Neodymium YAG
The Science
The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser emits 2 wavelengths at 532 and 1064nm.
These wavelengths are preferentially absorbed by dark pigment. When the light beam reaches its target, the pigment undergoes a sort of micro explosion. The microscopic debris is then cleared away by macrophages, the skin’s natural scavengers.
The Indications
Brown age spots
Dark freckles on the face, lip or body
Birth marks such as nevus of Ota and Becker’s nevus
Artistic tattoos, especially the black and brown colors
Accidental tattoos with lead, gravel etc.
Some skin discolorations due to drugs
The Treatment
The skin is cleansed and appropriate eye protection is provided
The beam is then aimed at the pigmented lesion in a pulsed mode.
Individual lesions do not require local anesthesia.
Large areas may require prior application of a numbing cream.
Each pulse feels like the snapping of a rubber band.
There is an immediate darkening of the lesion following treatment. This is followed by formation of a thin scab which falls off within 1 week for the face, 2 weeks off the face
