Pablo Naranjo Garcia: Compression Window for QX MAX
Excellent results are usually obtained in pigmented lesions and tattoo removal treated with the QX MAX® KTP laser (Fotona’s Q-Switched laser) on light phototypes. However, the high absorption by intradermal hemoglobin at this wavelength enables purpuric reactions and an excessive inflammatory process occurring during the treatment, and also increases the risk of long-lasting erythema, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and other adverse effects. Q-Switched laser systems are based on photomechanical effects in target chromophores. Delivery of very short pulse durations (nanoseconds) enables fragmentation of the pigments with minimal damage to the surrounding tissue. In this study, we applied a compressing distance gauge prototype that creates superficial vasoconstriction by direct compression of coated lens through the skin during the laser beam. QX MAX KTP laser treatments with this new compressing distance gauge were applied to 10 patients who wanted to remove their pigmented lesions and tattoos and another 10 treatments with a standard distance gauge (without compression) were applied to the same patients in other areas to remove the same type of pigments. Evaluation of common secondary effects like purpuric reactions and vasodilatation/erythema were performed immediately before and after those treatments in both groups of patients (regular vs prototype handpiece) with color echo-doppler and mexameter systems. This technology enables one to minimize or even prevent adverse effects like purpuric reactions or long-lasting erythema in pigmented lesions and tattoo-removal treatments, thereby reducing recovery time and the risk of more serious adverse effects.
Related videos