Treatment

Fractional Q Switch ND YAG Laser Treatment

Laser stands for ‘light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation’.

Dermatologists use Q switch laser for various procedures. Lasers work by emitting high-intensity light with a single wavelength(with one colour )and unidirectional which target a particular tissue in the skin(called as chromophore).

The energy in the waves is absorbed by the chromophore in the skin and then destroys  it. In case of  Q switch Nd YAG  laser, the laser beam is absorbed by unwanted  melanin pigment inside the skin cells and melanocytes in controlled manner which breaks into micro fragments and then drained from the skin  by lymphatics and thereby reducing it slowly .

Q switch ND YAG laser is one of the most commonly used lasers.

Worried about your skin problem? Consult with the best of our skin care clinic in Pune. For a Q switch laser treatment, book an appointment slot with our dermatologists near you +919584584111

Table of Content

Lasers can treat: Q switch laser treatment

How does the procedure work? 

Q-switched Nd YAG laser treatment cost

Possible Complications

Lasers can treat: Q switch laser treatment

• Melasma
• Freckles
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• Acne
• Erythema
• Post-traumatic inflammation
• Enlarged pores
• Lentigo
• Cafe-au-lait spots
• Nevus
• Tattoo removal
• Post acne pigmentation

However, Q switch laser treatment is contraindicated in conditions such as:

• Pregnancy
• Active skin infections – bacterial, fungal, or viral such as herpes simplex
• Active skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema infection, skin cancer
• History of keloid scarring
• Allergic response to topical anaesthesia, antibiotics, or other medications
• Seizure disorder caused by bright light
• History of drug abuse
• Patients who have unrealistic expectations regarding the outcome of the treatment
• Patients who are unable or unwilling to follow post-treatment guidelines

Consultation:

• During the consultation, your doctor will first provide you with detailed information of the nature of your problem and your Q switch laser treatment options.
• Secondly, he will explain the risks, benefits, possible complications and expected outcomes of those treatments.
• Thirdly, he will take your detailed medical history and rule out any contraindications.
• Lastly and most importantly, he will discuss your treatment requests, the anaesthetic requirements and the likely treatment costs.

How does the procedure work? 

Pre-procedure: Q switch laser treatment

• Your doctor will explain the procedure to you step-by-step.
• He will address all your concerns.
• Subsequently, he will take your written consent for the procedure.
• Before the procedure, make sure to wash your face and clean away all makeup.
• You will be made to wear an eye shield to protect your eyes from the laser beams.
• Before starting the actual procedure, your doctor will first evaluate your response to “test spots”. He will wait for an appropriate period of time, during which he will observe the reaction of your skin.
• This helps to determine the treatment parameters, which take into account the patient’s skin type, tolerance of discomfort, potential allergic reactions and the efficiency of the Q switch laser treatment.
• Above all, they ensure that they provide the desired results but minimise negative effects.
• Your doctor will check that all equipment being used is sterilised. Likewise, he will be dressed in sterilised gloves and a mask.
• Thereafter, they will properly clean the treatment area and apply local anaesthesia to it.
• Depending on the results of the test spots, your doctor will adjust the treatment parameters accordingly.
• You may experience minor pain and a burning sensation and that is normal.
• They will use a cooling pad or chilled air before, during, and after the procedure to reduce discomfort and post-treatment redness and swelling.
• In case you experience excessive pain, they will discontinue the procedure and reevaluate.

Post-Procedure Care:

• Apply moisturizer twice a day to hydrate and moisturize your skin.  Similarly, hydrate your body by drinking plenty of water. It helps facilitate healing.
• Avoid direct sun exposure and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30.
• After that, you can wash it with water and avoid face wash for 2 days.
• Avoid friction of any kind over the treated area, so don’t rub over it, touch it frequently, or wear tight clothing.
• Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications and antibiotics to reduce pain, swelling, and the chances of infection (few cases of tattoo removal).
• Avoid cosmetic products containing retinoids for 3 days, and those containing alcohol for a week.
• Don’t use any exfoliating or peeling treatments for at least a week after treatment.
• start using any depigmenting or antiacne cream prescribed after 3 days of this procedure.
• Meanwhile, avoid hot baths, steam baths, saunas, and swimming in strongly chlorinated water.
• Likewise, avoid vigorous activities, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
  • Above all, any skin responses inform doctors immediately. Most of the time they are typically temporary and will subside.

To sum up, a laser session usually takes around 10 -15 min.

Moreover, it’s important to know that the effectiveness of the treatment is related to different factors. Such as:

• Your skin colour
• Skin type

In fact, you will require multiple treatment sessions at an interval of 2-8 weeks, depending on your indication for treatment.

Accordingly, the number of treatment sessions also varies. However, most patients require 4-5 sessions on average.

Consequently, some patients will receive excellent results.

On the other hand, a few patients may receive minimal benefit from q switch laser treatment.

However, most patients will fall between these extremes.

In short, it is important to understand that a range of results is possible. In fact, it is difficult to predict the clinical outcome of the procedure until treatment starts.

Q-switched Nd YAG laser treatment cost

One session of Q switch laser treatment costs between Rs. 3000 to Rs. 6000. The per-session cost varies based on the region of the skin that is to be treated, and the total cost of the treatment varies based on the number of sessions required. Laser treatment can be combined with other treatments to enhance the results. The Q switched Nd YAG laser is an FDA-approved machine, and the cost of Q switch laser treatment in India changes y based on where it is taken and the dermatologist who would administer the treatment.

Possible Complications

You should be aware of the risk of possible complications of q switch laser treatment:

• Pigmentary Changes

Transient Hypopigmentation: In most patients, the treated area loses pigmentation and becomes lighter in colour. This is temporary and may last up to 4 weeks.

Hyperpigmentation: There is some risk of increased pigmentation as a healing reaction. This is a very rare reaction with Q switched Nd YAG laser. However, if it occurs, it may last up to 3 to 6 months.

Doctors advise you to use sunscreen and medicated creams before and after the procedure. This can help prevent and reduce it.

• Allergic Reaction

Allergic reactions to Q-switch laser treatment are also possible, but very rare. Usually, these patients already have some allergy tendency and develop such reactions. In such cases, the procedure is contraindicated.

• Textural Changes

Your doctor will note and monitor for transient textural changes. However, they usually resolve within 5-7 days. Therefore, they are rarely permanent.

Consequently, longer treatment intervals are recommended if you are prone to textural or pigmentary changes.

• Persistent tattoos or pigmentation

In most cases, laser treatment provides positive results. However, at times some tattoo particles are located deep in the skin. Hence they may not be totally removed, even with repeated treatments.

As a result, these tattoos cannot normally be treated with a laser, or many repeated treatments may be needed to remove them.

Similarly, some pigmentary lesions, such as melasma, may also return after treatment.