wavelength — 1064 nm — is a clinically confirmed, effective pulse wavelength used to contract collagen fibres and initiate the formation of new collagen molecules. The super-long PIANO mode extends Nd:YAG pulses beyond the parameters available on other lasers, and suits cases where even, high-volume heating of the dermis is needed to achieve tightening, firming and lifting without damaging the epidermis. The PIANO system is also used to treat fresh scars (e.g. post-surgical). The mode's main applications are laser skin remodelling and firming, treatment of skin laxity, scar treatment and deep thermolifting.
PIANO thermolifting is part of our Fotona laser lifting portfolio — alongside Fotona 4D, SMOOTH lifting, endolifting and SmoothEye. In total, we have performed 25,931 laser treatments.
Source: Versum and Booksy reports, as at 30 June 2026.
How deep PIANO thermolifting works
Nd:YAG 1064 nm
A wavelength clinically confirmed to contract collagen and initiate the synthesis of new fibres.
Ultra-long PIANO pulse
An extended pulse available only on Fotona — even, high-volume heating of the dermis without damaging the epidermis.
Temperature 40–45°C
Reaching this temperature at the skin's surface warms the deeper fibres, contracting them and triggering neocollagenesis.
PIANO is Nd:YAG laser thermolifting. It differs from the SMOOTH mode (Er:YAG 2940 nm) — it works deeper and across a larger volume of tissue. We also offer generic 'facial thermolifting' using infrared technology — see NIR thermolifting.
When it's worth having PIANO thermolifting
What PIANO Thermolifting helps with
Below, we explain how PIANO thermolifting may be used to address skin laxity and loss of facial definition.
Not sure which treatment is right for your concern? Explore the concerns we treat or ask us during a consultation.
Choosing between PIANO thermolifting (Nd:YAG laser) and NIR thermolifting (infrared)? Book a consultation and we'll help you choose the right technology.
Book a consultationWhat the research shows about Nd:YAG 1064 nm thermolifting
The long-pulse 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser is one of the best-studied non-ablative skin-firming methods. The studies below relate to Nd:YAG technology — the mechanism shared by PIANO mode. Source: PubMed.
Wrinkles and elasticity
Four weeks after a course of long-pulse Nd:YAG treatments, the average wrinkle score fell by 45.1%, skin elasticity improved significantly, and histology confirmed an increase in collagen and elastic fibres.
PubMed →Durability of the effect
A study of non-ablative, long-pulse 1064 nm Nd:YAG assessed wrinkle reduction at 2, 4 and 6 months, documenting progressive improvement over time.
PubMed →New collagen with no damage to the epidermis
Non-ablative 1064 nm Nd:YAG remodelling induces the formation of new collagen in the dermis without damaging the epidermis.
PubMed →The cited studies relate to 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser technology in general, not to a specific device brand. The number of sessions is set individually by a specialist; results may vary.
What a PIANO thermolifting session looks like
The treatment itself involves exposing the chosen area to Nd:YAG pulses to warm the skin evenly and deeply, following a specific protocol. The key is reaching a temperature of 40–45°C at the skin's surface, which warms the collagen fibres in the deeper layers and stimulates neocollagenesis. The laser runs for around 20 minutes and is comfortable for most patients — you'll feel a pleasant warmth. Afterwards, redness may appear, lasting up to an hour at most; there is no peeling and no downtime. The treatment can be carried out all year round.
Medical history
The specialist rules out contraindications and plans the treatment areas.
Heating protocol
Nd:YAG exposure to reach 40–45°C at the skin's surface.
Neocollagenesis
Deep collagen fibres contract and are stimulated to rebuild.
Straight back to your day
Redness for up to an hour; no peeling and no downtime.
Aftercare advice — PIANO thermolifting
The treatment involves no downtime. Redness from the thermal heating lasts up to an hour at most. Even so, it's worth taking good care of your skin over the following days.
Protect from the sun (SPF 50+)
For at least 4 weeks, keep the treated area out of the sun and use a high-factor sunscreen.
Avoid heat and exertion
For 5 days, skip the sauna and intense exercise that dilates blood vessels.
Gentle skincare
Use gentle cleansers and soothing creams; avoid exfoliants and alcohol-based toners.
Keep skin hydrated
Good hydration supports the lifting effect between sessions.
Results build for up to 12 months
Wrinkles soften gradually for a year after the first session — stick with the full course.
This is general information for educational purposes. Detailed advice is given by your specialist; results and healing vary from person to person.
See the clinic and the process — PIANO thermolifting
Real photos from our Velvet Skin Clinic locations in Warsaw (Świętokrzyska — City Centre, Niepodległości — Mokotów).
PIANO Laser Thermolifting — price in Warsaw
The price depends on the area treated. A single session already gives a firming effect, but a course of 3–5 (up to 6) sessions every 4–6 weeks is recommended for a full, lasting result. We plan the course at your consultation.
Key parameters
See also — lifting and thermolifting at Velvet Skin Clinic
SMOOTH Laser Lifting
Non-ablative Er:YAG lifting for thin, lax skin with no pronounced wrinkles.
ViewNIR Thermolifting (Alma)
Generic facial thermolifting using infrared technology — an alternative to laser.
ViewFotona 4D Laser Lifting
A comprehensive, four-dimensional facial lift combining Fotona's modes.
View„I had firming treatments for my face and neckline and I'm pleased, they're effective. Recommended. (translated from Polish)"
Gabriela N. · 2024review from Google„Top-level facelift treatment, recommended. (translated from Polish)"
Anna W. · 2024review from Google„Professional approach, yet completely natural at the same time. The visit went very smoothly, and the whole thing took place in very calm conditions. Nothing was done carelessly, everything had its time. Standards like this are rare to find these days. (translated from Polish)"
Patrycja C. · 2025review from GoogleContraindications for Fotona treatments
Every case is assessed individually by a specialist. Alongside temporary contraindications (recent tanning, retinoids, antibiotics, cold sores), the following absolute contraindications apply:
Frequently Asked Questions — PIANO thermolifting
What is PIANO laser thermolifting?
PIANO is an ultra-long-pulse Nd:YAG (1064 nm) laser mode available only on the Fotona system. It heats the dermis evenly and in high volume to 40–45°C, contracting collagen fibres and stimulating their renewal. The result is a lifting and firming effect with no damage to the epidermis.
How does PIANO differ from NIR thermolifting?
PIANO is laser thermolifting (Nd:YAG 1064 nm), working precisely and deeply. NIR thermolifting uses infrared technology (a different device). Both methods firm the skin with no downtime — the specialist chooses the right technology at your consultation, depending on your needs and the area treated.
How does PIANO differ from SMOOTH lifting?
SMOOTH is an Er:YAG laser (2940 nm) that works from the epidermis down to the dermis using a triple pulse. PIANO is Nd:YAG (1064 nm), for high-volume, deep heating of a larger tissue volume. PIANO works well for medium and deep wrinkles and for fresh scars.
Does PIANO thermolifting hurt?
The treatment is comfortable for most patients — you'll feel a pleasant warmth. Afterwards, redness may appear for up to an hour at most. There's no peeling and no downtime, so you can get straight back to your daily activities.
How many PIANO sessions are needed, and when will I see results?
A single session already gives a firming effect, but a course of 3–5 (up to 6) sessions every 4–6 weeks is recommended for a full, lasting result. Wrinkles soften gradually for up to 12 months after the first session, as collagen rebuilds.
How much does PIANO thermolifting cost?
Prices start from 1 000 zł and depend on the area treated. We confirm the exact price at your consultation. You'll find the full price list on our pricing page, and you can book a consultation online or by phone.
Treatments are performed by our cosmetologists
Treatments at Velvet Skin Clinic are performed by certified cosmetologists with many years of experience in laser therapy, hi-tech devices and skincare treatments. After your consultation, we match the method and the specialist to your skin and your goals.
Book your treatment — PIANO laser thermolifting
ul. Świętokrzyska 30
00-116 Warszawa · opposite the Palace of Culture and Science
tel. 500 53 30 30
Check what the research says
The publications behind this treatment — with PMID identifiers and an evidence-strength rating.