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Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser

Pigment- and tattoo-selective short-pulsed neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser using nanosecond pulses at 1064 nm and 532 nm wavelengths to fragment pigment particles via photoacoustic effect, used for tattoo removal, pigmented lesions, and skin rejuvenation.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Dermatoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser?

Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is a solid-state laser using a Q-switch to deliver extremely short (5–20 nanosecond) high-peak-power pulses, achieving photoacoustic disruption of pigment particles (selective photothermolysis with thermal relaxation time shorter than pigment particles). Two main wavelengths: 1064 nm (deep penetration, target deep dermal pigment, dark tattoo inks, hair removal in dark skin) and 532 nm (frequency-doubled KTP, superficial pigment, red/orange/yellow tattoo inks, telangiectasias).

Indications include tattoo removal (most common, 6–15 sessions at 6–8 week intervals depending on color), benign pigmented lesions (solar lentigines, café-au-lait macules, nevus of Ota, Hori nevus, dermal melanocytic lesions), melasma (low-fluence multiple-pass technique), post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, skin toning and laser facial, hair removal in darker skin types (Fitzpatrick IV–VI), and onychomycosis.

Procedure uses topical anesthesia with ice or local infiltration. Pulse energy and fluence are tailored to lesion type, depth, and Fitzpatrick skin type. Endpoints include immediate frosting (white pigmentary response from gas vacuolization). Post-procedure care includes ice, antibiotic ointment, sun protection, and avoidance of trauma to treated area. Side effects include transient hyperpigmentation (especially in darker skin), hypopigmentation, blistering, paradoxical darkening of cosmetic tattoos containing iron oxide or titanium dioxide, and rare scarring.

Symptoms

Procedure indication: tattoo removal (most common)
Benign pigmented lesions: lentigines, café-au-lait, nevus of Ota
Melasma low-fluence laser toning
Hair removal in darker Fitzpatrick skin (IV–VI)
Skin toning and rejuvenation
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Onychomycosis adjunctive therapy

Risk Factors

Recent suntan or active tanning (relative contraindication)
Pregnancy and breastfeeding (relative contraindication)
Active herpes simplex (premedicate with antiviral)
Use of photosensitizing drugs (isotretinoin within 6 months)
Keloid or hypertrophic scarring tendency
Cosmetic tattoo with iron/titanium oxide (paradoxical darkening risk)
Active infection or open wound at treatment site

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Pre-procedure consultation for indications and goals
  • Post-laser blistering, weeping, or severe pain
  • Persistent hyperpigmentation after several months
  • Paradoxical tattoo darkening after first treatment
  • Signs of infection (fever, spreading redness, pus)
  • Hypertrophic scar or keloid forming at treated site
  • Allergic-type reaction (urticaria, angioedema, systemic symptoms)

Treatment Methods

01
Tattoo removal: 6–15 sessions at 6–8 week intervals, wavelength matched to ink color
02
Pigmented lesion removal: 1–4 sessions, low-fluence pass
03
Melasma: low-fluence multiple-pass laser toning every 1–2 weeks
04
Hair removal: 6–8 sessions at 4–8 week intervals (1064 nm safer for dark skin)
05
Pre-treatment: photodocumentation, topical anesthesia, eye protection
06
Post-treatment: ice, antibiotic ointment, broad-spectrum sun protection
07
Avoidance of sun exposure 4 weeks before and after each session

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Dermatoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Dermatoloji Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.