What is a laser?
The acronym “LASER” stands for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. A laser works by emitting a wavelength of high energy light, which when focused on a certain skin condition creates heat and destroys diseased cells. Lasers are differentiated by the medium that produces the laser beam.
What is a Q-switch Nd Yag laser?
Nd Yag (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet) is a crystal that is used as a laser medium for solid state lasers. The Q-switch Nd Yag laser produces 2 wavelengths, on in the infrared range (1064nm) and the second beam of 532nm wavelength which is useful for superficial skin lesions. Q-switching refers to the technique of making the laser produce a high-intensity beam in very short pulses.
What is a Q-switch Nd Yag laser used for?
It is used to treat a large variety of pigmentary skin conditions e.g. solar lentigines, freckles, naevus of Ota, naevus of Ito, lumbosacral melanosis, Hori’s naevus, café-au-lait macules, et cetera. It can also be used for laser tattoo removal, where it selectively destroys ink molecules that are then absorbed by macrophages and eliminated.
What are the pre-procedure preparations needed and how long is the post-procedure downtime after the laser treatment?
Our therapists will thoroughly cleanse your face. Depending on the procedure, numbing cream may be applied for approximately 20 to 30 minutes before the laser. Post-procedure downtime will largely depend on the type of procedure performed. This ranges from no downtime for laser toning treatments to slight redness and scabbing of the skin after a Q-switch Nd Yag pigment laser treatment. The scabs will gradually fall off after 5 to 7 days with clinical lightening of the treated pigment condition.
How many sessions will I need to see results?
This will largely depend on the type of pigment disorder being treated. This ranges from 1 to 2 sessions for freckles to up to 8 to 10 sessions for the treatment of Hori’s naevi.
What are the common side effects of Q-switch Nd Yag laser treatment?
Q-switch Nd Yag laser treatments are generally considered to be safe and do not produce any significant side effects. Possible side effects include e.g. pain, redness, swelling, itching, etc. These are usually self-limiting and resolve spontaneously.
