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nd:YAG Laser

The nd:YAG is a Q-switched laser that can be used for anti-aging, skin rejuvenation, and tattoo removal.

  • Downtime: very minimal
  • Pain Level: Mild
  • Results Duration: Long Lasting

Treats:

Facial lines, skin laxity, tattoos, lentigines, nevus of Ota, café-au-lait, and melasma

Side Effects:

Redness, swelling, itching, and mild scabbing for a few days after treatment

Location:

Primarily used on the face

Follow Up:

Multiple treatments may be needed to achieve an optimal outcome

How Performed:

Handpiece delivers laser energy to achieve the desired result

Preparation:

Topical or local anesthesia administered prior to treatment

Procedure Type:

Laser

Expected Outcome:

Elimination of tattoo or skin lesion, reduction in aging symptoms

Onset:

Results visible after treatment plan is completed

Nd:YAG Laser

nd yag laser device

The Q-switched nd:YAG is a laser manufactured by Continuum Biomedical. It has a wavelength of either 585 nm or 1064 nm and is versatile enough to use for aging symptoms, vascular lesions, hyperpigmentation, and tattoo removal. 

The board-certified dermatologists and plastic surgeons at Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York have an extensive range of laser devices that allow us to customize all our patient’s treatments to ensure an optimal outcome. We have the experience and expertise to help you meet all your aesthetic goals with comfortable treatments and minimal downtime in most cases. Our team would be happy to meet with you to discuss your concerns and create a personalized treatment plan to keep you looking and feeling your absolute best.

How does the nd: YAG Laser Work?

This Q-switched laser offers rapid pulses that can effectively shatter ink in tattoos or melanin in some types of skin pigmentation. The laser targets the ink or melanin without harming surrounding skin and tissue, reducing discomfort, side effects, and downtime. Although patients may need a series of treatment sessions to achieve their desired results, the improvements will be long-lasting.

nd yag laser treatment in new york
nd yag treatment areas infographic

What Can the Nd:YAG Laser treat?

This versatile, rapid pulse laser can be used to address a wide range of concerns, including:

 

Nd:YAG for Hair Removal

Nd:YAG laser emits highly intense light beams that gently and effectively destroy hair follicles. Its 1064 nm wavelength allows for safe laser hair reduction on all skin types, including darker skin tones.

Benefits of Nd:YAG for Laser Hair Reduction

YAG laser for hair treatment offers several advantages, including:

  • Is safe to use anywhere, including the face, neck, underarms, chest, back, bikini line, and legs
  • Treats larger body areas quickly
  • Reduces hair density
  • Produces longer-lasting results than other hair treatment methods
  • Works on all skin types, even darker skin tones

How Long is the Recovery Time After Treatment?

Recovery after an nd:YAG laser treatment is usually minimal. You may experience some mild swelling, redness, itching, or scabbing at the treatment site, but this should not prohibit you from your daily activities.

nd yag laser benefits infographic
patient reviewing nd yag laser treatment results

Nd:YAG vs. Other Lasers for Hair Reduction

What sets YAG lasers for hair treatment apart from other laser treatments, including IPL and Diode lasers, is their safety and efficacy, particularly on darker skin types and tanned skin.

Other lasers for hair treatment target melanin, which is also present in the skin. This can make laser hair treatment unsafe for those with more melanin or darker skin. Nd:YAG laser hair treatment is safe for darker skin tones because of its longer wavelength. It penetrates the skin more deeply without impacting the superficial melanin pigment surrounding the hair follicle, making it a safer alternative for darker skin types. The longer wavelength also targets hair in larger areas of the body, and Nd:YAG is one of the more comfortable laser systems available today.

 

Can Nd:YAG Hair Reduction Help with Hyperpigmentation?

Yes. the Nd:YAG laser works well on pigmentation. Specific wavelengths of light penetrate the skin and are absorbed preferentially by pigments. The laser targets heat and breaks down these pigments while leaving the top skin surface intact. YAG laser hair treatment for hyperpigmentation produces favorable results, especially when combined with topical treatments.

How Long is the Recovery Time After Treatment?

Recovery after an nd:YAG laser treatment is usually minimal. You may experience some mild swelling, redness, itching, or scabbing at the treatment site, but this should not prohibit you from your daily activities.

Publications

“Laser Lipolysis Utilizing a Novel Nd:Yag Laser.” Dermatol Surg. 2006 May.

“Treatment of Atropic Facial Acne Scars with the 1064nm Q-switched Nd:YAG Laser.” Arch Dermatol. 2004 Nov.

“Two Randomized, Double Blind Studies Evaluating the S-Caine Peel for Induction of Local Anesthesia Prior to Nd:YAG Laser Therapy for Leg Veins.” Dermatol Surg. 2003 Oct.

“Surgical Pearl: Q-switched Nd:YAG laser removal of eyeliner tattoo.” J Am Acad Derm 35:101-102, 1996.

“Q-switched ruby vs. Q-switched Nd:YAG laser in treatment of tattoos.” Cutis. 1995.

“Treatment of Port-Wine Stains With a Short Pulse Width 532-nm Nd: YAG laser.” J Drugs Dermatol. 2013 Jan. 

Real Patients Before and After photos

Laser Treatment for Melasma on the Face

Laser Treatment for Melasma on the Face

Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed.

nd:yag Laser

Questions and Answers

Q: Is The nd:YAG Laser Safe?

A: Yes. These devices have been approved by the FDA for decades and have a long track record of safety and success. Our board-certified physicians have extensive experience using this device and will use their expertise to customize your treatment so it is as safe and effective as possible.

Q: How Many Treatments Will I Need?

A: The number of treatment sessions depends in part on your aesthetic goals. If you are looking for tattoo removal, you will likely need a series of sessions to achieve an optimal outcome. If anti-aging is your goal, you may see satisfying results from one or two appointments. One of our doctors will meet with you in person to assess your specific concerns and desired results. From that discussion, we can create a customized treatment plan that will meet your expectations beautifully. 

Q: How Long Do Results Last?

A: Again, this depends on your aesthetic goals. Treatments to remove tattoos or specific lesions on the skin may offer permanent results. If you are seeking the procedure to address signs of aging, you may need to repeat the procedure periodically to maintain your positive results. 

Q: Are There Any Side Effects?

A: Side effects associated with the nd:YAG laser are usually mild and temporary. You might notice some redness and swelling around the treatment area, which should subside within a day or two. Make sure you protect the treated area from direct sun exposure to avoid potential damage to the skin.

Q: Am I A Good Candidate For nd:YAG Laser Treatments?

A: The nd:YAG laser is a versatile device that can be used to address a host of skin concerns. If you have body ink you would like to eliminate, or hyperpigmentation concerns that are making you self-conscious about your appearance, schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified physicians to find out if the nd:YAG laser is the right treatment for you.

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