What is Q-Switched ND YAG Laser?
Q-Switched ND YAG Laser is a laser device that has 2 wavelength forms, which are 1,064 nanometers and 532 nanometers (Frequency-double mode), with a pulse width of 10–20 nanoseconds and a frequency of 10 Hertz, energy approximately 5–7 joules per square centimeter. It is used effectively in the treatment of pigment abnormalities because this type of laser acts to directly destroy abnormal pigment, especially pigment that appears blue to dark black. The laser light can penetrate beneath the skin approximately 1–1.5 millimeters, therefore it is suitable for destroying deep dark pigmentation in the dermis layer effectively.
What conditions can Q-Switched ND YAG Laser treat?
- Dark lips
- Eyebrow tattoo, tattoos on body areas
- Freckles that appear as circular patches (Solar Lentigines)
- Deep freckles at the cheekbone areas on both sides (Nevus of Ota or Hori’s nevus)
How many sessions are required for Q-Switched ND YAG Laser treatment?
- For dark lip problems, it is recommended to undergo at least approximately 3 sessions, each session spaced 1–2 weeks apart. The dark pigmentation can improve up to 70–80%.
- For tattoos, it is recommended to undergo approximately 3–5 sessions, each session spaced 2 weeks apart. This depends on the depth of the tattoo and the amount of pigment injected into the skin. This type of laser can remove tattoos well if they are black, brown, blue, and red, but cannot treat tattoos that are green and yellow.
- For freckles that appear as circular patches (Solar Lentigines), only one session can reduce the pigmentation by up to 80%, while deep freckles at the cheekbone areas on both sides should be treated at least 3 times, each session spaced approximately 4–6 weeks apart. After treating deep freckles, it is found that the treated area may become darker brown than before because the laser has destroyed the abnormal pigment-producing cells, causing fragmentation of pigment-producing cells into small parts that white blood cells can eliminate. When the body eliminates all of these pigments, the skin in that area will gradually return to normal, which takes approximately 2–3 months.