Procedure
Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser
Also called Q-switched laser, Laser toning, Carbon peel, Tattoo removal, Laser for pigmentation
A laser that targets pigment, used for laser toning, pigmentation and tattoo removal.
At a glance
Who it affects
People asking about pigmentation or tattoos.
What you notice
Pigmented marks and tattoos differ by cause, depth, colour and skin type.
What may help
The laser may lighten selected pigment; sessions and response vary.
What is Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser?
The Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser is a specific laser which targets various types of pigment in the skin, and is used to lighten pigmented lesions and tattoos. It uses two energy frequencies: 1064 nm to target deeper skin layers, and 532 nm to address more superficial ones. Q-switching is a technique by which a laser is made to produce a pulsed output beam with a higher peak power than the same laser would produce running continuously.
What does it treat?
It is used to treat freckles, lentigines, age spots, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and tattoos. Used for tattoos, it acts most effectively against darker inks; green and yellow ink may respond less. The laser targets the ink pigment and breaks it into smaller particles through powerful bursts of energy; the ink is then absorbed into the bloodstream and eventually expelled from the body.
Another popular indication is laser toning, to improve tone and give firmness to the skin. A carbon peel can also be done using this laser.
What should you expect?
The area to be treated is numbed by applying a topical anaesthetic cream for 45 minutes to an hour. You will be given protective eyewear. The laser is then guided across the treatment area to deliver bursts of energy. Some discomfort can occur at this stage, but most patients handle the procedure very well.
What happens afterwards?
There will be redness, mild swelling and crusting of the treated area. Do not pick at the lesions; allow the scab to heal on its own. Use moisturisers liberally three times a day. Strict sun protection and the use of sunscreens for a week are advised. Avoid cosmetics and medical creams for a week, or as your dermatologist directs.
How many sittings are usually needed?
This depends on the condition being treated. On average you may need four to six sittings, once a month. For tattoo removal you may need up to ten sittings. The result also depends on the diagnosis, on the cause of the pigmentation and on your skin type, and it varies from person to person.
How the clinic approaches it
Your doctor may assess the diagnosis, cause and skin type first. Lightening and sessions vary.
Points to remember
- Avoid picking treated crusts.
- Protect the area from sun.
- Bring any prior treatment details.
Related pages
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