What Does Nd:YAG Laser Do?
Laser technology in dermatology has come a long way, becoming increasingly sophisticated and versatile. Its evolution has been marked by significant evolutions and advancements over the years, from the early development of ablative lasers targeting the surface layers of the skin to the introduction of non-ablative lasers penetrating deeper into the dermis.
Among the many types of lasers revolutionising skincare is the Nd:YAG. Read through this post to learn how this laser technology works and what it is used for. We’ve also mentioned the Nd:YAG clearV laser and its fantastic benefits.
An Overview of Nd:YAG Lasers
Modern laser technologies come in various types and functions, differentiated by the medium that produces their laser beam. The Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG), for instance, is a crystal lasing medium for solid-state lasers. These lasers carry out different functions depending on the beam’s wavelength and penetration.
In solid-state lasers, this crystalline medium produces radiation in the infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum. The radiation is invisible, with a wavelength of 1064 nanometres that reaches deeper layers of skin tissue than other types of lasers. But how can a crystalline medium emit radiation in the first place?
The Science and History Behind
The laser operation of Nd:YAG was first observed at Bell Laboratories in 1964. It is created by substituting triply ionized neodymium, which acts as a dopant (a material added in trace amounts to another pure substance to change its conductivity), for a small portion of the yttrium ions in the YAG crystal. Since the two ions are of similar size, the yttrium ions can be replaced with the neodymium dopant, emitting light at a specific wavelength when stimulated by an external energy source.
The energy source can be a flash lamp or another laser. When the neodymium dopant is excited, photons are then released, bouncing back and forth within the crystal structure, gradually amplifying in intensity. This process results in the formation of a powerful laser beam.
Nd:YAG lasers typically consist of a four-level medium that offers remarkable laser gain at moderate pump intensities and excitation levels, with the gain bandwidth being relatively small. This, in turn, improves laser’s gain efficiency, minimising threshold pump power. This gives their ability to deliver precise and controlled energy for cutting, welding, engraving, and medical procedures, which explains why this laser technology is the superb choice in various medical, industrial, and scientific applications.
Nd:YAG Lasers in Cosmetic Dermatology
Now that you know how Nd:YAG lasers emit a wavelength of high energy light, this time let’s identify what these lasers are used for. In dermatology, Nd:YAG lasers treat certain skin conditions by creating heat and destroying diseased cells on a target body part.
These lasers, like clearV, are a non-surgical aesthetic treatment for various skincare concerns, including aging signs and pigmented lesions. They are also the ideal solution for vascular lesions like spider veins, broken capillaries, and varicose veins.
In this section, we’ve listed some skin concerns that can be addressed with Nd:YAG laser.
Fine Lines and Wrinkles
The loss of collagen and suppleness in the skin is the first indication of aging. With Nd:YAG laser, it’s possible to create smoother, tighter skin.
This laser technology emits precise wavelengths of laser light into the skin, directly targeting damaged and highly pigmented skin cells. This encourages new cell growth and stimulates collagen production.
Vascular Lesions
Nd:YAG laser treatments, like clearV laser, target varicose veins and spider and thread veins in the face (cheek, temporal region, nasal dorsum, forehead) and legs. They can also resolve facial veins (telangiectasia), vascular birthmarks (capillary vascular malformation), and vascular tumours (haemangioma). The science behind this is clever: the laser light pulses target red pigment (haemoglobin) in red blood cells to break down these lesions.
The number of treatments to see visible results varies, depending on the form, size and location of the lesions as well as the skin type. Individuals wanting to minimise the appearance of small red vessels need only 1 to 3 sessions. Those with more prominent veins may need several sessions to achieve their desired outcome.
Pigmented Lesions
The Nd:YAG laser is also an effective solution for hyperpigmentation, including brown age spots (solar lentigines), sun damage, freckles, Naevus of Ota (blue-to-grey speckled or mottled patches affecting the forehead, temple, and malar area), Naevus of Ito (patch on the shoulder or upper arms with blue, grey, or brown pigmentation), and dark pigmentation around the eyes.
It dives deep beneath the skin’s surface to target highly pigmented skin cells and destroy them, leading to a more even skin tone overall.
Tattoo Removal
People have different reasons for getting tattoo removal. With a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, one can get rid of blue, grey and black tattoos more safely and effectively. The procedure involves the selective destruction of ink molecules, which are then absorbed by macrophages (white blood cells that surround and kill microorganisms and remove dead cells) and eliminated.
The duration and the outcome of the laser treatment for tattoo removal are contingent on the colour of the tattoo and the depth of the pigment. Individuals may attain favourable results after multiple sessions (5 to 20 sessions) spaced at least 7 weeks apart.
Hair Removal
Hair removal in any area, such as the bikini line, face, neck, back, chest, and legs, is another use for the Nd:YAG laser. However, light-coloured (blonde/grey) hair usually does not respond well to this type of laser. This laser technology has been shown to be more effective for treating dark (brown/black) hair in patients of Fitzpatrick types I to III and light-coloured type IV skin.
Patients can see noticeable results after 2 to 6 treatments, approximately every 4 to 6 weeks. Those with darker hair may require more sessions.
Onychomycosis
Common fungal infections of the fingernails or toenails, known as onychomycosis, can cause the nail to become discoloured and separate from the nail bed. Flashlamp-pumped short-pulse Nd:YAG 1064 nm lasers may be used for treatment.
Safe and Effective Laser Treatments to Boost Your Confidence
The Nd:YAG laser system offers patients a wide range of options for various skin issues, but it’s most famous for treating unwanted vessels on the body. The Nd:YAG ClearV vein treatment uses targeted and precise laser energy to gently eliminate vascular structures, making it less noticeable over time.
If you wish to clear those unwanted vessels away, eperience the ClearV laser difference at Pymble Dermatology. For appointments, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
