Q-Switched Laser

Signs of aging and pigmentation concerns, such as fine lines, sagging, birthmarks, and age spots, can be difficult to treat with at-home remedies. The Q-switched laser produces two wavelengths, one in the infrared range that penetrates deeply without injuring the top layer of skin, and a second wavelength that is useful for treating superficial skin lesions. Q-switching refers to the technique of using a high-intensity beam in very short pulses.

Why Choose Mill Creek Skin & Laser?

At Mill Creek Skin & Laser Center, Dr. Lin personally administers all laser treatments. Dr. Lin is very skilled in the field and has a broad knowledge of laser physics. He also has a reputation for being thorough and safe and stays current through continuing education and training.

Benefits

  • Removes brown age and liver spots
  • Removes freckles
  • Removes brown birthmarks
  • Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles
  • Improves skin tone and texture
  • Stimulates new collagen production
  • Safe for all skin colors and types

Procedure

The high-speed laser energy is released in a series of short pulses, which cause pigment cells to vibrate and shatter into tiny particles. The particles are then naturally reabsorbed and disposed of by the body. The Q-switched laser energy also helps stimulate new collagen growth to improve skin tone and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

More aggressive settings can be used to address advanced sun damage. 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 more significant pigment concerns, such as melasma.

Recovery and Results

After treatment, you may experience mild to moderate redness, which is common and should resolve within a couple of hours. After more aggressive treatment, patients may experience redness similar to a sunburn. The treated area will then darken to the point of scabbing and flake off within five to seven days.

Patients will feel a difference in the texture of their skin after the first treatment. Because collagen takes time to develop, you will continue to see improvement over the next few weeks.

After four to six 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.

What Our Clients Say

FAQs

Results will vary from patient to patient. Continued aftercare, including sunblock and adequate skincare, is important, and maintenance treatments may help prolong your results.

Melasma can be challenging to treat, and long-term results are difficult to achieve. Mill Creek Skin & Laser Center will work with you to develop an effective treatment plan combined with a medical-grade skincare regimen to help you treat and manage your melasma.

The laser can be used to rejuvenate many areas of the body, including the face, neck, chest, and back.

The Q-switched 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 Q-switched laser can address a variety of conditions, including the following:

  • Sun-damaged skin
  • Wrinkles
  • Pigment
  • Nevus of Ota (hyperpigmentation of the eye)
  • Café-au-lait lesions
  • Age spots
  • Uneven skin tone and texture
  • Enlarged pores
  • Melasma