The Q-switch laser is a unique and distinctive type of laser. It provides laser energy in very short bursts unlike other lasers that shoot a continuous laser beam. Q-Switch laser produces laser beam pulses that last only a billionth of a second. Accordingly, the energy is concentrated into very strong impulses without damaging the surrounding skin.
The shortness and strength of the pulse helps to break down pigmentation to small parts, stimulate collagen and kill fungi, which is not enjoyed by all other cosmetic lasers because of the insufficient energy emitted by them, which is why the Q-switch laser is appreciated for its effectiveness.
Q-switch laser Uses
Q-switch lasers have many uses for adjusting laser power settings at different levels and frequencies to suit the appropriate conditions of treatment and thus obtaining specific results and expectations.
- Treatment of some types of birthmarks such as Nevus of Ota
- Lighten and treat lip pigmentation affected by smoking and other factors.
- Lint bleaching.
- Treatment of tattoos and pigments of all kinds such as sun pigmentation, freckles, age spots, moles, birthmarks and melasma, as the Q-switch laser is a revolutionary technology in the treatment of pigmentation and tattoos in particular, the laser energy is absorbed through pigmentation, which leads to the breakdown and division of pigmentation into very small parts and then the body gets rid of them through the lymphatic system in the body.
- One session of the Q-switch laser can treat dark brown spots on the skin by 75% – 100%, as one session gives the skin a tremendous improvement and the results last for several years if preserved.
- Treatment of protrusion of veins, spider veins, telangiectasia and hemangiomas.
- Skin Rejuvenation Q-Switch laser enhances the inner layers of the skin and is recommended by doctors around the world for the treatment of skin wrinkles, it is also used to remove dirt, dead skin cells, oils and superficial facial hair.
- Treatment of acne scars and acne blisters, where the healing of acne blisters and infections results in skin pigmentation that leaves marks on the skin that can be effectively removed with a Q-switch laser.
As for the treatment of active acne, Q-Switch laser energy kills bacteria in acne and at the same time works to shrink the sebaceous glands in the skin and helps to control the amount of fat resulting from them in addition to relieving pimples after laser treatment, which helps to relieve the effects and signs of acne.
Features of Q-Switch Laser Therapy
- It tightens the face, removes sagging and removes dark spots.
- It removes acne scars and works on tissue recovery to give the patient radiant skin.
- Boosts self-esteem and gives the patient more youthful skin.
- Helps to unify skin tone and removes dead skin cells and dirt.
- Relieves unwanted hair growth and helps remove it permanently.
- FDA approved.
- It can be used to treat all skin types for both sexes.
- Side effects are mild and minimal as Q-Switch laser treatment ensures minimal side effects.
- Q-switch laser can be used to tighten and treat many areas of the body including the face, neck, chest and back.
What are the types of Q-switching?
There are several types where the crystal rods are characterized by crystals that control the light beam, giving different wavelengths of the Q-Switched laser. Wavelengths are determined and used according to the purpose of use and treatment.
For example, the YAG laser removes the pigmentation of black, blue, red and orange and is used to rejuvenate the skin and treat dark spots and various birthmarks. Ruby Laser treats black, blue, green and violet pigments. The Alexandrite Laser dyes black, blue and green and eliminates brown spots, brown birthmarks, scars and melasma.
Q-switch Laser Candidates
It is suitable for all people except those with active skin diseases, especially those who suffer from all types of pigmentation and sun damage problems.
Q-switch laser therapy should be avoided if the patient has any active bacterial, fungal or viral skin condition such as herpes simplex and active skin diseases such as Psoriasis and skin cancer. It is preferable not to use the treatment during pregnancy and lactation.
Q-switch Laser Therapy Method
The cosmetic doctor will explain to the patient the steps of treatment and the patient should wash the face and clean it from any cosmetic products. The doctor will make test points to assess the skin’s response and reaction to be able to determine the criteria for treatment. This takes into account the patient’s skin type and tolerability, possible allergic reactions, and the effectiveness of the treatment.
The doctor will definitely sterilize all the equipment used and work to properly clean the treatment area and apply local anesthetic to the target area. The patient may feel tingling and mild pain, which is normal. The doctor will use the cooling method before and during treatment to relieve pain, redness and swelling after treatment.
before treatment
Avoid harsh exfoliating cleaners, whitening creams, or retinoids (Retin-A) 3 days before treatment. No direct exposure to sunlight for two weeks with the use of sunscreen. You should also inform your doctor of any medications taken or used.
After Treatment
- Use sunscreen regularly with at least 50% SPF for several days after treatment.
- Avoid using retinol products for at least 5 days after treatment.
- Apply a moisturizing cream twice a day to keep the skin moisturized, as well as moisturizing the body by drinking plenty of water to help facilitate the recovery process.
- The doctor may prescribe some anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics to relieve pain and swelling.
- Avoid using cosmetics containing retinoids for 3 days.
- Avoid direct exposure to sunlight, hot baths, saunas and swimming for a week of treatment.
- Avoid contact with the treated area with anything, especially in case of tattoo treatment.
- Avoid using exfoliating treatments for at least a week after treatment.
- Avoid violent activities and smoking.
Recovery period
Q-switch laser therapy takes a week to recover without having to stop daily activities. The patient notices the appearance of redness that may last for 15minutes to several days and swelling in the treatment area. Some patients may experience very light bleeding. During the days the patient will notice skin peeling in the treated area. To avoid the appearance of scars, it is necessary to leave the crust without removing it until it disappears on its own. Cosmetics can be applied immediately after treatment and back to work.
Number of sessions
The number of treatments depends in part on the degree of damage caused by sunlight, pigmentation problems, and skin type. The patient usually needs 4-6 sessions of Q-Switch laser on average at the rate of 1 session per month. The laser session usually takes about 10 – 15 minutes.
Results
The results of Q-Switch laser therapy are often long-lasting and laser treatments such as age spot removal, freckles, capillary treatment, and other pigmentation problems are permanent. To maintain the results and treat the effects of aging, laser sessions should be performed every interval according to the plan of the attending physician.
Q-Switch laser therapy can be combined with other treatments for best results. but not at the same time on the same treated area.
