What is Nd:YAG Laser Rejuvenation?

MECHANISM How Does Nd:YAG Laser Rejuvenation Work?

Curas Hybrid Nd:YAG laser works through selective photo-thermal and photo-mechanical action – laser light is absorbed by targets within the skin called chromophores – melanin in pigmented cells, haemoglobin in blood vessels and water within the blood vessels and the skin – creating controlled thermal (heat and vibration energy) and mechanical (accoustic or energy shockwaves) responses to initiate skin healing and subsequent rejuvenation. This laser produces two specific wavelengths – 1064nm absorbed into deeper dermal skin layers and 532nm absorbed into more superficial epidermal layers. Different pulse durations, laser delivery modes and three specialised handpieces (ZOOM, DOE and MLA) are selected based on the skin concern, determining the depth, type of tissue response and the outcome.

Nd:YAG Laser Action for Skin Rejuvenation – Skin Tone & Texture, Enlarged Pores, Fine Lines, Wrinkles & Scarring

1. Laser light energy is absorbed by haemoglobin and water in blood vessels and water within the skin.
2. Light energy is converted to heat and mechanical/accoustic shockwaves causing controlled injury to dermal skin components.
3. Fibroblast cells increase collagen and elastin production, fragmented and weak skin fibres are replaced by new more organised fibres, revealing remodelled, stronger, firmer and smoother skin (image below).

Nd:YAG Laser Action for Pigmentation & Sun Damage including Laser Toning

1. Laser light energy is absorbed by skin pigment called melanin within the epidermis and dermis and water molecules within the skin.
2. Light energy is converted to heat and mechanical/accoustic shockwaves causing breakdown and rupture of excessive pigments and controlled injury to surrounding skin structures.
3. Pigment is progressively eliminated by shedding of damaged cells and through the skin’s lymphatic system, and surrounding structures repair and remodel, revealing a more even skin tone and colour (image below).

Nd:YAG Laser Action for Redness & Vascularity

1. Laser light energy is absorbed by haemoglobin and water in blood vessels and water molecules within the skin.
2. Light energy is converted to heat causing a thermal response which coagulates and damages superficial skin vessels.
3. Damaged vessels are progressively eliminated by the skin’s lymphatic system, revealing less inflamed and red skin with calmer and more even skin tone.

Nd:YAG Laser Action for Acne

1. Laser light energy is absorbed by haemoglobin and water in blood vessels and water within the skin.
2. Light energy is converted to controlled heat which directly destroys acne bacteria, reduces sebaceous gland activity and coagulates superficial skin vessels.
3. The result is reduced acne bacteria, suppressed sebum production and decreased inflammation and redness, revealing clearer skin complexion.

Nd:YAG Laser Action for Tattoo Removal

1. Laser light energy is absorbed by tattoo ink particles within the skin.
2. Light energy is converted to mechanical/accoustic shockwaves which shatter and fragment tattoo ink particles into smaller granules.
3. Fragmented ink granules are recognised as foreign bodies by immune cells called macrophages, which engulf and eliminate them through phagocytosis via the lymphatic system – and the tattoo progressively fades with each treatment (image below).

RESULTS What Results Can I Expect from Nd:YAG Laser Rejuvenation?

⚠️Results are progressive, cumulative and individual – outcomes vary depending on skin condition, age, lifestyle, skincare routine and number of treatments received.

Nd:YAG Laser Rejuvenation delivers progressive improvements across a wide range of skin concerns – however results achieved in each session depend on the specific concerns being targeted and treatment modes selected.

At Anova Skin Clinic, each treatment is fully customised to your individual skin concerns and desired outcomes, with the most appropriate wavelengths, handpieces and modes selected by your clinician for every session. Depending on your treatment plan, results may include:

• Skin Rejuvenation, Enlarged Pores, Fine Lines & Wrinkles: improved skin tone, texture and firmness, softened fine lines, wrinkles and pore appearance, with progressive collagen stimulation contributing to smoother and healthier skin.
• Pigmentation & Sun Damage: improved skin tone and colour, reduced excessive and uneven pigmentation including sunspots, age spots, freckles, melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
• Redness & Vascularity: improved skin colour and complexion, reduced skin inflammation, flushing, redness and capillaries.
• Acne: balanced sebum production, decreased acne bacteria and breakouts, improved skin inflammation, redness and post-acne redness.
• Scarring: improved appearance of acne, atrophic and surgical scarring, and stretch marks with progressive skin remodelling and smoothing.
• Tattoo Removal: progressive fading and clearance of tattoo ink with each treatment.

When Can I Expect to See Results from Nd:YAG Laser Rejuvenation?

• Results for pigmentation typically begin to appear within 5-10 days as treated pigment progressively sheds from the skin surface or is eliminated via the skin lymphatic system. 
• Results for redness and vascularity typically begin to appear within 1-2 weeks as coagulated vessels are cleared by the skin’s lymphatic system.
• Results for acne develop progressively over 2-3 weeks following treatment as oil gland overactivity is decreased and acne bacteria and inflammation are reduced.
• Results for skin rejuvenation, wrinkles and scarring develop progressively over 3-4 weeks as collagen remodelling continues.
• Results for tattoo removal are cumulative – tattoo fading is progressive over 4-8 weeks and continues over the course of treatment as fragmented ink is gradually eliminated via the lymphatic system.

How Long Will the Results from Nd:YAG Laser Treatment Last?

Longevity of results varies significantly depending on the concern treated, skin type, age, lifestyle and sun exposure, and whether treatment has been performed as a course.

• Results from discrete pigmented lesions such as freckles and sunspots can be long-lasting once cleared and prescribed skincare and SPF 50+ is continued, however chronic, diffuse pigmentation and melasma are prone to recurrence and require ongoing maintenance and strict sun protection to sustain results.
• Results for redness and vascularity are generally maintained for 6-18 months following a course of treatment.
• Results for skin rejuvenation, wrinkles and scarring develop over 3-6 months following a course of treatment.

⚠️Skin continues to age every day – periodic maintenance treatments, daily SPF 50+ with prescribed skincare and a healthy lifestyle all work together to sustain, protect and build on your results long term.

NORMAL RESPONSE What Does Nd:YAG Laser Feel Like? Is Nd:YAG Laser Painful?

During treatment it is normal to experience skin tingling, sensitivity and heat sensation with mild to moderate discomfort as the laser energy is delivered. Discomfort levels vary between individuals depending on skin sensitivity, the concern being treated, treatment settings and handpiece used. Topical numbing cream is not routinely required but can be applied prior to more intense treatment with MLA handpiece.

How Does Skin Feel After Nd:YAG Laser?

Following treatment, mild to moderate redness, heat sensation, sensitivity, swelling and itching are all a normal part of the healing process. For some pigmentation treatments, treated spots will darken and form superficial micro-crusts which progressively shed off. Some individuals may develop bruising dots or more intense redness and swelling. Following MLA handpiece treatments and more intensive settings, petechiae (small pinpoint bruising dots) and mild to moderate itching are also a normal part of the healing process.

DOWNTIME What Is the Downtime After Nd:YAG Laser?

Downtime is generally minimal and manageable but varies depending on the individual, concern treated and treatment intensity.

• Mild to moderate redness, heat sensation, sensitivity, tingling, swelling and itching typically resolve within a few hours to a few days.
• Acne and laser toning treatments generally involve the least downtime – mild redness and swelling typically resolve within a few hours to a day.
• For some individuals, purpura or bruising may occur and typically resolves within 1-2 weeks.
• For some pigmentation treatments, treated spots darken and form micro-crusts – resolving within 5-10 days on the face and 2-3 weeks on the body –⚠️Picking or scratching micro-crusts may cause pigmentation changes or scarring.
• Following MLA handpiece treatments and more intensive laser settings, moderate redness, sunburn sensation, itching and petechiae – mini bruising dots – typically resolve within 3-6 days.

RISKS What Are the Possible Side Effects of Nd:YAG Laser?

Unlike normal post-treatment responses, side effects occur beyond the expected healing process and are uncommon.These may include prolonged redness, swelling and itching, pigmentation changes like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, burns, blistering, skin infection, scarring, and allergic reaction to tattoo ink during tattoo removal.

⚠️Serious adverse effects are rare when treatment is performed by a qualified professional with appropriate settings, client assessment and aftercare.

SUITABILITY Who Is Not Suitable for Nd:YAG Laser?

Nd:YAG Laser Treatment is not suitable for everyone. You may not be a candidate if any of the following apply:

• Pregnancy
• Active skin infections in the treatment area: bacterial, fungal or viral like active cold sores or herpes
• Immune conditions that may impair healing: active cancer, AIDS/HIV, unstable lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, active or uncontrolled dermatitis, psoriasis or vitiligo
• Other health conditions that may impair healing: hereditary healing disorders, blood disorders, diabetes, history of keloid/hypertrophic scarring
• Systemic medication: isotretinoin (Accutane) in the last 6 months, angiogenesis inhibitors, anticoagulants like warfarin, steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or chemotherapy
• Photosensitive epilepsy
• Undiagnosed or suspicious skin lesions at the treatment area – skin cancer check required prior to pigmentation treatments
• Lifestyle factors that may impair healing: excessive sun exposure, recent tanning, heavy smoking or heavy alcohol consumption
• Recent tan or fake tan in the treatment area
• Recent deep resurfacing procedures in the treatment area

⚠️This list is not exhaustive – a thorough consultation is required prior to treatment.

PREPARATION How Do I Prepare for Nd:YAG Laser?

2-4 Weeks Before:

• Daily SPF 50+ and prescribed skincare to optimise skin health and reduce side effect risk.
• Direct and prolonged sun exposure avoided – particularly during peak UV hours.
• Fake tan avoided – significantly increases burn and pigmentation risk.
• Chemical peels or resurfacing treatments avoided.

1-2 Days Before:

• Alcohol avoided – may increase skin sensitivity and bruising risk.
• Retinoids, scrubs and AHA exfoliants avoided – may increase skin sensitivity and adverse reaction risk.
• Ibuprofen and aspirin avoided if possible – ⚠️Medical doctor should be consulted before changing any medications.

On the Day:

• No makeup or fake tan in the treatment area.
• All medications and medical conditions disclosed to ensure safe treatment.
• For more intense treatments with MLA laser handpiece, topical numbing cream can be applied 45-60 minutes prior to decrease surface discomfort.

AFTERCARE What Is the Nd:YAG Laser Aftercare?

1-3 Days After:

• Heat exposure avoided – strenuous exercise, saunas, hot baths or showers.
• Makeup and touching the treatment area avoided.
• Cool packs to reduce redness, sensitivity and swelling.
• Gentle cleanser and simple moisturiser only until redness resolves.

1-2 Weeks After:

• Direct and prolonged sun exposure avoided – particularly during peak UV hours.
• No skin picking, scratching or scrubbing.
• Retinoids, scrubs and AHA exfoliants avoided until redness fully resolves and skin settled.
• Skin treatments avoided unless advised by your clinician.

Ongoing:

• Daily SPF 50+ and prescribed skincare to optimise skin health and maintain results.

If Purpura, Petechia or Bruising Occurs:

• Arnica cream or tablets may assist with faster resolution – ⚠️Consult pharmacist or medical doctor for guidance.