Q-Switch Laser Treatment

Q-Switch Laser Treatment for Pigmentation

Q-Switch laser is a laser technology used to treat pigmented skin lesions and uneven skin tone.

At our practice, treatments are performed by dermatology specialist Dr. Kağan Cingöz. Our practice in central Kırklareli is easy to reach from Lüleburgaz, Babaeski and Edirne.

What Is a Q-Switch Laser?

A Q-Switch laser is a system that delivers energy in very short pulses on the nanosecond scale. This short pulse duration is the decisive factor: the energy reaches the targeted pigment particle without spreading to the surrounding tissue, and breaks it up mechanically.

The fragmented pigment is then removed by the body's own clearance mechanisms. This is why the result does not appear immediately after the procedure, but over the following weeks.

The system has several wavelengths, each targeting pigment at a different depth. Which wavelength is used is decided according to the type and depth of the lesion and the patient's skin type.

What It Is Used For

Superficial pigmented lesions

• Sun spots (solar lentigo)

• Age-related spots

• Freckles

Deep-seated pigmented lesions

• Naevus of Ota and similar dermal melanocytic lesions

• Some congenital pigmented lesions

Skin tone and texture

• Uneven skin tone

• The appearance of pores

• Fine lines and superficial skin texture

• Superficial improvement of acne scars

Café-au-lait spots can also be treated; however, their response to laser is unpredictable and they have a high recurrence rate. This is discussed separately before treatment.

Before Treatment: The Spot Must Be Identified

This section is the most important part of this page.

Not every dark area on the skin is the same thing, and not all of them are treated with laser. Sun spots, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, seborrhoeic keratoses and dermal melanocytic lesions can look alike, but their treatments are completely different.

More importantly, laser is not used on a pigmented lesion whose diagnosis is uncertain. Conditions such as early-stage melanoma and lentigo maligna can look like a "spot". Treating these lesions with laser both delays the diagnosis and makes later assessment more difficult.

For this reason, lesions are examined with dermoscopy before treatment; lesions found to be suspicious are not treated with laser, and a biopsy is planned when necessary.

Sun and Tanning

One of the laser's targets is melanin. In tanned skin, the amount of melanin in the upper layer of the skin is increased, so the energy is taken up at the surface rather than by the targeted pigment. The result is a burn and a change in skin colour that can be permanent.

• Tanned skin is not treated. After intense sun exposure, there is usually a wait of 4 weeks.

• Sun protection before and throughout the course of treatment is a prerequisite for the procedure.

• Sunbeds and tanning products are not used throughout the treatment period.

Because of this restriction, treatments for pigmentation are mostly planned for the autumn–winter period.

When It Is Not Performed

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• Tanned skin or recent intense sun exposure

• An active skin infection or an open wound in the treatment area

• A pigmented lesion with an uncertain diagnosis, or a suspicious one, in the treatment area

• Use of medicines that cause sensitivity to light

• A tendency to form keloids or hypertrophic scars

• Uncontrolled diabetes and conditions that impair wound healing

• Diseases that involve photosensitivity

It is essential to mention if you are taking isotretinoin or have recently stopped it. The timing is then assessed together, based on the dose and the duration of use.

A history of cold sores should also be mentioned. For treatments on the face, preventive antiviral treatment is given.

How Is the Treatment Performed?

Beforehand, the skin type, skin colour and lesions are assessed, and the nature of the lesions is clarified with dermoscopy. The treatment area is cleansed and protective eyewear is put on.

The procedure takes 15–30 minutes, depending on the area.

What it feels like: there is a brief stinging sensation, similar to the snap of a rubber band, together with a feeling of heat. A cold-air cooling system reduces this sensation considerably. The level of discomfort varies with the area and the energy setting, and is more noticeable in areas close to bone.

What to Expect After the Procedure

Superficial spots: during the treatment, the targeted areas turn white for a moment; this is an expected response and fades quickly. The spots then darken and take on a coffee-grounds appearance.

The darkened areas form crusts and flake off within 7–14 days, revealing lighter skin underneath.

It is very important that these crusts are not picked off. Crusts that are removed by force can lead to permanent colour change and scarring.

Skin tone and texture treatments: there is no noticeable crusting; redness lasting a few hours and mild sensitivity are seen.

Deep-seated lesions: the result develops much more slowly, and a considerable number of sessions is needed.

The Course of Treatment

• Superficial spots: usually 3–5 sessions

• Skin tone and texture treatments: planned as a series of sessions

• Deep-seated lesions (such as naevus of Ota) need many more sessions; this is discussed openly before treatment

• Sessions are carried out at intervals of 3–4 weeks

• Maintenance sessions are planned when needed to preserve the result

The number of sessions is determined at the consultation according to the type, depth and extent of the lesion and the response to treatment, and it is reassessed as treatment progresses.

The result is not permanent. Sun spots can develop again over time, depending on predisposition and sun exposure. Sun protection plays a decisive role in preserving the result achieved.

Before the Procedure

• From 4 weeks before the procedure, the skin is protected from the sun; tanning, sunbeds and tanning products are avoided.

• Patients are asked to tell the doctor about all the medicines they take, as some medicines cause sensitivity to light.

• Patients taking isotretinoin, or who have recently stopped it, are asked to say so.

• Patients with a history of cold sores are asked to mention it.

• Retinoids, acid-containing products and peels are stopped a few days before the procedure.

• Patients are asked to come to the appointment without make-up.

After the Procedure

• For the first 48 hours, the skin is protected from direct sunlight.

• SPF 50+ sunscreen is used and reapplied during the day. This continues throughout the course of treatment and afterwards.

• Any crusts that form are not picked off, scratched or rubbed.

• The recommended moisturiser is used regularly.

• Hot showers, saunas and Turkish baths are avoided for 1 week.

• Retinoids, acid-containing products and peels are not used until the crusts have completely fallen off.

• Patients are asked to attend their follow-up appointment.

Possible Risks

• Temporary redness, mild swelling and sensitivity

• Expected, temporary darkening and crusting

• Colour change that can be permanent: darkening (hyperpigmentation) or lightening (hypopigmentation). The risk is higher in darker skin types.

• Punctate leukoderma: small, permanent white dots, seen especially after repeated low-energy treatments

• Worsening of melasma

• Burns and resulting crusting — on tanned skin or with an unsuitable energy setting

• Triggering of cold sores

• Scarring (rare)

Most of these risks can be reduced through correct assessment of the skin type, an appropriate energy setting and consistent sun protection; however, they cannot be eliminated.

How It Fits with Other Treatments

Laser alone is not enough to treat pigmentation. Without sun protection and, when needed, topical treatment, the result cannot be maintained and the spot comes back.

In addition, different methods come to the fore depending on the type of spot: for some spots, light-based systems are more suitable; for others, a chemical peel or topical treatment. Which method is chosen, and in what order treatment proceeds, is decided at the consultation.

Reaching Our Practice from Kırklareli, Lüleburgaz and Edirne

Our practice is located at İstasyon Mahallesi Edirne Caddesi No:102 in central Kırklareli. As the treatment requires more than one session, the intervals between sessions are planned with travel conditions in mind for patients coming from Lüleburgaz, Babaeski and Edirne. Distance and travel-time information can be found on our directions page.

Our practice holds an International Health Tourism Certificate and also serves patients who come from abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the procedure painful?
There is a brief stinging sensation, similar to the snap of a rubber band, together with a feeling of heat. A cold-air cooling system reduces this sensation considerably. Anaesthesia is usually not needed.

When are the results visible?
With superficial spots, lightening is noticeable after the first session, once the crusts have fallen off. A clear result usually appears after 3–5 sessions. With deep-seated lesions, the process takes much longer.

My spot has darkened — has something gone wrong?
No. Darkening and a coffee-grounds appearance in the first few days are an expected part of the process; these areas form crusts and flake off within 7–14 days. It is important not to pick off the crusts.

Are the results permanent?
No. Sun spots can develop again over time, depending on predisposition and sun exposure. Sun protection and, when needed, maintenance sessions play a decisive role in preserving the result.

Can it be done in the summer months?
It can be planned, provided the skin is not tanned and strict sun protection is maintained. Tanned skin is not treated. This is why treatments for pigmentation are mostly planned for autumn and winter.

Can I go back to work after the procedure?
Yes, the same day. However, if superficial spots have been treated, a temporary period of darkening and crusting lasting 7–14 days should be taken into account. If a social event is coming up, it is advisable to plan the treatment accordingly.

How many sessions are needed?
For superficial spots, usually 3–5 sessions at intervals of 3–4 weeks. Deep-seated lesions need considerably more sessions. The number is determined at the consultation.

Who is it not suitable for?
It is not performed during pregnancy, on tanned skin, in people with an active infection or open wound in the treatment area, in people taking medicines that cause sensitivity to light, in people prone to keloids, or where there is a pigmented lesion with an uncertain diagnosis in the treatment area.

Appointments

For appointments and further information, you can reach us through our contact page.

The information on this page is for general information only and does not replace an examination by a doctor. An examination is needed to plan treatment. Results can vary from person to person.

Last updated: October 2026 | Page editor: Dr. Kağan Cingöz