What is a Q-switched laser?

The term Q-SWITCHED, meaning “switch Q”, refers to the type of pulse generated by the laser. Unlike common laser pointers that generate a continuous laser beam, Q-switched lasers generate laser beam pulses that last only a billionth of a second. Because the energy from the laser is emitted in such a short time, the energy is concentrated in very strong pulses.

 

Powerful, short pulses have two main benefits:
  • First, they are powerful enough to crush tiny pieces of melanin or pigment, stimulate collagen production, or even kill fungi. The chromatic particles of melanin, now broken down into tiny pieces, are then eliminated from the body through the lymphatic system.
  • Second, because the energy is only on the skin for nanoseconds, the surrounding tissue is not damaged. Only melanin is heated and destroyed, while the surrounding tissue remains unaffected. The shortness of the pulse is what allows these lasers to remove tattoos (or excess melanin, or kill fungus) without any side effects.

Many applications depend on the wavelength of light they produce. There are different types of crystals within lasers that cause them to produce different wavelengths.

The most common type of rod used is Nd: YAG, which produces wavelengths of 1064 nm and 532 nm. This is the most popular type because it can handle a wide range of tattoo colors and is effective for many other applications as well.

Q-switched lasers have powerful, advanced technology that has many applications.

In which cases is its use appropriate?
  • Removal of dark brown or black tattoos
  • Dark spots (sunspots, scars, Ota Nevus, Nevus of Ito, freckles, moles, cafe-au-lait spots, etc.)
  • Skin rejuvenation (increases collagen production to reverse the signs of aging)

The above treatment is carried out by Dermatologist-Venereologist Vasiliki Karampoiki in a partnering center with Dermatological Lasers.

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