Laser treatment
Q-Switched
Price
250 CHF / session
What is it for
Laser technology that makes it possible to very selectively treat and eliminate dark spots on the skin. Particularly effective on sun spots, those milky-white spots that appear on sun-exposed areas in lighter skin or in people who have 'abused' the sun in the past. The areas of the body where these types of spots most often occur are the face, neckline, shoulders and upper limbs. The Q-Switched laser is particularly suitable when it is essential to target the pigment while sparing the surrounding skin. In particular, for the removal of spots, the target of the laser is melanin, i.e. the pigmented part responsible for the darker colouring of the skin at that location. In this way it is possible to remove almost all types of skin spots without damaging the skin, so that no scars are left once the scabs formed in the days after treatment have healed. The Q-Switched Laser is also used in the removal of tattoos, particularly in sensitive areas requiring maximum precision, such as eyebrows.
How it works
The laser acts with extremely fast pulses of 6 millionths of a second in duration. In this short time, an enormous amount of energy is released, directly targeting the dark molecules in the epidermis. The melanin deposits are instantly fragmented so that they are removed from the cells. The spot becomes inflamed within minutes of the treatment, reddening and swelling slightly. A few days later a thin, imperceptible crust forms, replacing the initial spot. After about two weeks this thin dark film will peel off, leaving in its place an absolutely normal-looking skin, only slightly pinkish initially. The physical phenomenon behind the operation of this type of laser is called 'selective photothermolysis', a term that indicates the fact that the laser selectively strikes its target (in this case the excess melanin in the spots) without damaging the surrounding cells, thus maximising the results and minimising side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
The treatment is very short and can last from 10 to a maximum of 20 minutes, depending on the case, the objectives and the size of the areas to be treated.
In some cases it is necessary to apply an anaesthetic cream to make the treatment more comfortable, although often the speed of the session means that this step is not necessary.
In preparation for treatment, sun exposure, whether natural or by UV lamps, should be avoided, starting at least four weeks before treatment. Medications that increase the skin's sensitivity to light ('photosensitising' drugs) should also be avoided. After treatment, an antibiotic cream should be applied for a few days to facilitate healing in the treated area, and the area should be protected from sun exposure for a further 8 weeks by using suitable sun filters. This is to avoid the risk of developing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Depending on the case, 70% to 100% stain removal results can be achieved. Much depends on the type of pigmentation, the base complexion and the body area.
A maximum of two sessions is usually required to achieve the desired result in the removal of spots. In cases where the spots are very numerous and the area to be treated is extensive, several sessions will be scheduled.