Q-Switched Lasers

Frequently Asked Questions About Q-Switched
Lasers & Alex Trivantage Laser

• How many treatments are required to clear sunspots?

  Most sunspots can be removed within two treatments, spaced four to eight weeks apart. Some deeper lesions will require more treatments.

• What areas of the body are treated with these technologies?

  Q- Switched lasers can treat pigmented lesions on the face, neck, chest, and hands.

• What is the treatment like?

  The sensation during the treatment has been compared to a snap of a thin rubber band. Most patients don’t require any topical anesthesia, though it can be used if requested. After the treatment, the area will feel similar to light sunburn and the pigmented lesions will get darker and sometimes red. If one specific wavelength (532 nm) is required to remove a lesion, temporary bruising in the treatment area may be noted. The lesions may bleed slightly, crust, and flake off as well. After this clears, the skin returns to its natural color and texture. Sun exposure needs to be avoided after the treatment.

• How much does Q-Switched laser cost?

  Q-Switched laser treatment costs from $250 to $450 per treatment.

• What should I do prior to treatment?

  Avid sun exposure and tanning before treatment. In addition, the use of aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and St. John’s Wort should be avoided for a week before treatment.

• Is there downtime?

  Minimal downtime is required.

• Am I candidate for TriVantage treatment?

  The Alex TriVantage laser is an advanced technology that delivers rapid pulses of energy to the skin and is used to remove unwanted pigmented spots, sun spots, tattoos, etc. It is a very safe and effective way to treat pigmentation caused by sun damage. It is safe to use this laser in patients with lighter skin. The Alex TriVantage laser is also used to remove unwanted green and blue tattoos.

• Is the TriVantage Alexandrite laser safe for dark skin?

  Alex Trivantage laser is safe for use in patients with light skin and must be used cautiously in patients with dark skin due to the risk of creating unwanted pigmentation or light spots in the skin. When we are treating patients with darker skin tones, we generally use an Nd:Yag laser instead.

• Is the Alex TriVantage laser good for tattoo removal?

  This laser is excellent at removing green and blue ink in patients with light skin. For black tattoos, we recommend a 1064 Q-Switched Laser, or Picosecond pulse lasers such as Revlite or PIQO4.

• Does Alex TriVantage laser treatment hurt?

  Alex TriVantage laser is well tolerated when removing unwanted pigmentation and is done without anesthesia. For tattoo removal, injectable lidocaine may be utilized.