Q SWITCH LASER
The Q-Switch laser produces 2 wavelengths, one in the infrared range that penetrates deeply into the skin without injuring the top layer of skin and a second beam of that is useful for superficial skin lesions. Q-switching refers to the technique of making the laser produce a high intensity beam in very short pulses.
The laser can be used to rejuvenate many areas of the body including the face, neck, chest, and back.
Q-Switch Laser Treatment Conditions
- Sun damaged skin
- Wrinkles
- Pigment
- Nevus of Ota
- Café-au-lait lesions
- Solar lentigines
- Uneven skin tone and texture
- Enlarged pores
- Melasma
Q-Switch Laser Benefits
- Removes brown age and liver spots (lentigines)
- Removes freckles
- Removes brown birthmarks and Nevus of Ota
- Minimize fine lines and wrinkles
- Improves skin tone and texture
- Stimulates new collagen synthesis to improve skin tone
- Safe for all skin colors and types
The high-speed light energy is released in a series of very fast (nanosecond) pulses, which microscopically vibrate and shatter the pigment into tiny particles deep within the skin. These particles are then naturally reabsorbed and disposed of by the body.
The Q-Switch laser’s energy also targets the building blocks of healthy skin, stimulating new collagen growth to replenish the collagen we lose as we age.
For more aggressive treatment of advanced photodamage, a physician can change the settings of the Q-Switch laser. After this one-time procedure, the skin will appear slightly red, like sunburn, for a few days.
This more advanced treatment is appropriate for patients with light to medium skin tones and significant photodamage including large brown “sun spots,” an increased number of moderate wrinkles, and a ‘leathery’ texture.
The laser can also be used to treat deeper pigment problems, including melasma.
The Q-Switch works very well in combination with the PicoSure Focus or SmartSkin CO2 fractional resurfacing laser to reduce the most common types of acne scarring. The laser’s energy stimulates collagen remodeling, and over time the appearance of acne scarring is minimized.
Download the pre and post-treatment instructions form and learn what do to before and after your treatment.
Remember to sign the form and bring it with you to your appointment.
The laser can be used to rejuvenate many areas of the body including the face, neck, chest, and back.
After treatment you may experience mild to moderate redness, which is common and should resolve itself within a couple of hours.
For the more aggressive treatment, skin gets darker to the point of scabbing and then flakes off with 5 to 7 days of treatment date.
Patients will feel a difference in the texture of their skin after the first treatment with the Q-Switch laser. Because collagen takes time to grow, you will continue to see improvement over the next few weeks.
After 4-6 sessions, you’ll notice a dramatic improvement, including smaller pores, more even skin tone and softer texture. Many patients choose to have monthly or quarterly touch-up sessions to maintain their results.
Results will vary from patient to patient. Continued aftercare including sunblock and adequate skin care products will be important as well as maintenance treatments to help sustain the results.
For those dealing with melasma, it can be challenging to treat and long term remissions are difficult to achieve. Mill Creek Skin & Laser Center will work with you to develop an effective treatment regimen combined with a medical grade skin care regime to help you successfully treat and manage your melasma.
