From the Guidelines
For dark skin and dark spots, the Nd:YAG laser with a wavelength of 1064 nm is typically recommended. This specific wavelength penetrates deeper into the skin while being less absorbed by melanin, making it safer for darker skin tones. The 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser can effectively target pigmented lesions, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation without causing significant damage to the surrounding tissue.
According to the study published in the International Journal of Oral Science 1, the use of lasers, such as Nd:YAG lasers, is preferable due to their ability to deliver monochromatic light, which provides a more stable beam and allows for easy calculation of light dosimetry. The study also mentions that the wavelength of 600-800 nm is considered the "therapeutic window" for photodynamic therapy, but for dark skin and dark spots, the 1064 nm wavelength is more suitable due to its deeper penetration and lower absorption by melanin.
Treatment sessions usually involve multiple passes with the laser at appropriate energy settings determined by a dermatologist based on skin type and condition severity. Patients typically require 3-6 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart for optimal results. The 1064 nm wavelength works by selectively targeting the melanin in dark spots while minimizing absorption by the surrounding melanin in darker skin, which reduces the risk of hypopigmentation, burns, and other adverse effects that are common with other laser wavelengths.
Some key points to consider when using the 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser for dark skin and dark spots include:
- Deeper penetration into the skin, reducing the risk of damage to the surrounding tissue
- Lower absorption by melanin, making it safer for darker skin tones
- Effective targeting of pigmented lesions, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Multiple treatment sessions may be required for optimal results
- Post-treatment care includes strict sun protection with SPF 50+ sunscreen, avoiding direct sun exposure, and possibly using prescribed lightening agents to enhance results.
From the Research
ND Yah Laser NM for Dark Skin and Dark Spots
- The 1064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is used for treating melasma and dark spots in dark skin 2, 3, 4, 5.
- This laser has a wavelength of 1064 nm and is considered safe for all skin types, including dark skin 3, 5.
- The laser treatment can be combined with other therapies such as ultrasonic application of topical vitamin C to enhance its effectiveness 2.
- Studies have shown that the 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser can improve melasma and dark spots with minimal risk of rebound or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation 2, 3, 5.
- The treatment protocol may involve multiple sessions, with treatments performed every 2-4 weeks 3.
- Other laser modalities, such as Q-switched alexandrite, pulsed dye laser, and fractional lasers, can also be used to treat melasma and dark spots, but the 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser is considered a safe and effective option for dark skin 4.
Treatment Parameters
- The treatment parameters for the 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser may vary depending on the individual patient and the specific condition being treated 2, 3.
- A study by 2 used a combination of different parameters, including an 8-mm spot size at a power of 2.0 J/cm(2), a 6-mm spot size at a power of 3.5 J/cm(2), and a 4-mm spot size at 3.2 J/cm(2).
- Another study by 3 used a 650-microsecond pulse duration and treated patients every 2-4 weeks.