Nd-YAG LASER

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From: jnyu@mozcom.com
 
Dear Doctors,
I am a part of a training program for dermatology in Manila and we are in
the process of purchasing a Nd-Yag Laser. Does anyone have any experience
with this type of laser in treating pigmentation? Is it better than the Q
switched ruby laser? We heard that the Nd Yag laser will not cause
hypopigmentation as compared to the Q switched laser in orientals. Our skin
type BTW resembles the more or less Hispanic skin.  Could anyone share their
views and comment.  We would like to hear the pros and cons before investing
a lot of money into purchasing the Nd-Yag laser.

Could you also refer or list others area where we can learn more of the Nd
Yag Laser

 
Jonathan Nevin Yu, MD

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From: Philip Bekhor <100251.57@compuserve.com>
 
Our clinic has been using a Con-Bio Medlite Q-Switched Frequency doubled Nd:YAG
laser for over 3 years.

Our experience

Naevus of Ota- highly effective (1064nm) - high fluences and multiple
re-treatments
Solar lentigo - highly effective (532nm)
Cafe au lait- variable from good to ineffective (532nm)
Chloasma and Post-inflammatory pigment and "acquired speckled naevus of Ota" (a
curious condition we see not uncommonly on the cheeks of Vietnamese women)
-unreliable
Tattoo -  dark pigments and red - highly effective
Tattoo green and light blue - poor
Congenital Pigmented naevi - poor

Yag versus Ruby (Personal opinion)

Yag is cheaper to purchase and operate.  Yag is theoretically more safe in dark
skin as 1064 is less absorbed by melanin.  We have had good results with tattoos
in Asian and Indian skin.  Ruby is reported as effective Green and light blue
but less effective with red tattoo pigments.  Ruby may be more effective with
pigmented naevi (based on our disappointing experience with these lesions).

Reliability of Equpt. 

Very good.  We operate without a service contract

I hope this is of some help

Philip Bekhor MB BS FACD