Well, this is a very interesting question…. From a ‘classical’ viewpoint (i.e. the world in which we live) this is easily calculated by multiplying the speed of light, c, with the laser pulse duration. So, for a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser of, say, 5 nanosecond duration, the laser pulse is approx. 1.49 metres long, while a… Continue reading How long is a beam of laser light?
More on Thermal Relaxation Times
TRTs I’ve had a number of enquiries about my article on the relevance of thermal relaxation times in photothermal treatments. They were asking for clarification. So here goes…. Thermal relaxation time (TRT) describes how quickly an object loses heat energy. Typically, it is the time taken for the temperature of an object to drop… Continue reading More on Thermal Relaxation Times
Don’t stare at the sun – ever!!!
We all know its a bad idea to stare at the sun. But this lady decided to do so during the recent eclipse in America, without the correct protective safety glasses. As a result her retinas were burnt with an image of the eclipsed sun! Many lasers output a much higher power than can… Continue reading Don’t stare at the sun – ever!!!
Laser Tattoo Removal – the important considerations
Laser tattoo removal has been available commercially since we opened the world’s first private clinic to offer this treatment in Glasgow, Scotland in 1989 following our groundbreaking clinical research program in Canniesburn Hospital, Glasgow during the 1980s (see our 1990 publication in the British Journal of Plastic Surgery). We used the Q-switched ruby laser which… Continue reading Laser Tattoo Removal – the important considerations
“Q-switched 532nm laser energy causes significant vascular damage in the capillary plexus – how does this affect laser tattoo removal?”
A new publication just went live on the British Journal of Dermatology site at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/wol1/doi/10.1111/bjd.16130/abstract. Full article can be viewed here. It discusses my observations on non-tattooed skin (my own) following irradiation with a Q-switched 532nm laser. I found that there is a significant amount of damage in the capillary plexus soon after irradiation. This… Continue reading “Q-switched 532nm laser energy causes significant vascular damage in the capillary plexus – how does this affect laser tattoo removal?”
Are picosecond lasers worth the cost?
That’s a good question! A picosecond laser costs around £100,000 in the UK, at the moment. A ‘standard’ Q-switched laser costs anywhere between £10,000 and £60,000. QS lasers can output up to 2 Joules of energy in pulsewidths as short as 5 nanoseconds, while some commercially available pico lasers can output up to 1 Joule… Continue reading Are picosecond lasers worth the cost?
Good gig photos
Some good photos from one of our gigs…. With thanks to Stuart Westwood Photography. MIke.
Unscrupulous laser suppliers!! Beware…
You got to be kidding me??? One of my LPA client’s recently had a laser break down during treatment. He stopped treatment immediately and checked the system. It came back with an error code – which was meaningless! So he called me out to have a look at it. The main unit appears… Continue reading Unscrupulous laser suppliers!! Beware…
What is this ‘Level 4’, ‘Level 5’ in aesthetics stuff all about?
Like most people I was a bit confused about this new ‘Level 4’, 5, 6 and 7 malarkey! I hear conflicting information from various sources saying that everyone using lasers/IPLs “must” be educated to these levels; then other sources saying “not yet”!! So, what’s the state of play? I recently came across an… Continue reading What is this ‘Level 4’, ‘Level 5’ in aesthetics stuff all about?
Do you need gel for photothermal treatments?
Water-based gel is routinely used when applying lasers and IPLs on skin conditions like vascular lesions, benign pigmented lesions and hair removal. However, some manufactueres and suppliers suggest that gel is not required. Im not really sure why! So, what happens if you use, or don’t use, gel? As far as I am concerned… Continue reading Do you need gel for photothermal treatments?
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