Laser technology is shaping the field of medical aesthetics and patients are continuously opting for non-invasive treatments that have minimal downtime and give natural-looking results. When it comes to treating pigmentation, pigmented lesions, tattoos, vascular lesions and scarring there is no laser quite like the Q-Switched laser. Known for its effectiveness and precision, it’s no wonder why when it comes to Q-Switched laser technology Fotona stands out against the competition. In particular, Fotona’s QX MAX system is making waves when it comes to Q-Switched technology for its sophisticated and advanced technology. Read on for more information on how Q-Switched Lasers work, and why Fotona’s Qx MAX system is the optimal choice for any clinic looking to optimise their clients results.

Understanding Q-Switched Laser Technology

What is a Q-Switched Laser?

The “Q” in Q-Switched stands for “quality factor” and the “switched” refers to the method of delivering laser pulses. Q-Switched lasers are effective by delivering high-intensity short pulses of light energy. The short pulse durations and extremely high peak power of a Q-Switched laser make it highly effective at treating numerous different skin concerns.

How Does a Q-Switched Laser Work?

Q-Switched lasers work by storing energy in the laser medium and then releasing it in a single, intense burst, this process is called Q-Switching. The result of this process is high intensity laser pulses which can target specific structures and chromophores in the skin without damaging the surrounding tissue.

The key components of a Q-Switched Laser system include:

Precision: Q-Switched lasers are known for their precise targeting of pigments and structures in the skin, achieving safe results without damaging surrounding tissues.
Minimal Downtime: Due to the short pulse duration there is a reduced risk of thermal damage to the surrounding tissues, which results in faster healing and minimal downtime.
Versatility: Q-Switched lasers have a broad range of treatment applications including tattoo removal, pigmentation, vascular lesions and skin rejuvenation.

Applications of Q-Switched Lasers

Q-Switched lasers can successfully treat various aesthetic and medical treatments some of the most common applications include:

Tattoo Removal

One of the most well-known and well-loved treatments that use Q-Switched laser is tattoo removal. Fotona’s FracTAT uses the power of fractional ablative laser followed by high-intensity pulses of Q-Switched laser to remove tattoos in one of the most effective ways in the laser industry. The micro-holes created by the fractional laser help to create “relief” ducts enabling the gases produced from the Q-Switched laser tattoo removal to escape. This is a much more effective way of removing tattoos than traditional methods. FracTAT is a unique treatment that is available on the StarWalker MaQX system and is a complete game changer when it comes to tattoo removal.

Pigmented Lesions

Pigmented lesions and pigment disorders are a very common patient concern. With Fotona’s Q-MAX laser system one of Fotona’s Starwalker, Q-Switched laser can be used to effectively treat benign lesions, vascular lesions, sunspots and even melasma. The Q-Switched laser effectively destroys the pigment without damaging any of the surrounding skin. The laser is absorbed into melanin in the skin (the compound which causes the pigment), the absorption results in the breakdown of the pigment which the body naturally absorbs.

Acne and Acne Scar Revision

The StarWalker MaQx laser from Fotona also has an incredible treatment solution for acne and acne scars. The laser treatment helps to reduce inflammation, destroy bacteria and improve the texture of the skin, making it a revolutionary option for patients struggling with acne and scarring.

Vascular Lesions

Q-Switch lasers are a great option for the treatment of vascular lesions such as spider veins and haemangiomas. The precise nature of the technology allows you to target the blood vessels causing them to coagulate and collapse, the residual blood product is absorbed naturally by the body. Fotona’s precision-based technology ensures no damage is caused to surrounding vascular networks, which maintains the safety of the treatment.

Fotona’s StarWalker MaQX The Gold Standard of Q-Switched Technology

If you are looking for one of the most advanced Q-Switched lasers on the market, look no further than Fotona’s StarWalker. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more versatile piece of equipment that can perform the wide range of applications that the StarWalker can perform. This clever system contains 14 laser modalities and four complimentary wavelengths, improving the treatment outcomes and offerings to your clients significantly.

Key Features of Fotona’s StarWalker MaQX

Wide Range of Procedure Models: The StarWalker MaQX features the widest range of procedure models, enabling you to treat pigmentation and pigment, vascularities and skin rejuvenation. The unique MaQX mode provides the basis for one of the most successful treatments for melasma available on the market.

Intuitive and Easy-to-Use Design: The design of the StarWalker MaQX is easy to navigate making it the perfect choice for any practice looking to improve treatment offerings. The saved protocols, reduce the risk of mistakes and improve workflow, the ability to customise the settings for the individual patient allows for bespoke, patient-specific treatments and the ability to treat all skin types.

Four Complementary Wavelengths: Within one device you can access MaQX, VERDE, FRAC3 and VERSA3 wavelengths. These unique wavelengths are all incredibly powerful and open up a wide range of treatment applications. Combined in the one machine you unlock unrivalled treatment options.

Precision and Control: The StarWalker MaQX has the same precision technology as all of Fotona’s devices. The interface allows the clinician to bespoke treatments to the individual patient in front of them and the carefully designed hand pieces ensure comfort for the user and increased control over the outcome of the treatment.

Robust and Reliable: Built to last the StarWalker MaQX has undergone rigorous testing to ensure that it is a robust and reliable system.

The Science Behind Q-Switched Laser Technology

The Role of Wavelengths

For any laser device to function it is dependent on the wavelengths of light that are produced, these wavelengths affect the treatments that you can offer. Different wavelengths are absorbed by different chromophores in the skin, for example:

1064nm: This wavelength is absorbed by both melanin and haemoglobin, which makes it great at treating deep pigmentation and vascular treatments.
532nm: This wavelength is primarily absorbed by melanin, making it the perfect choice for treating superficial pigmentation, such as pigmented lesions etc.but it can also
650nm & 585nm: The benefit of these two wavelengths is their absorbancy in colour; this makes them great at removing tattoos as they can treat and target colours such as green and blue, both well known to be hard to remove.

The Importance of Pulse Duration

The pulse duration for Q-Switched lasers is very short, which allows the laser to deliver high-intensity energy without causing thermal damage to the surrounding tissues. The energy delivered by the laser is absorbed by a specific target chromophore, causing it to break down and be removed by the body’s natural systems.

Benefits of Using Fotona’s StarWalker MaQX System

Effective Tattoo Removal: With one of the best tattoo removal treatments available on the market, the StarWalker MaQX stands out amongst competitors. The FracTAT treatment ensures thorough removal of the tattoo and allows for the treatment of a wide range of ink colours and depths.

Comprehensive Skin Rejuvenation: The StarWalker MaQX has a broad range of treatments that can target skin rejuvenation. The unique MaQX clear treatment is one of the best treatments available at not only reducing the symptoms of melasma but also providing long-term relief from the condition. The multi-step treatment utilises different modalities to achieve maximum results. Whilst, FracRevive is a two-step treatment that helps to improve the appearance of spots and wrinkles, reduce pore size and improve the texture and tone of the skin. There are also incredible treatment protocols that can be used to treat both acne and acne scarring.

Versatility in Treatments: This powerhouse device is no one-trick pony, the broad range of treatments for pigmentation, vascularisation and facial rejuvenation are all supported by empirical evidence and study. This means that you can trust in the reliability and effectiveness of the device when it comes to results.

Minimal Downtime and Discomfort: One significant benefit of the treatments that are available with the StarWalker MaQX is the minimal downtime required post-treatment. The precision technology ensures that results are optimised whilst downtime is minimised allowing patients to fit treatments into their busy lives and schedules.

Why Choose A Q-Switched Laser?

There is a growing rise in demand for treatment solutions for pigmentation, pigmented lesions, tattoo-removal and vascular lesions. The best technology for the safe treatment of these concerns is Q-Switched Laser.

Fotona’s MaQX is one of the most advanced devices available, offering unparalleled performance, versatility and reliability.

If you would like to see for yourself the power of Fotona or for more information contact us today via email at: info@fotonauk.co.uk, call us on 0118 370 9314, or even WhatsApp us on 07376 309178. We look forward to welcoming you into the wonderful Fotona Family.

What is Q-Switched Laser Technology?