Yag laser

The Yag laser targets two things: the red pigment in the blood within capillaries and small blood vessels visible at the skin surface, and melanin - the pigment responsible for freckles, sun spots and other pigmented marks.

The light emitted is absorbed by these targets, heating and damaging them so the body clears them, while surrounding tissue is largely spared.

Why the wavelength matters

Yag is a long-wavelength laser. Longer wavelengths penetrate further into the skin, which has two practical consequences:

It reaches deeper targets. Vessels and pigment sitting below the surface, which shorter-wavelength devices cannot reach effectively, are within range.
Less of the energy is absorbed by pigment in the epidermis on the way through. This is why longer-wavelength lasers are generally the safer choice in darker skin types than broad-spectrum devices such as IPL.

It is still an invasive treatment in the sense that it deliberately damages structures within the skin, and it should be considered on that basis.

Conditions it may help

Capillaries and skin redness
Facial veins and spider veins
Skin vessels and haemangiomas
Rosacea
Hyperpigmentation and melasma
Freckles and birthmarks
Sun damage and skin ageing
Fine lines and wrinkles and uneven skin texture
Open pores
Scars, including keloid, surgical and raised scars
Skin lesions and cosmetic mole removal

Effectiveness varies from person to person and by condition.

A note on cosmetic mole removal: a mole should be assessed before it is removed or treated by any method. Destroying a lesion with a laser leaves no tissue to examine, so anything that needs a diagnosis needs to be dealt with differently. See mole removal.

Skin types

Yag laser tends to be more effective in some skin types than others. Patients with fair to olive skin generally see the clearest results. Those with darker skin tones can be treated, but require particular care with settings and often more conservative treatment - the long wavelength is an advantage here, but it does not remove the need for caution.

Individual responses vary regardless of skin type.

How many treatments

The number required depends on your skin type and condition. Some people see the result they want after one to three treatments; others need more sessions.

A no-obligation consultation with one of our cosmetic physicians, nurses, clinicians or aestheticians is required so your skin can be examined and assessed for suitability.

Recurrence

Some vessels and pigmented marks reappear over time, particularly with continued sun exposure. When they do, they can be treated again in the same way.

This is worth understanding before starting: the treatment addresses what is there now. It does not prevent new vessels or new pigmentation from developing, and sun protection does more to prevent recurrence than any repeat treatment.

Before and after treatment

Avoid sun exposure, solariums and fake tan before treatment - recently tanned skin absorbs more energy and raises the risk of burns and pigment change. Disclose all medications, particularly anything increasing photosensitivity, and any cold sore history if treating near the mouth.

Afterwards, use daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, avoid direct sun, and do not pick at treated marks - vessels and pigment may darken or crust briefly before clearing.

Risks

Redness, swelling and discomfort - the treatment can sting, and some people find it more uncomfortable than other light-based treatments
Bruising, particularly when treating vessels
Blistering and burns
Changes in pigmentation - darkening or lightening, temporary or persistent
Worsening of melasma in some people
Scarring
Crusting or scabbing
Infection, including reactivation of cold sores
Eye injury without proper protective eyewear
Recurrence, or little to no response

Risk of burns and pigment change is higher in darker skin types and in recently tanned skin.

Please read our information on the risks and complications of cosmetic surgery before proceeding.

Cost and booking

Cost depends on the area, the condition and the number of sessions. As at September 2024 and including GST, a skin assessment with a nurse or aesthetician is $50 and is redeemable on products or services; a consultation with a Cosmetic Doctor is $150; a mole removal consultation with a Cosmetic Doctor is $150.

Me Clinic is at 4 Burke Road, Malvern East VIC 3145, five minutes' walk from Caulfield station. Phone 1300 852 050.

See laser skin rejuvenation, IPL, facial vein treatments, mole removal, or all face procedures.

Individual results may vary. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.