This page is supervised and written by specialist physicians at IC Clinic.
Q-Switched YAG Laser Treatment: A Complete Guide
“What is the Q-switched YAG laser?”
“Can it remove pigmented spots, freckles, and moles?”
Do any of these questions sound familiar?
The Q-switched YAG laser is a medical laser device capable of addressing pigmentation concerns such as pigmented spots and freckles.
At IC Clinic, we offer the Spectra system, which may help address not only pigmented spots and freckles, but also deeper pigmentation such as melasma, as well as overall skin quality improvement.
This page explains the features of the Q-switched YAG laser and the benefits you may expect from treatment.
We tailor treatment plans to each individual patient and focus on delivering meaningful results.
We will carefully listen to your concerns and symptoms, so please book a consultation using the button below.
What Is the Q-Switched YAG Laser?
The Q-switched YAG laser is a medical laser device used to treat pigmentation issues such as pigmented spots, moles, and freckles.
Laser light is directed at the area of concern, targeting melanin pigment while minimizing damage to the surrounding healthy skin.
The Q-switched YAG laser can utilize two wavelengths: 532 nm and 1064 nm.
This allows it to address pigmentation in the superficial layers of the skin—such as pigmented spots and freckles—as well as deeper pigmentation such as melasma.
What Is Q-Switching?
Q-switching is a method of laser delivery that controls the “pulse width”—the duration of each laser pulse—to concentrate energy precisely.
It delivers high energy in a very short time, allowing the appropriate level of energy to be directed specifically at melanin pigment.
Because the energy is directed at melanin pigment only, it can address pigmented spots and freckles while minimizing impact on healthy surrounding skin.
However, some Q-switched laser devices have inconsistent pulse widths.
For effective treatment of pigmented spots and freckles, it is important to use a medical laser device such as the Spectra that delivers high energy with a uniform pulse width.
What Is the Difference Between a YAG Laser and a Ruby Laser?
Q-switched laser treatment devices include two main types: the “YAG laser” and the “ruby laser.”
The differences between them are as follows.
| YAG Laser | Ruby Laser | |
|---|---|---|
| Wavelength | 532 nm, 1064 nm | 694 nm |
| Features | ・Capable of high-power rapid continuous delivery ・Targets melanin pigment while minimizing impact on surrounding tissue ・Lower risk of pigment loss ・Well-suited for addressing deeper pigmentation | ・High absorption rate by melanin ・Can deliver pulses at a width well-suited to targeting pigmented spots ・Better suited than the YAG laser for pigmented spot removal treatments |
The YAG laser can deliver treatment using two different wavelengths, allowing it to be adapted for a wide range of conditions.
The ruby laser, while unable to deliver as high an output, may be better suited than the YAG laser for addressing pigmented spots specifically.
What Skin-Rejuvenating Benefits Can the Q-Switched YAG Laser Offer?
Q-switched YAG laser treatment devices include mainly the following three types.
- Spectra
- Pico Laser
- TriBeam
Among these, our clinic offers the Spectra.
The Spectra can treat using two wavelengths—532 nm and 1064 nm. The main benefits that may be expected from Spectra treatments are the following three.
- Removal of pigmented spots, moles, and melasma
- Improvement of birthmarks and blemishes
- Skin-beautifying benefits such as pore tightening
A notable feature is that it may also support skin quality improvement such as pore tightening. When the Spectra is used for peeling purposes, this is referred to as a “laser facial.”
Below, we explain each of these benefits in further detail.
Removal of Pigmented Spots, Moles, and Melasma
The Q-switched YAG laser can address not only pigmented spots and moles, but also melasma.
In the past, treating melasma was generally avoided due to the high risk of worsening the condition. However, the Q-switched YAG laser can deliver high-power laser energy with a uniform pulse width, making it suitable for melasma treatment as well.
When pigmented spots, freckles, and melasma are present together, Q-switched YAG laser treatment may be a suitable option.
Improvement of Birthmarks and Blemishes
The Q-switched YAG laser may help improve brown, black, and blue birthmarks or blemishes.
Birthmarks and blemishes occur in the subcutaneous tissue, which lies in the deeper layers of the skin.
Using the 1064 nm wavelength, the Q-switched YAG laser can reach the subcutaneous tissue. The disrupted melanin pigment forms a scab, which then naturally separates from the skin.
Skin-Beautifying Benefits Including Pore Tightening (Also Beneficial for Acne)
The Spectra Q-switched YAG laser may also offer skin-beautifying benefits such as pore tightening and acne improvement.
It may also help reduce acne inflammation and support sebum balance, contributing to a smoother skin appearance.
What Is the Q-Switched YAG Laser Treatment Process? Post-Treatment Progress
Q-switched YAG laser treatment is carried out in the following steps.
- Consultation
First, we will listen carefully to your concerns. We will discuss your individual goals—such as removing pigmented spots or freckles—and work with you to decide on a treatment plan. - Treatment
Makeup is removed beforehand, and treatment is then performed. You may feel a sensation similar to small sparks on the surface of your skin. - Aftercare
After treatment, the skin surface is cleaned, and the treated area is protected with gauze or tape. Please keep the tape in place for several days.
A scab will form after treatment and will naturally separate within a few weeks, revealing clearer skin underneath. Forcing the scab off may cause pigmentation to remain, so please allow it to come off on its own.
A thin layer of brown skin may also appear after treatment. This layer will naturally peel away over time, revealing skin of normal color, so please take care not to remove it forcibly.
For overall skin rejuvenation and skin quality improvement, milder treatments such as laser facial and toning are also available.
Q-Switched YAG Laser (Spectra) Pricing
Pricing for Q-switched YAG laser treatment at our clinic varies depending on the plan and number of sessions.
Please refer to the relevant price list below based on your concern.
- Skin Radiance & Firmness Price List
- Pigmented Spots & Melasma Price List
- Acne Scars (Redness) Price List
- Redness / Facial Redness Price List
- Body Hyperpigmentation Price List
- Clogged Pores Price List
※ Suitability for birthmark/blemish treatment and associated pricing are subject to individual consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Q-Switched YAG Laser Treatment
Below, we answer some frequently asked questions about Q-switched YAG laser treatment.
Pigmentation such as pigmented spots and freckles often shows improvement after a single session.
However, deeper pigmentation such as melasma may require more sessions.
Additionally, depending on individual constitution and the condition being treated, some pigmentation may remain after a single session. When multiple sessions are required, they are typically spaced 3 to 6 months apart.
The time it takes for a scab to form varies from person to person. In most cases, a scab will form over the treated area given time, so please monitor the area for a while.
If no scab has formed after several days, please feel free to contact us.
The Spectra can be used for tattoo removal.
However, since tattoo pigment is located in the deeper layers of the skin, multiple sessions may be required.
In most cases, Spectra treatment does not cause melasma to become darker.
However, depending on the condition and severity of the melasma, there is a possibility that the risk of melasma darkening may increase.
We assess each patient’s condition individually before proceeding, so if you are considering treatment for melasma, please consult with us first.
For Pigmented Spot and Melasma Removal with Spectra, Visit IC Clinic
The Q-switched YAG laser is a medical laser device designed to address pigmentation concerns. Its ability to deliver two different wavelengths allows it to target pigmented spots, moles, freckles, and more.
It may also help address deeper pigmentation such as melasma, as well as tattoo removal.
IC Clinic offers the Spectra as our Q-switched YAG laser system. Laser facial treatments may also support skin quality improvement.
If you are concerned about pigmented spots, melasma, or other pigmentation issues, please feel free to consult with IC Clinic.
