A Q-Switched Laser (aka Q-Switched Nd-Yag Laser) is used in various types of procedures. The laser is a beam of energy at a specific wavelength (1064nm) applied to the skin and absorbed by coloured pigments such as freckles, sun spots, age spots, etc. in the skin. This fragments the pigmentation and helps it get broken down by the body.
The power settings of the laser can be set at different levels and frequencies to accommodate specific conditions and expectations.
Q-Switched Laser Treatment is a gentle alternative, and requires less sessions than skin resurfacing procedures to achieve similar results. Thus, reducing the chances of side effects greatly. It does not cause the skin to become thinner.
The laser energy feels like many tiny hot dots on your skin. The process is very tolerable.
The best part of the Q-switched laser is that it is effective with no downtime! A mild pinkish flush might be present for about 15mins after the laser. You can put on make-up immediately after a laser treatment and go straight back to work!
The Q-Switched laser is the most common laser procedure performed in Singapore.
Many no-frills clinics have started offering short and quick laser procedures. These places are also using the Q-Switched lasers. The differences between a no-frills laser treatment and the usual Q-switched laser treatment are:
Results: Expect a tailored program and laser setting for each individual for more effective clearance of pigmentation, pimples or marks with the usual Q-Switched laser treatment.
Safety: Everything should be done in moderation. The risk of side-effects from no-frills laser treatments are greatly increased due the increased number of sessions you would have to go in order to see similar results. These side-effects include hypopigmentation (white patches on the skin) and hyperpigmentation (darker pigments due to over-stimulation of the skin).
Time saving: Usual Q-Switched laser treatments take 12 – 15mins and is done once every 3-4 weeks. This saves time compared to no-frills laser treatments which only last for 1-2mins each and you would be advised to do these treatments up to 3-7 times a week.
Cost-effective: The cost of a usual Q-switched laser treatment done in a clinic averages between $250 – $300. No-frills laser treatments might seem cheaper (as low as $30/treatment) due to a lower cost per treatment, but is in fact more expensive in total. The shorter duration (1-2mins/treatment) and increased number of treatments (30-50 treatments) required for a no-frills laser treatment will amount to higher cost for a similar result.
Avoid sun tanning for 7 days before and after the treatment. Also apply appropriate sunscreen.
Yes! The laser is non-ablative and does not interfere with your pregnancy.
You can – as the Q-Switched isn’t an ablative laser, it doesn’t thin your skin and you can do it while you are on Roaccutane.
The information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional or dermatologist before starting any new skincare routine or treatment, especially if you have existing skin conditions or concerns. Results may vary from person to person, and individual needs may require different approaches.
Dr Tan Ying Zhou, known as Dr YZ Tan, is the founder and Medical Director of Mizu Aesthetic Clinic.
His journey into aesthetics began with a medical degree from St. George’s, University of London, followed by an internship in Dermatology at the National Taiwan University Hospital.
Some of his favourite aesthetic procedures include nose augmentation and anti-ageing solutions, and he also serves as a trainer for emerging aesthetic doctors.
His philosophy revolves around personalised treatments tailored to each individual’s ageing concerns, aiming to transform the ageing process gracefully into a pleasant journey towards confidence and wellness.
