What types of lesions can Q Switched lasers treat?
Q Switched lasers are used for removing brown age spots, “liver spots”, freckles and other brown birthmarks, such as cafe-au-lait spots and Nevus of Ota.

What are sun spots?
Lentigines or age spots are premature ageing brown marks, which appear on the backs of hands and the face. Sunburn freckles are the result of sun damage and occur on the back, upper chest and shoulders. Most are harmless but all are ageing and may be unattractive. Lasers are not used to remove suspicious looking spots. These should be biopsied and removed surgically.

How many treatments are required to clear sun spots and what areas of the body are treated with these technologies?
Most sun spots can be removed within one to two treatments, spaced 4-8 weeks apart. Some deeper lesions will require more treatments. The Q Switched lasers can treat pigmented lesions on the face, neck, chest and hands. These technologies are probably the most effective devices for this indication.

What does the treatment feel like and is there any downtime?
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.

Are there pre-treatment instructions?
Sun exposure and tanning should be avoided before treatment with these lasers. In addition, the use of aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E and St. John’s Wort should be avoided for a week before treatment.