iRA Clinic

Q Switch Laser

Procedures

Q Switch Laser

A Q-Switched (aka Q-Switched Nd-Yag Laser) Laser is used in various procedures: the laser is a beam of energy at a specific wavelength (1064nm) which is applied to the skin and is absorbed by coloured pigments such as freckles, sun spots, age spots, etc. in the skin.

The power settings of the laser can be set at different levels and frequencies to accommodate your specific condition and expectations.

Who is it for?

The following are some common reasons why you may want to consider Q-Switched laser treatment:

  • Pigmented lesions such as ( freckles, sun spots, age spots, brown spots, melasma, birthmarks)
  • Acne marks
  • Fairer skin
  • Skin rejuvenation
  • Pimples and acne
  • Tattoo removal
  • Vascular lesions
  • Dark lips

 

Pre-op essentials

The Q-switched laser is not appropriate for pregnant women or patients who have taken Accutane for the past six months. Persons with a history of cold sores or herpes simplex virus should not have this procedure until they are treated for these conditions.

In advance of your procedure, your surgeon will ask you to:

  • Stop smoking before undergoing surgery to promote better healing
  • Avoid taking aspirin, certain anti-inflammatory drugs, and some herbal medications can cause increased bleeding
  • Avoid unprotected sun exposure. Too much sun up to two months before the procedure can cause permanent irregular pigmentation in the treated areas. Discuss sun protection and acceptable sun exposure with your doctor.
  • Discontinue topical skin care products that might increase the risk of complications from laser

 

  • Regardless of the type of surgery to be performed, hydration is very important before and after surgery for safe recovery

 

What to expect during treatment

The laser energy feels like many tiny hot dots on your skin. The process is very tolerable.

  • Pigmentation– the laser energy is absorbed by the pigments (usually brown, or grey in colour). These pigmentation break off into smaller fragments and are naturally cleared away by the body and skin.
  • Acne marks– acne marks are caused by inflammation (the redness and pain) from pimples. The inflammation causes the skin to produce pigments. These pigments are cause of acne marks, which can be effectively removed with the laser.
  • Fairer skin– the colour of our skin is also determined by the amount of skin pigments. Darker skin people or people who go sun tanning often have more skin pigments. The laser, at the correct setting, helps lighten the skin tone and makes it fairer and brighter.
  • Skin rejuvenation– the laser uses its energy to remove dirt, dead skin cells, oil and superficial facial hair. Take this as a quick, effective and multi-purposed medical facial!
  • Pimples and acne– the laser energy can also kill P-acne, which is the bacteria that cause pimples and acne. At the same time, the laser energy also shrinks the oil glands in the skin and helps with oil control. Pimples and acne also tend to be less inflamed after laser treatments and this reduces the amount of acne marks after a breakout.
  • Tattoo removal– tattoo inks are foreign pigments introduced into the body. Like natural skin pigmentations, the laser energy breaks down the tattoo ink and removes the tattoo.

After Treatment

If the area being treated is the face, make sure to tell your doctor if you have a history of cold sores on herpes simplex because laser energy may activate the virus. Be aware that you will have crusts on the treated area for a few days to 2 weeks (if on the legs, it may even be 3-4 weeks).

We recommend that you treat these with plain vaseline or petroleum jelly and keep them covered with bandages until they are healed, as this speeds the healing. Although you can use makeup over the treated areas, they may be difficult to cover with makeup. Otherwise no preparation is necessary.

You feel a burning sensation on the treated area for several minutes or up to a few hours. The spots become red and form a crust that must be covered to heal optimally. The crust heals in 3 to 14 days, (longer for arms and legs) depending on the location and how well you care for it.

Nothing is 100%, but you can expect 70-90% clearance or lightening of your pigmentation.

  • Very high success for clearance of acne marks.
  • Prevention and treating of pimples and acne.
  • Less outbreaks in future.
  • Better oil control.
  • Fairer and brighter skin.
  • Complete clearance of tattoos (depending on ink colour).