For appointments: 1 203 661 7546|40 West Elm Street, Greenwich CT 06830
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For appointments call 1 203 661 7546

Q-switched Neodymium YAG laser

Visit our Dermatology Clinic in Greenwich, Connecticut

Request a consultation

THE INDICATIONS

  • Brown age spots
  • Dark freckles on the face, lip or body
  • Birth marks such as nevus of Ota and Becker’s nevus
  • Artistic tattoos, especially the black and brown colors
  • Accidental tattoos with lead, gravel etc.
  • Some skin discolorations due to drugs

THE SCIENCE

  • The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser emits 2 wavelengths at 532 and 1064nm.
  • These wavelengths are preferentially absorbed by dark pigment. When the light beam reaches its target, the pigment undergoes a sort of micro explosion. The microscopic debris is then cleared away by macrophages, the skin’s natural scavengers.

THE TREATMENT

  • The skin is cleansed and appropriate eye protection is provided
  • The beam is then aimed at the pigmented lesion in a pulsed mode.
  • Individual lesions do not require local anesthesia.
  • Large areas may require prior application of a numbing cream.
  • Each pulse feels like the snapping of a rubber band.
  • There is an immediate darkening of the lesion following treatment. This is followed by formation of a thin scab which falls off within 1 week for facial and 2 weeks for non-facial treatment areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

This is a helpful procedure for the removal of tattoos and hair, vascular lesions such as varicose veins and birthmarks, fungal infections of the nail, and the smoothing of wrinkles.

You will usually receive topical anesthesia that numbs the area that is being worked on. This is more common for longer sessions, and may not be necessary for quick procedures.

Some patients liken the laser to getting briefly snapped on the skin with an elastic band. Others report feeling small pin pricks or a slight tingling sensation. If this sounds uncomfortable, don’t worry. We apply a cooling substance to the skin to minimize these side effects.

You are encouraged to wear a bandage on the area for a few days after the procedure. Avoid scrubbing or itching the surface or using any abrasive cleansers. To avoid skin discoloration or irritation, stay out of direct sun and wear protective clothing when you need to go outside.