The Nd YAG laser

What is Nd YAG laser?

The Nd YAG laser is a non-ablative form of laser treatment that does not burn the skin surface. This type of laser treatment is designed to accurately target pigment cells. It is used to treat scars, pigmentation, sun spots, and is an effective means for hair and tattoo removal.

How does this laser treatment work?

During this type of laser treatment, the YAG laser emits a beam of light that travels through the skin and into the hair follicle or area of pigmentation. The light energy is then absorbed by the targeted pigment and turned to heat. This heat damages the cells that contain the targeted pigment. In cases where the treatment is used specifically for hair removal, the hair follicle and shaft are destroyed by the heat of the laser.

During the treatment, you will wear protective goggles. The YAG laser is mildly painful for treatment of pigmentation spots such as liver or age spots, but quite painful for tattoo removals. Dr van Heerden will always use a topical anaesthetic, and occasionally a local anaesthetic when doing tattoo removal. Tattoo removal requires between 5 to 9 separate treatments every 2 to 4 months.

Who should undergo this type of laser treatment?

Dr van Heerden makes use of this special laser for tattoo removals and the treatment of pigmented freckles or liver spots. In addition, this laser is used widely for laser hair removal and anti-ageing too. Dr van Heerden is able to perform laser hair removal on all areas of the body, as long as the hairs are dark coloured. Unfortunately red, grey, white or blonde hair does not react to this form of laser treatment.