Q-Switched Nd:Yag Laser
Aesthetic Laser Therapy
The term LASER is an acronym
for Light Amplification by Stimulated
Emission of Radiation. Each laser
produces one specific wavelength of light. This
means each laser has just one target chromophore.
Common chromophores include melanin, haemoglobin
and water.
Lasers are extremely popular
in medical aesthetic practice. Their uses
include:
-
Treatment of Pigmentation
-
Removal of Tattoos
-
Skin Rejuvenation (Laser
Photorejuvenation) to lift and reduce the
depth of wrinkles and fine lines
-
Hair Removal
-
Shrink Blood Vessels
(Spider Veins, Broken Capillaries)
-
Laser Resurfacing
Simply Aesthetic has chosen
to acquire a Q-Switched Nd:Yag laser for its
multiple uses, thus adding a new dimension to
our rejuvenation and pigmentation treatment
services, as well as the ability to remove
tattoos.
Q-Switched Nd:Yag Laser
Treatment of
Pigmentation
The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser
specifically targets melanin in the skin and
offers effective treatment of certain congenital
pigmentary disorders e.g. naevus of Ota, certain
acquired pigmentary disorders e.g. moles, age
spots, freckles, lentigenes, naevus of Hori, etc
The melanosomes are
disrupted, releasing melanin, which is removed
by the lymphatic system. The surrounding skin is
undamaged.
Swelling and redness can be
seen after the treatment. This settles after a
couple of days. The pigmented area scabs up and
falls off after 5-7 days. The underlying skin
may appear pink, then develop normal colour over
time. Hyperpigmentation is a common occurrence
which can be minimized with sun protection and
whitening creams.
Laser Photorejuvenation
The Nd:Yag laser can be used
for rejuvenation in two ways. A general pass
over the entire face stimulates collagen
production in the mid-depth of the dermis (IPL's
rejuvenation effects are more superficial). A
pink glow is seen after 2-3 passes. The laser
beam can then be focused directly on areas with
wrinkles and fine lines for more intensive
stimulation.
Laser Photorejuvenation
produces a lifting effect in addition to
reduction of wrinkles and fine lines.
Laser Tattoo Removal
Lasers can
selectively treat tattoo pigment, often without
leaving any scar in its place. This is because
they do not actually burn the tattoo out.
Instead, the ink is fractured into tiny pieces
that are then removed from the skin by the
immune system. The advantage of this technology
is that there is less chance of scarring.
On average,
professional tattoos require 7-10 treatments,
while amateur tattoos may require 2-5
treatments, spaced approximately 6-8 weeks
apart. The number of treatments depends on the
amount and type of ink used and the depth of the
ink in the skin.
Laser Tattoo
Removal can be uncomfortable, even if local
anaesthetic cream is used. People have been
known to request for general anaesthesia in
order to tolerate the process. Various
pain relief options
are available at Simply Aesthetic, general
anaesthesia included.
Frequently Asked
Questions about Laser Therapy |
