Q-Switched: Laser Tattoo Removal and Skin Rejuvenation Treatment
Q-Switched laser therapy is best suited for patients seeking to remove tattoos, brown spots, freckles or wrinkles from their skin. The laser works by quickly pulsing energy into the skin that triggers the release of pigment into the skin so it can be naturally reabsorbed and disposed of by the body. It is an effective, non-invasive method for removing tattoos and other unwanted skin issues without scarring.
What is Q-Switched Laser Therapy?
Q-Switched lasers differ from traditional lasers in that they deliver a pulse that is measured as a billionth of a second, instead of a continuous beam. This method of laser therapy allows the energy to be concentrated into very powerful, precise pulses. These pulses are so powerful that they can shatter tiny fragments of ink from tattoos, stimulate collagen production and even kill fungus.
Another benefit to Q-Switched Laser Therapy is that since it works with such precision and the laser energy is in the skin for mere nanoseconds, it does not damage the surrounding skin-meaning less downtime and risks for patients. Only the targeted tattoo ink or hyperpigmentation is heated up and shattered by the laser while surrounding tissues stay unaffected. With Q-Switched Laser Therapy, you can remove tattoos (or excess melanin) without unwanted side effects.
What should I expect from Q-Switched Laser Therapy?
Q-Switched Laser Therapy delivers outstanding results for patients desiring to remove tattoos or fade scars and wrinkles. A single treatment usually removes 75-100% of an individual brown spot. On some occasions, a second treatment may be necessary to completely remove unruly tattoos or hyperpigmentations.
The actual laser treatment happens in the comfort of our office and patients will receive a topical anesthetic to numb the area before undergoing a tattoo removal procedure. Patients describe the laser as feeling like many tiny hot dots on the skin. This discomfort is greatly reduced by a stream of cold air coming from the device directly on to the treatment area.
Unlike continuous-wave lasers that can cause scarring, Q-Switched lasers are far less likely to cause scarring due to the precise nature of the laser placement. The laser light is selectively absorbed by the tattoo ink particles, leaving the surrounding skin tissue unharmed.
In the days and weeks following a Q-Switched laser treatment, the body's natural immune response flushes away the shattered ink or unwanted pigment particles, causing the tattoo or dark spot to fade.
Is Q-Switched Laser Therapy right for me?
Q-Switch is ideally suited for tattoo removal or addressing small areas of hyperpigmentation. If you are looking to remove freckles or a large number of scars or sunspots, you may be better suited for BroadBand Light therapy, IPL therapy or Halo laser therapy.
The Q-Switched laser is most commonly used for:
- Tattoo Removal
- Skin Rejuvenation (reverses the signs of aging by increasing collagen production)
- Pigmented Lesions (age spots, sun spots, birthmarks, freckles, moles, etc.)
- Toenail Fungus
No matter what skin issue you are facing, Dermatology Associates of Plymouth Meeting, P.C. is here to help you achieve your goals. We offer many other technologies for skin rejuvenation that, when combined with Q-Switched laser therapy, produce optimal results. As a leader in laser skin resurfacing, we also offer Picosecond laser-a similar therapy to Q-Switched laser therapy that may be a better option for you depending on the severity of your skin issues and your goals.
When you visit our office for your initial consult, your pre-existing conditions will be assessed for free via the Canfield VISIA Camera System, which provides our dermatologists with an in-depth view of your skin and the ability to foresee potential skin problems. After a thorough review of your skin issues and goals, we will work together with you to develop a customized plan to achieve your healthiest skin possible.
Schedule your appointment at Dermatology Associates of Plymouth Meeting, P.C. for more information on how Q-Switched laser therapy can remove tattoos and improve your skin. We are eager to develop a customized plan to help you achieve healthier, clearer skin.