The Q-switched (Alex Trivantage) laser is a USA FDA-approved treatment developed by Candela Medical (Massachusetts, USA). The Alex Trivantage utilises a Q-switched mechanism that produces a high-intensity pulsed beam of light. This technology specifically targets and breaks down pigments within the skin and is especially helpful for mole removals, sun spots, tattoo removal, and other forms of pigmentation.
The "Q-switched" aspect refers to generating the laser beam, which is released in quick, powerful bursts. These bursts can shatter pigmented particles with precision, effectively treating various dermatological conditions. The Alex Trivantage model is versatile, with 532 nm, 755 nm, and 1064 nm wavelengths. In addition, it is unique in that it can toggle between the 50 ns and 100 ms pulsed durations, enabling us to target a broad spectrum of chromophores and depths.
The Q-switched (Alex Trivantage) laser treatment operates on the principle of selective photothermolysis. This means that the laser energy is absorbed primarily by the targeted pigment particles, causing them to fragment into smaller particles.
When the laser light is absorbed by the pigment (melanin in the case of pigmentation and moles), it breaks these particles into tiny fragments. Once the pigment particles are fragmented, they are gradually cleared away by the body's natural immune response and lymphatic system. Over time, the treated area lightens as the pigment is eliminated from the skin.
The laser's energy targets only the melanin in hyperpigmentation and moles, leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. This targeted approach ensures minimal risk of scarring, especially in laser mole removal, which often utilises the ablative CO2 or erbium Yag laser instead of pigment-specific lasers.
The Q-switched (Alex Trivantage) laser is a versatile tool in dermatology, capable of treating a wide array of skin conditions, including:
The results after a Q-switched laser treatment vary between patients and depend on the specific condition being treated (e.g., tattoos, sunspots, freckles, birthmarks). You can expect reduced pigmentation in the treated area and a more even skin tone following treatment.
Flat brown moles can be significantly lightened or completely removed. Tattoo removal can lead to the tattoo's significant fading or complete disappearance.
While some improvement may be visible shortly after the treatment, the full results of Q-switched laser treatment often become apparent over 2-4 weeks as the body clears the fragmented pigment and the skin undergoes natural healing and remodelling processes.
Typically, the number of sessions required are:
Interested in Q-switched laser treatment? Contact us today to book a skin consultation.
What is the Alex Trivantage laser?
The Alex Trivantage laser is a Q-switched 532 m, 755 nm, and 1064 nm laser with unique pulsed durations of 50 ns and 100 ms. It is designed to remove pigmentation, moles, and tattoos with high precision and minimal risk of scarring.
How effective is the Q-switched laser for tattoo removal?
The Q-switched laser is highly effective for tattoo removal. It can target a broad spectrum of ink colours while ensuring their breakdown for natural elimination from the body.
What is the wavelength of a Q-switched laser?
Alex trivantage Q-switched laser operates at 532 nm, 755 nm and 1064 nm, both in the 50 ns and 100 ms pulse duration, effectively targeting different pigment colours and depths.
What is the expected recovery time after Q-switched laser treatment?
For pigmentation treatment, transient darkening of the targeted pigmentation or light scabbing can be observed over the treated area, which usually lasts a week. Subsequently, the pigmented spot will either lighten or drop off.
For mole treatment, crusting or a small raw spot on the skin will occur, which will heal in about a week.
For tattoo treatment, redness and swelling will occur over the treated sites. The recovery will take a week to 10 days.
What are the side effects of Q-switched laser tattoo removal?
Common side effects include temporary redness, swelling, crusting, and blistering (for tattoo removal). Hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation risks exist but are minimised with proper pre and post-laser care and a skilled practitioner.
Is the Q-switched laser treatment painful?
While pain tolerance depends on the individual, patients may feel slight discomfort during the procedure. This is akin to the feeling of a rubber band snapping on the skin. A topical anaesthetic or numbing cream is usually applied to reduce discomfort for mole and pigmentation treatment. For tattoo removal, either numbing cream or local anaesthetic injections are helpful.
