Nd: YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet) is a crystal that is used as a laser medium for solid-state laser. The laser has a wavelength of 1064 nm and has the capability to reach deeper layers of skin tissue than other types of lasers. It produces effective anti-aging and anti-wrinkle effects.
What it does:
The following skin disorders can be treated with Nd: YAG laser beams.
- Vascular lesions
- Spider and thread veins in the face forehead and legs.
- Vascular birthmark
- Varicose veins
- Facial veins (telangiectasia)
- Haemangioma (a vascular tumour)
- Pigmented lesions
- Tattoo removal
- Onychomycosis (nail fungus)
- Skin rejuvenation
What to do before the procedure:
- It is important that the correct diagnosis has been made by the clinician prior to treatment, particularly when pigmented lesions are targeted, to avoid mistreatment of skin cancer such as melanoma.
What to expect during the procedure:
- The patient must wear eye protection (an opaque covering or goggles) throughout the treatment session.
- Treatment consists of placing a handpiece against the surface of the skin and activating the laser.
- Many patients describe each pulse as feeling like the snapping of a rubber band against the skin.
- A topical anesthetic may be applied to the area but is not usually necessary.
What to expect after the treatment:
- Skin surface cooling is applied during all hair removal procedures. Some lasers have built-in cooling devices.
- Immediately the following treatment: an ice pack may be applied to soothe the treated area.
- First few days after a treatment: Avoid scrubbing the area or using abrasive skin cleansers.
- A bandage or patch may help to prevent abrasion of the treated area.
- During the course of treatment, patients should protect the area from sun exposure to reduce the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation.
How many treatments will I need?
- Vascular lesions: Treatment amount time depends on the form, size and location of the lesions as well as the skin type.
- Tattoo removal: The colour of the tattoo and the depth of the pigment influences the duration and outcome of the laser treatment. Multiple sessions (5 to 20 sessions), spaced at least 7 weeks apart, may be required to attain favourable results.
- Onychomycosis: Generally patients have 4 treatments at monthly intervals.
