Q10 Laser Technology for Skin Brightening & Pigmentation in London

Q-Switch lasers emit ultra-short pulses (typically in nanoseconds), producing a predominantly photoacoustic effect that breaks apart pigment granules. For tattoos, shattered ink particles become small enough for macrophages to phagocytose and gradually transport away via lymphatics. For benign pigment (e.g., sunspots), melanin granules are dispersed and reabsorbed through normal epidermal turnover and immune pathways.

The platform’s versatility comes from its wavelength options:

• 1064 nm Nd:YAG: deeper penetration, safer for darker skin (Fitzpatrick IV–VI), highly effective for black/dark ink, dermal pigment.
• 532 nm (frequency-doubled): targets red/orange/yellow inks and superficial epidermal pigment (lentigines, ephelides); caution in darker skin tones due to melanin absorption.
• Optionally 755/694 nm: for stubborn blue/green inks (if available on the platform).

Many modern Q-Switch systems also include quasi-long pulse or long-pulse vascular modes and specialised handpieces to heat oxyhaemoglobin in small superficial vessels (e.g., tiny telangiectasia, red capillaries) when clinically appropriate. For larger or deeper vascular issues, other vascular lasers (e.g., long-pulse Nd:YAG or pulsed dye) may be recommended — your consultant will advise.

The popular carbon laser peel uses a thin layer of medical-grade carbon lotion which preferentially absorbs the laser energy. When Q-Switch passes over the carbon, it causes micro-exfoliation, reduced oiliness, and a refreshed, refined complexion — often called the “Hollywood peel”.

1. Consultation & mapping: medical history, skin type assessment, photos, and a wavelength/spot-size plan. For tattoos: colour map, ink depth, prior attempts.
2. Preparation: protective eyewear; for tattoos, cooling or topical anaesthetic as appropriate. For carbon peel, the carbon mask is applied then allowed to settle before lasering.
3. Laser delivery: parameters are selected by the consultant; test spots may be performed. For tattoos, multiple passes may be used depending on response and frosting endpoints.
4. Immediate care: cooling, sterile dressing if required (tattoo), SPF counselling for pigmented lesions.
5. Course planning: tattoos typically need multiple sessions (6–10+ depending on colours/age/ink depth), spaced about 6–8 weeks apart. Pigmented lesions may respond in 1–3 sessions. Carbon peel is commonly offered as a series or periodic refresh.

Downtime varies by indication and settings:

• Tattoo removal: frosting, redness, swelling, pinpoint bleeding or blistering can occur; expect scabbing. Keep area clean; avoid picking; follow dressing advice. Social downtime depends on location/size.
• Pigmented lesions: treated spots darken, then flake over 5–10 days. Strict SPF 50+ is essential to reduce PIH risk.
• Carbon laser peel: typically minimal downtime — mild transient redness or tightness; makeup usually next day.
• Vascular targets (when suitable): temporary redness or darkening of tiny vessels that fade over days.

We provide written aftercare and sun-protection guidance. For tattoos, spacing sessions ~6–8 weeks allows sufficient immune clearance.

Q-Switch is safe in trained hands, but potential effects include redness, swelling, blistering (tattoo), temporary darkening/lightening of pigment, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or hypopigmentation (more likely in darker skin or with sun exposure), scarring (rare), and infection if aftercare is not followed.

Our consultant modifies parameters for Fitzpatrick IV–VI, times sessions to avoid recent sun exposure, and provides clear SPF and skincare protocols. Eye protection is mandatory. Suspicious pigmented lesions are not lasered; they are assessed for oncologic safety first.

Ideal candidates include adults seeking removal or fading of professional/amateur tattoos, treatment for benign sunspots/freckles, or a polish via carbon peel (oil/pores/texture). We’ll review medical history, medications (including photosensitising drugs), tendency to keloid, and recent sun exposure. For melasma or diffuse hyperpigmentation, Q-Switch may be not first-line; your consultant will discuss safer alternatives or combination regimens to reduce rebound.

• Before: avoid tanning/self-tan; pause active topicals (AHA/BHA/retinoids) as directed; shave hair if instructed; arrive with clean skin/makeup-free.
• After (tattoo/pigment): gentle cleansing, sterile dressing/ointment as advised; avoid trauma, hot tubs/saunas; apply SPF 50+ daily; no picking.
• After (carbon peel): gentle skincare; resume actives after 2–3 days if skin permits; SPF 50+ daily.
• Follow-up: we review response at the next session and adjust parameters for efficacy and safety.