Q-Switched (Nd-YAG) Laser Treatment

What is a Q-switched laser treatment?

A Q-switched laser treatment uses a beam of energy at a specific wavelength (1064nm) which is applied to the skin and absorbed by colored pigments such as freckles and age spots. The power settings of the laser can be adjusted to different levels and frequencies to suit your specific condition and expectations.

What is it used for, and how does it work?

The Q-switched Laser is a versatile machine that can be used to target various concerns, including pigmentation, acne marks, pimples and acne, skin brightening, skin rejuvenation, and tattoo removal.

Drawing of a Woman with different uses of Q-Switched laser treatment pointing to different areas of the face

The laser energy is absorbed by the pigments (usually brown or grey). These pigments break into smaller fragments and are naturally cleared away by the body.

The laser uses its energy to remove dirt, dead skin cells, oil, and superficial facial hair. This can be considered a quick and effective multi-purpose medical facial.

Acne marks are caused by inflammation from pimples, which leads to the production of pigments. These pigments can be effectively targeted by the laser.

The laser energy can kill P. acnes bacteria, which is responsible for causing acne. Additionally, the laser energy helps shrink oil glands in the skin, aiding in oil control. Pimples and acne tend to be less inflamed after laser treatments, which can reduce the formation of acne marks after a breakout.

The colour of our skin is determined by the amount of skin pigments. People with darker skin or those who tan often have more skin pigments. The laser, when set correctly, can help lighten the skin tone, making it appear brighter.

Tattoo inks are foreign pigments introduced into the body. Similar to natural skin pigments, the laser energy breaks down the tattoo ink, aiding in the removal of the tattoo.

What should I expect when going through laser skin rejuvenation treatments?

Woman happy with the results of Q-Switched (Nd-YAG) Laser Treatment Skin Rejuvenation
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    High success rate for reducing acne marks
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    Significant clearance or lightening of pigmentation (70-90%)
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    Prevention and treatment of pimples and acne
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    Effective tattoo clearance (depending on ink colors)
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    Fewer outbreaks in the future
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    Improved oil control
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    Brighter skin

Frequently Asked Questions

The laser energy may feel like many tiny hot dots on your skin. Most patients find the process to be tolerable.

The Q-switched laser is effective with minimal downtime.

A mild pinkish flush might be present for about 15 minutes after the laser treatment. You can apply makeup immediately after the treatment and return to your regular activities.

The Q-switched laser is one of the most common laser procedures performed in Singapore.

Many clinics offer short and quick laser procedures using Q-switched lasers. The differences between a no-frills laser treatment and the usual Q-switched laser treatment include:

  • No-frills treatments are standardised for everyone and energy settings are not tailored to individual needs and expectations.
  • No-frills treatments are more frequent (sometimes even daily) compared to the usual Q-switched laser treatments due to their shorter duration per session.

Results: The usual Q-switched laser treatment offers a tailored program and laser settings for each individual, aiming for more effective clearance of pigmentation, pimples, or marks.

Safety: Everything should be done in moderation. The risk of side effects from no-frills laser treatments can be higher due to the increased number of sessions needed to achieve similar results. These side effects may 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 last about 12-15 minutes and are performed once every 3-4 weeks. This is more time-efficient compared to no-frills laser treatments, which last only 1-2 minutes each and may be advised up to 3-7 times a week.

Cost-effective: The cost of a usual Q-switched laser treatment in a clinic averages between $250 – $300. While no-frills laser treatments might seem cheaper (as low as $30 per treatment) due to a lower cost per session, they may end up being more expensive in total. The shorter duration (1-2 minutes per treatment) and increased number of treatments (30-50 treatments) required for no-frills laser treatments can result in a higher overall cost for similar results.

Yes, you can, as the Q-switched laser is a non-ablative laser.

Avoid sun exposure for the next 7-10 days and apply an adequate amount of sunscreen.

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