The Versatile Q-Switched ND-Yag Laser (Part II) - Carbon Laser Peel

In the previous article, I have discussed about laser toning using the Q-switched ND-Yag laser. Lutronic Spectra XT is one of the best Q-switched ND-Yag laser in the market and is able to produce 4 different laser wavelengths for specific functions. It also has a special mode, called the Quasi Long Pulse.

Without going into too much scientific jargons, I will try to explain this as simple as I can. The laser used in laser toning has an "on-time" in terms of nano seconds - where the laser hits the skin and stays on it for nanoseconds, that is billionth of a second. This laser energy is absorbed by the skin and/or particles it hits - it heats them up for a billionth of a second, resulting it to break apart and produce shock waves that spreads its surroundings.

The Quasi Long Pulse laser has "on-time" in terms of mili seconds, that is thousandth of a second. This will allow the laser to heat the skin a little more and allow certain tissues to absorb more of the laser energy and heat up a different rate.

With the boring scientific stuff out of the way, I would like to explain, in some details, about carbon laser peel which is quite commonly done in aesthetic clinics.

Carbon laser peel, or the Spectra Peel, that is performed with the Lutronic Spectra XT is a meticulous, 3-step procedure using both Q-switched 1064nm laser and Quasi Long Pulsed laser energies to give you the highly effective carbon laser peel.

• Step 1: A carbon-based photo-enhancer is applied - it penetrates into large pores, acne-prone skin and small imperfections of the skin.

• This photo-enhancer absorbs impurities that may be present in the skin.

• Step 2: The Quasi Long Pulsed Laser is used to warm up the carbon-based photo-enhancer. This should feel like a warm mask treatment.

• The warming up of the skin by the quasi long pulse laser opens up the skin pores and stimulates production of collagen within the skin.

• The Quasi Long pulsed laser also removes fine dark hair on the face that will reduce skin clogging.

• Step 3: Treatment is completed by running the Q-switched 1064nm laser over the face - rapid popping sounds result when the carbon-based photo-enhancer absorbs the laser energy and break apart.

• When the photo-enhancer absorbs the energy of the laser, impurities and the bacteria that causes acne (P. acne) are destroyed.

• Superficial pigmentations of the skin e.g. freckles, age-spots, etc. will also be broken down by the Q-switched laser.

• A microscopic layer of the skin will undergo a microlaser peel with this treatment - this will benefit those with dull skin as brighter, glowing new skin is able to surface.

This treatment can be done once a month as either monthly maintenance treatment for oily skin with large pores or acne-prone skin. It is not suitable for those with dry skin or those with melasma, a recalcitrant type of skin pigmentation that affects mainly women.