The MedLite/RevLite Q-Switched laser are machines that were purposely built for aesthetic therapies. It is the latest technology and an evolution of the Q-Switch laser technology. It was built to treat the following;
- Epidermal Pigmented Lesions
- Dermal Pigmented Lesions
- Skin Rejuvenation
- Acne Scar Reduction
- Tattoo Removal
How does the Q-Switched Laser work?
We have to get a little technical when describing how lasers work – bare with us.
The Q-Switch creates a pulsed laser beam of higher peak power. A ‘pulsed’ laser refers to lasers that do not use a continuous wave of light (i.e. laser). By using a pulsed laser, the higher energy of the laser creates a “photo-mechanical” effect on skin pigmentation and tattoo inks. This effect safely ‘breaks’ the small particles that make up tattoo or skin lesions. Once broken up, our own body’s immune system will get rid of the particles. In other words, we will sweat or poop it out!
Unlike other lasers, the Q-Switched is completely safe to use on all skin types. This is because it is able to target the foreign particle that we want to get rid of without damaging the rest of the skin. Consequently, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is not likely after your q-switched treatments, even if you have a darker skin type.
What Wavelengths Are Used?
The MedLite/RevLite Q-Switched laser machines have two wavelengths in the one machine, these are: 532nm and 1064nm Nd:YAG. The 532nm is designed to treat surface lesions such as freckles and sun damage, whilst the 1064nm is suited for deeper pigments such as melasma and chloasma. These wavelengths add flexibility to your treatment options as we can tailor the treatments based on your skin’s requirements.
KTP Laser for Treatment of Superficial Pigmentations
KTP is an abbreviation for the chemical: Potassium titanyl phosphate. The KTP laser is generated by a neodymium (ND):YAG laser beam which is directed through a potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) crystal. This produces a beam of visible (green) light at a 532nm wavelength. We use this wavelength mainly for treating epidermal (superficial) pigmentation such as freckles and sun damage as well as red tattoo inks.
What Can We Treat With KTP?
Epidermal types of pigmentation are close to the surface of the skin (epidermal layer). They are usually caused or made worse by sun exposure and include:
The ND:Yag Laser for Treatments of Dermal Conditions
Unlike the KTP laser, the ND:Yag lasers uses a crystal of yttrium, aluminum, and garnet covered with neodymium ions. This combination creates an invisible laser beam at a wavelength of 1064nm. This is the wavelength necessary to reach the dermal layers of our skin without causing any damage to the surface of the skin.
Please note: this laser is safe and will not affect any internal organs. This laser will reach your dermal layer within your skin, however, cannot reach any further.
What Can We Treat With The ND:Yag?
With the 1064nm wavelength, we are able to treat deeper (dermal) pigmentations/conditions, such as;
Carbon Laser Treatment vs Q-Switched Rejuvenation
The carbon laser treatment (aka china doll facial) is actually performed using the q-switched laser. However, by adding the carbon peel to your rejuvenation treatments, it can target a variety of conditions that the q-switched treatment cannot target alone. This is because we can rub the carbon peel deep into the skin. The carbon then attaches to impurities in the skin. As the q-switched laser passes over the carbon, it is attracted to the foreign pigment (carbon) in the skin and draws it out – as well as the impurities it has attached itself to.
The conditions that the carbon laser treatment can treat that the q-switched cannot treat alone are:
- Uneven Skin Tone
- Blackheads
- Excessive Oil Production
- Dead Skin
- Epidermal Skin Brightening
Downtime
Downtime refers to the amount of time it will take after your treatment for your skin to heal. The downtime to each treatment will depend on which wavelength is required (532nm or 1064nm), as well as the setting required. For most conditions in which mild-moderate 1064nm settings are used, there is no downtime at all other than mild redness which lasts 10-30 minutes. The conditions in which mild-moderate settings are used include skin brightening, rejuvenation, enlarged pores, fine lines & wrinkles, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and melasma treatments.
Whilst the 1064nm laser is also used for purple & black tattoos, there is generally 1-7 days of downtime. This is because the laser is shattering the tattoo ink and allowing the bodies natural processes to remove the shattered ink.
When using the 532nm wavelength, there is 1-2 weeks of downtime associated. This is mostly used for red tattoos, sun damage, freckles, and some birthmarks. This is mostly because we are targeting the surface of the skin and in a similar way to tattoo removal, the laser is being attracted to foreign/excessive pigments in the skin.
How Do I Know Which Laser To Use?
We understand that it can be a struggle knowing which laser is best suitable for your skin and your skin conditions. At City Laser Clinic, we use a variety of medical graded equipment to treat a range of skin conditions. In addition to the Medlite/Revlite Q-Switched Laser, we also use the Fraxis CO2 Laser, Candela Alexandrite Laser, Vivace RF Microneedling, as well as a range of chemical peels.
We chose and use the MedLite & Revlite for most conditions because it is the most effective laser device currently available – particularly for darker skin types. It provides different wavelengths which means that we can treat most skin types & conditions without causing adverse reactions.
For all first-time clients, we recommend coming in for a consultation with one of our therapists. In the consultation, our experienced laser therapists will be able to assess your unique skin conditions. After examining your skin type and conditions, we can then better indicate which laser(s) treatment would be most efficient in treating you.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time.
