Revlite Q-Switched Nd:Yag laser - Wrinkles

The E-O Q-switched Nd:Yag laser technology with the Revlite is ideal for treating epidermal and dermal pigmented lesions.  This laser has the ability to treat age spots, solar lentigos, cafe au lait lesions and liver spots efficiently and effectively.

Benefits

• Removes brown birth marks and naevus-of-ota
• Removes brown age and liver spots
• Removes freckles

The procedure is fast and multiple brown spots can be treated during one session.

Laser treatment of your condition may (but not always) need more than one treatment.  The degree of improvement varies between patients and the conditions being treated.

Alternatives

• Fraxel Restore Dual
• Gemini
• Smart Xide Dot laser

How Does it Work?

To treat epidermal (top layer) pigmented lesions, the 532nm wavelength is used.  Dermal (deeper) pigmented lesions usually respond best to the 1064nm wavelength of this laser.

Who is a Candidate?

Most skin types, except those with dark skin.  Patients with tans should wait at least four to six weeks.

Expectations

Removal or reduction of brown spots.

Safety and Side-Effects

• Soreness and redness - in rare instances, soreness and redness of an open wound may increase.
• Swelling - this is common, especially after treatment on the upper cheeks and forehead.  This usually subsides within a few days.  Ice is applied after the treatment to limit swelling, and further application at home may be helpful.  Sleeping more upright for extensive procedures is recommended for the first two nights.
• Pain - there may be pain during the procedure.  Usually, where we are treating a significant number of lesions, topical anaesthetic cream is used.
• Pigment loss - in most patients with brown spots, the area loses colour temporarily.  This type of reaction tends to gradually fade, returning to normal over a period of two to four weeks.   There is a small risk of permanent pigment loss.
• Hyperpigmentation - there may be a risk of increased pigmentation as a healing phase of patients.  When this occurs, the increased pigment ususally fades over a period of months and may require the use of bleaching creams.  Occasionally it may last longer, but rarely is this permanent.
• Scarring - there is a very small risk of scarring.  Scarring is rare, but may occur.
• Incomplete result - the lesion(s) being treated may not be completely or even effectively treated with one treatment and may require another session or sessions, of the same or different modality.

Recovery Time

Brown spots are often in the top layer of the skin and their treatment will produce a scab, blister or crust.  If a healing period is required (due to scabs, blisters, crusts or purpura/bruising) the time will vary from one to two weeks for facial lesions.  Make-up may be used if the scab is very light.  Open wounds or heavy scabs will need antibiotic cream.  It is important not to disturb the scab. A small amount of redness around the wound may be seen as part of the normal wound healing process.

Does it Hurt?

Overall, there is minimal discomfort with this procedure, but anaesthetic cream can be applied if a large area is going to be treated.

Before Treatment Instructions

Avoid tanning for one month before treatment, and also excessive sun exposure. 

After Treatment Instructions

The treated area can be treated with a mild soap (Cetaphil) and then one can gently pat dry and apply moisturizing cream to the site.  For a further ten days after this, excessive sun exposure and tanning should be avoided.

Who Performs the Treatments?

The Dermatologist and Registered Laser Nurse.