Click Photo's for POST-TREATMENT EXAMPLES OF Q-Clear Nd:Yag Laser
Effectively two lasers in one! Produces pure 1064 nm or combined 532nm/1064nm wavelength with included adapter for different tissue absorption characteristics. The 1064 nm wavelength is very gentle to normal tissue and can be used on all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI) with typically no pain during or after treatment. The combined 532nm/1064nm wavelength is highly absorbed by oxyhemaglobin and is similar to pulsed dye lasers (585nm) in usefulness. This wavelength can aggressively treat vascular lesions, spider veins, warts, pigmented lesions, hypertrophied scars, and much more. Additional information regarding the laser procedure on your toenails.
The laser is available in either “Q-switched” or “Long Pulse” configurations. Q-switching can provide superior effect with exceptional patient comfort. Long pulse lasers typically produce pulse durations around 1/10th of a second with the same amount of power delivered in a Q-switched laser in about 9 billionths of a second. This produces an intense photo biologic effect with additional shock wave effect. Long pulse lasers usually work by producing thermal effect which may be more uncomfortable and less effective. Click here for additional information.
Click Photo's for POST-TREATMENT EXAMPLES OF Q-Clear Nd:Yag Laser
Key Features:
Nd:YAG medical grade laser
17 FDA approved indications
Q-switched or long pulse option
1064 nm wavelength or combined 532/1064 mm wavelength
Can be used on all skin types
Very portable (W 14”, D 16”, H 10”) 36 lbs.
Uses regular 100-120 V electric power
Large spot sizes 2.5 mm 3.5 mm 5.0 mm optional 6.5 mm
Adjustable power settings
Adjustable pulses 1-5 per second
Rapid treatment times
No consumables
Common Podiatric FDA approved indications
Warts
Spider veins
Scar revision
Vascular lesions
Pigmented lesions
and much MORE!
Full Indications
FDA Approvals (Exact wording)
1. For incinsion, excision, ablation, and vaporization of soft tissue for General Dermatology
2. The 1064nm wavelength is indicated for:
Dark ink tattoo removal
Treatment of pigmented lesions (particulalarly Nevus of Ota)
Removal or lightening of hair
Skin resurfacing with or without adjuvant preparation
3. The 532 nm wavelength is indicated for:
Removal of light ink (red, tan, purple and orange) tattoos
Treatment of common nevi
Treatment of caf'e-au-lait spots
Treatment of seborrheic keratoses
Treatment of vascular lesions, including fascial and leg veins, telangiectasias, angiomas, hemangiomas, port winw stains, and most pigmented lesions (e.g. lentigines, and ephelides)
Nail Fungus:
Q-Clear™ Currently non-approved by the FDA specifically for onychomycosis (application pending). FDA approved for multiple lower extremity conditions including treatment of the soft tissues in general dermatology which would include soft tissues of the nail unit. Our goal is to provide accurate information regarding the potential patient and practice benefits possible with NdYAG lasers and the added advantage of Q-switched NdYAG lasers.
At the present time only one laser (an NdYAG, “long pulse”) is specificaly FDA approved for the treatment of onychomycosis. Although first to obtain specific approval, the costs and treatment times associated with this laser are significant. At the present time several other laser manufacturers are also seeking specific FDA approval for this indication.
Much confusion exists as several recent laser “systems” have been directed at podiatrists primarily for the treatment of nail fungus. Recent articles have been published demonstrating that lasers may be effective for this purpose, and a number of podiatrists who have utilized various lasers over the past few years have also reported promising results. The major downsides to the ”other” laser systems are: the lengthy time required for treatment, in some cases multiple treatments protocol, sometimes significant heat/pain during treatment, and often the significant fees or associated with the treatment of every patient.
NdYAG lasers have been used for many years for multiple FDA approved indications with a proven safety record. The characteristics of the 1064 nm wavelength produced by the Q-Clear™ NdYAG laser has minimal effect on normal tissues, has excellent tissue penetration, and is approved for all skin types. A study not linked to any laser manufacturer has found that the most effective lasers for the eradication of T. rubrum in vitro was a “Q-switched” 1064 nm or 532 nm wavelength laser of those commercially available. This is a significant finding as most NdYAG lasers are long pulse configurations and not “Q-switched”.
A benefit is that laser treatment for fungal nails is that it did not require use of any systemic medications which generally requires blood tests to monitor for possible liver damage. The time required for treatment due to the small spot size of the laser is much ess than some other types of laser treatments.
Our Q-Clear laser is produced by a highly respected company, Light Age, Inc. that manufacturers lasers for uses in medicine, science, government, and industry, including the Q-Clear™ Q-switched or long pulse NdYAG laser. This device has been available since 2004, and is made in the USA. The Q-Clear™ laser has previously been used primarily by dermatologists, plastic surgeons, other medical specialists, and now podiatrists.
Preliminary Results
Doctors have been using the Q-Clear™ Q-switched laser for a year. In this time, they have treated over 300 hundred patients for nail unit fungus. Upon follow up, we have noticed a significant improvement in the proximal portion of the nail, as regrowth occurs in the vast majority of patients. Some patients either treated initially at very low power, or with very severe mycotic involvement have received additional treatment using high power at follow-up. We have experienced near universal patient satisfaction to date. We have not had any reported side effects, or post treatment pain. Overall, with the potential advantages of the Q-switched pulse duration, I would estimate that our results will be similar to, or exceed, the results of various NdYAG long pulse lasers.
The actual process for treatment of onychomycosis includes appropriate history and physical examination, discussion of all treatment options including benefits and risks, informed consent, pre-treatment photograph, mechanical debridement of any excessive nail thickness, and laser application thru the nail plate to the nail bed and areas of skin covering and surrounding the nail plate. We have found the 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm spot size to be effective. We now treat all areas with a 3.5 mm spot size and a power level of 4 which delivers 7.5 joules/cm2. We generally use one power level less on darker skin types or highly tanned skin (Fitzpatrick skin types V or VI). We usually use a repetition rate of 3 or 5 impulses per second, based on doctor preference.
Effectively two lasers in one! Produces pure 1064 nm or combined 532nm/1064nm wavelength with included adapter for different tissue absorption characteristics. The 1064 nm wavelength is very gentle to normal tissue and can be used on all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI) with typically no pain during or after treatment. The combined 532nm/1064nm wavelength is highly absorbed by oxyhemaglobin and is similar to pulsed dye lasers (585nm) in usefulness. This wavelength can aggressively treat vascular lesions, spider veins, warts, pigmented lesions, hypertrophied scars, and much more. 
