What should you know about uses of Q-switched laser?

The device releases energy in brief pulses. Depending on the wavelength and settings, the energy is absorbed more strongly by pigment or tattoo ink than by surrounding tissue. The treated target may fragment or change gradually as the body clears altered pigment.

Possible uses include selected freckles, lentigines, some unwanted brown or grey pigment, tattoo ink, and certain cosmetic toning plans. The correct wavelength depends on the colour and depth of the target, as well as skin tone. Not every dark mark is suitable for laser treatment.

Have the area examined before treatment, especially if a mark is new, changing, irregular, or uncertain. Tell the clinician about recent tanning, pigment-changing medicines, a history of cold sores, keloid scarring, and previous reactions to procedures.

Follow instructions about sun protection and skincare before and after treatment. Temporary redness, swelling, crusting, or lightening or darkening of the treated area can occur. Do not pick crusts, scrub the skin, or add irritants while it heals. Read about the [Q-Switched Laser](/technology/q-switched-laser/) and [Laser Toning](/treatments/laser-and-energy/laser-toning/).

Contact the treating clinic for worsening pain, spreading redness, pus, blistering, fever, or a reaction that is not settling. Seek assessment before any session for a suspicious changing lesion; laser should not be used to make an uncertain mark harder to monitor.

Ask which target is being treated, why this wavelength is appropriate, what alternatives exist, how many visits may be considered, and what colour changes are possible for your skin tone. Ask how the area will be documented and monitored if the diagnosis is uncertain.