Q Switch (Nd:YAG) Laser Treatment

Q-Switch Laser is a laser technology that can help clear and remove stubborn pigmentation including melasma and chloasma caused by hormones and malfunctioning melanin in the skin. Q-Switch laser treatment is not only becoming increasingly popular for its results, but also for its non-invasive and no-downtime nature with fewer side effects compared to other laser treatment options for pigmentation and dark spots.

Dr Gerard Ee Profile Photo
Dr Gerard Ee

MBBS (UK), MRCS (Edinburgh), DP Dermatology (Cardiff)

What is Q-Switch Laser?

Q-Switch laser treatment utilises a high-intensity pulsed Nd:YAG laser that emits short bursts of light energy at specific wavelengths (1064nm and 532nm) capable of targeting and breaking down melanocytes (cells containing melanin or pigmentation) in the skin. This results in the lessening of skin pigmentation such as freckles, age spots, acne scars, and even tattoos. It is particularly relevant for individuals with pigmentation issues due to acne or sun damage. Additionally, Q-Switch laser treatment is generally safe for various skin types, making it a versatile option for those in Singapore seeking to improve their complexion.

Dr. Gerard Ee offers Q-Switch laser treatments in Singapore as a non-invasive treatment for various skin concerns. General information about the Q-Switch laser is available below with some guidelines for treatment; however, please note that these are general guidelines and individual results may vary. It is essential to consult with a medical doctor or accredited professional for a personalised assessment and treatment plan.

Purpose Pigmentation treatment, acne scar reduction, skin rejuvenation
Duration/Session 15-30 minutes per session
Recommended Sessions 4-6 sessions
Recommended Intervals 2-5 weeks between sessions
Potential Side Effects Mild redness, swelling, temporary darkening of pigmentation
Downtime Minimal

What Does Q-Switch Laser Treat?

Q-Switch laser treatment is able to address a range of skin concerns:

  • Acne & Scars: Reduces acne inflammation, shrinks enlarged visible pore size, and improves the appearance of acne scars.
  • Pigmentation & Melasma: Lightens and reduces the appearance of melasma, sunspots, age spots, and other forms of pigmentation or dark scars. It can also help with reducing dark eye circles and puffy under-eyes, shrinking moles and other lesions, or controlling rosacea and redness.
  • Skin Rejuvenation: Stimulates collagen production for smoother, brighter skin. This can help decrease fine lines and wrinkles on the face and neck, improve skin laxity, and prevent other visible signs of ageing.
  • Tattoo Removal: Breaks down tattoo ink for gradual fading and removal.

Causes of Skin Pigmentation

Skin pigmentation refers to areas of darkened or deeper colouring in the skin. It occurs when melanin, the natural pigment that gives our skin its colour, is overproduced or distributed unevenly. This can lead to dark spots, patches, or uneven skin tone.

Several factors can contribute to skin pigmentation, and common causes of it in Singapore include excessive sun exposure, hormonal changes (e.g. during pregnancy or menopause), post-inflammatory scarring e.g. from acne, injuries, eczema, or burns), and ageing. Genetics and certain medications can also increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight and UV exposure, contributing to increased pigmentation.

If you’re concerned about skin pigmentation or melasma, Dr. Gerard Ee offers various treatments, including Q-Switch laser and fraxel laser treatment to address these concerns and help you achieve a more even and radiant complexion.

How Does Q-Switch Laser Treatment Remove Pigmentation?

The Q-Switch laser emits high-intensity pulsed light energy at wavelengths of 1064nm and 532nm which are the same wavelengths as the melanocytes (cells containing melanin) in the deeper dermis layer of the skin. This creates a “photo-mechanical” effect on pigmentation where the laser’s energy is selectively absorbed by targeted melanocytes, breaking down the melanin (pigmentation) within into smaller particles. These particles are then naturally eliminated by the body’s immune system.

This process helps gradually fade skin pigmentation, freckles, age spots, and even tattoo inks, leading to a more even skin tone. Moreover, Q-Switch laser treatment is also able to stimulate collagen production. The new collagen proteins mature and contract, tightening the skin and helping reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Benefits of Q-Switch Laser Treatment

Q-Switch laser treatment offers numerous benefits including:

  • Pigmentation Reduction: Reduces the appearance of melasma, sunspots, and other forms of pigmentation. Over the course of multiple treatments, unwanted pigment is suppressed and lightened – resulting in a more even and brighter skin tone.
  • Acne Prevention: Helps to control acne by targeting the bacteria that cause breakouts.
  • Improves Skin Clarity: Promotes a brighter and more even skin tone through the subtle heating of dermal layers through laser, which stimulates collagen regeneration whilst refining skin texture. This can also help reduce pore size, improve fine lines, fade marks left by acne, and reduce redness, leaving the skin rejuvenated.
  • Non-Invasive & Minimal Downtime: Requires no surgery and involves minimal downtime, allowing you to resume your daily activities quickly. Q-Switch laser can also be used anywhere on the face – including to decrease eye puffiness and dark circles – as well as to firm and treat the neck.

Learn More About Dr Gerard Ee

MBBS (UK), MRCS (Edinburgh), DP Dermatology (Cardiff)

Dr Gerard Ee is a medical aesthetic doctor specialising in acne laser treatments in Singapore. He earned his medical degree (MBBS) from St George’s University of London before pursuing further training and becoming a member of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) in Edinburgh. He has also attained DP Dermatology from Cardiff University and worked in Singapore General Hospital (SGH), National University Hospital (NUH), and Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.

Dr Ee has accreditations in applications of Botox, fillers, lasers, and light therapy for medical aesthetic purposes. His areas of expertise include:

  • Acne and Acne Scar Treatment
  • Medical Aesthetics
  • Skin Rejuvenation
Dr Ee believes in building strong relationships with individuals based on trust and open communication. He takes the time to understand their concerns and goals, creating personalised treatment plans tailored to their specific needs. He is committed to providing a comfortable and supportive environment where patients of all ages, genders, and backgrounds feel empowered to make informed decisions about their skin health and appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Q-Switch Laser

Melasma is a challenging pigmentation condition often triggered by hormonal changes and sun (UV) exposure. It is most commonly seen on the facial skin of women, and is generally characterised by a roughly symmetrical pattern of darker blotchy grey-brown pigmentation around the eyes and cheeks, and above the lip, chin or brow. If treated incorrectly, melasma can worsen and darken – making it a complicated condition to treat using traditional methods.

Q-Switch laser is a safe, non-invasive treatment for melasma suitable for all skin types including Asian, Indian and African skin. Whilst pigmentation on the surface of the skin may possibly be temporarily faded with topical lightening agents, the Q-Switch laser is capable of precisely targeting melanin pigments deeper in the skin.

Similar to laser tattoo removal, the treatment procedure works by using laser light to break up the pigmentation in the dermis and epidermis. The extremely short pulse duration of the Q-Switch laser shatters the pigment into micro particles so that the pigment can be removed. This has made Q-Switch laser the current gold standard for pigmentation treatment.

Dr Ee will begin with a consultation to assess your skin and discuss your concerns. No pre-treatment preparation is required and all makeup and sunblock should be removed prior to treatment.

Q-Switch treatment itself is relatively quick, as large numbers or areas of brown spots are able to be treated in less than 20 minutes. The Q-Switch lasercan remove lentigines and freckles in a single treatment in the majority of cases. The firing of the laser feels like the flicking of an elastic band, and does not usually require local anaesthetic beforehand.

Post-lasertreatment, yourskin may feel slightly sensitive for a few days and redness may occur over the treated site which should only last for a few hours. For reticular vessels, results can typically be seen within 24 hours. For pigmentation, lightening is typically best seen within 1-2 weeks.

The number of Q-Switch laser treatments required varies depending on the individual and the severity of their pigmentation. Typically, a course of 4-6 treatments is recommended for optimal results, with intervals of 2-5 weeks between treatments to return the best results. After an initial course of treatments, touch up sessions can be utilised to maintain results in the long term.

Q-Switch laser treatment is generally safe with minimal side effects, with scarring and infections being unlikely side effects of laser treatments in general. You might experience some temporary redness, swelling, or darkening of the treated area, however these side effects are usually mild and should subside quickly with compliance to aftercare recommendations. If any side effects persist, contact Dr Ee for medical advice immediately.

Q-Switch laser treatment involves minimal downtime. There may be some initial mild redness after the treatment, similar to mild sunburn, which typically fades within hours. However, you can typically resume your normal activities immediately after the session. Nonetheless, it is essential to avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen diligently to protect the treated skin – especially considering Singapore’s sunny climate – as your skin will be hypersensitive to sunlight post-treatment.

Yes, Q-Switch laser treatment can also be used for tattoo removal and has one of the lowest chance of scarring in comparison to other methods.

The laser works by pulsing beams of light into the skin at billionths of a second. Differing laser wavelengths and pulse durations are absorbed by specific colours, breaking down the tattoo ink into smaller particles, which are then naturally eliminated by the body without damaging the surrounding tissue.

The amount of sessions or treatments needed to completely fade or remove a tattoo will depend on how large your tattoo is, what sort of ink has been used and the length of time between your sessions.