Nd:YAG

Nd:YAG is a vascular laser treatment used to target unwanted dilated blood vessels on the face and body. The Cutera neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser has a wavelength of 1064nm. It precisely penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin to correct the effects of rosacea and sun damage. Dilated blood vessels (also called “broken capillaries), angiomas (also called “cherry spots), redness, and poiliokderma type sun damage on the face and body are all common concerns that can be treated using this laser. Because sun exposed skin is not suitable for safe treatment with this laser, we generally view this as a “winter sport” from October-April each year for treatment areas that will receive sun exposure.

Nd:YAG treatments reduce redness and visible veins in the skin in a way that skincare cannot. Dr. Sherber knows that not all skin types and tones respond in the same way to the various treatments, and therefore thoroughly evaluates each patient's skin to design a course of treatment that combines multiple treatment modalities to provide the best results possible. Best results are generally achieved with a series of treatments, and there’s a wise saying about lasers that “one is a treat, and three is a treatment.” Cost varies based on the type of treatment and the extent of the areas treated.

Lasers use specific wavelengths to target melanin (removal of dark spots, hair removal), hemoglobin (treatment of redness and visible veins), or water (collagen stimulation for skin rejuvenation). Through this targeted approach, the new generation of lasers provide skin-perfecting results that aren’t achievable through skincare alone. Nd:YAG laser is selective for hemoglobin to reduce the appearance of unwanted redness and dilated capillaries. Dr. Sherber’s extensive knowledge of the best wavelengths and amount of energy required to resolve skin issues allows patients to achieve optimal results in removing unwanted spots while leaving the surrounding skin safe and unharmed.

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01Consultation + Preparation

In preparation for the consultation it is important to let us know if you have a history of herpes simplex cold sores, so that we may prescribe an oral antiviral to take as an adjunct to treatment to prevent an outbreak. For your first treatment, discontinue any topical retinoids (retinol, Retin-A) for a week prior to treatment. Dr. Sherber will then advise you on this for future treatments based on your skin’s response to the laser. It is also critical that the skin not be suntanned or self-tanned prior to any laser, light, or energy treatment.

During the consultation, our team will take high resolution photographs for your record so that we can observe the results of your treatment with accuracy. We will then ask you about your medical history, including current medications and any prior procedures. Dr. Sherber will talk with you about your specific goals and customize a treatment plan for you that might include other treatment modalities such as skincare, Botox or other injectables, additional laser treatments, and skincare products. Areas that we typically treat include the face, neck, hands, and chest.

02Procedure

A Nd:YAG treatment is comfortable and is typically completed within 15 minutes. A Nd:YAG treatment session does not require topical numbing, but topical numbing can be arranged to be applied 20 minutes prior to treatment.

Once the areas to be treated have been thoroughly cleansed and wiped with alcohol, the laser handpiece is used to precisely and evenly deliver the energy to the area. A warm or snapping sensation may be felt during treatment. Once the treatment is complete patients can often return to their daily schedule, depending on the intensity of the procedure.

skin quality

sun damage

rejuvenating

no downtime

03recovery

Immediately post-treatment Dr. Sherber will apply a gentle soothing serum and broad spectrum sunscreen to leave skin soothed and protected. You will be pink for a few hours but this is expected to resolve by the following morning. Angiomas and dilated capillaries may look darker and more purplish after treatment before they fade.

Your usual activity can be resumed immediately after treatment and makeup can be applied to the areas treated as you will not have peeling or other more noticeable after-effects. Be mindful not to apply harsh active ingredients like retinoids and exfoliating acids, and not to use highly fragranced skincare products until symptoms have resolved.

04results

Some vascular lesions will resolve with one treatment session, whereas others may require several sessions to ensure a safe and complete treatment response. Over a series of treatments there will be continued improvements evident.

Ideally, these treatments needed to be repeated several times to achieve optimal results. In some cases, treatments are performed in a series over the course of several months.

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