This is an informational page supervised by a specialist physician at IC Clinic Shibuya, a 3-minute walk from JR Shibuya Station.
“What is Q-Switched YAG Laser?”
“Can it remove age spots, freckles, and moles?”
Do any of these questions sound familiar?
Q-Switched YAG Laser is a medical laser device that can address skin pigmentation concerns such as age spots and freckles.
At IC Clinic, we offer the “Spectra” laser system. In addition to age spots and freckles, it may also be used for deeper pigmentation concerns such as melasma, and skin texture improvement can be expected.
On this page, we explain the features of Q-Switched YAG Laser and the effects that may be expected from treatment.
Our clinic proposes a treatment approach tailored to each individual patient, with a focus on results.
We take the time to fully understand your concerns and symptoms, so please use the button below to book a consultation.
🎯 What Is Q-Switched YAG Laser?
This section provides a detailed explanation of the basic features and mechanism of Q-Switched YAG Laser.
Q-Switched YAG Laser is a medical laser device used for treating pigmentation concerns such as age spots, moles, and freckles.
The laser light is directed at the area of concern, targeting melanin pigment while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy skin.
Q-Switched YAG Laser can use two different wavelengths: 532 nm and 1064 nm.
This means it can address pigmentation in the superficial layers of the skin — such as age spots and freckles — as well as deeper pigmentation concerns such as melasma.
💡 What Is Q-Switching?
Q-switching is a technique that controls the laser’s “pulse width” — the duration of each laser pulse — to concentrate energy precisely.
It delivers high energy in a very short time, allowing the laser to be applied at an output level well suited to targeting melanin pigment.
Because the energy can be directed specifically at melanin pigment, it minimizes damage to healthy skin while addressing age spots and freckles.
⚠️ Please Note!
Some Q-switched laser devices may not deliver a uniform pulse width.
For effective treatment of age spots and freckles, it is important to use a medical laser device — such as Spectra — that delivers high energy with a uniform pulse width.
🔍 What Is the Difference Between YAG Laser and Ruby Laser?
Q-switched laser treatment devices include two main types: “YAG Laser” and “Ruby Laser.”
The differences between them are as follows.
| YAG Laser | Ruby Laser | |
|---|---|---|
| Wavelength | 532 nm, 1064 nm | 694 nm |
| Features | ・Capable of high-power, high-speed continuous irradiation ・Targets melanin pigment while minimizing impact on surrounding tissue ・Lower risk of pigment loss (depigmentation) ・Well suited for addressing deeper pigmentation in the skin | ・High absorption rate by melanin ・Can irradiate at a pulse width well suited to treating age spots ・May be more suitable than YAG laser for age spot removal treatments |
YAG Laser can irradiate using two wavelengths, and by switching between them, it is able to address a wide range of cases.
Ruby Laser, on the other hand, cannot deliver high-power irradiation, but it may be more suitable than YAG Laser for age spot removal.
✨ What Skin-Rejuvenating Effects Can Be Expected from Q-Switched YAG Laser?
This section provides a detailed explanation of the specific cosmetic effects that may be expected from Q-Switched YAG Laser.
Q-Switched YAG Laser treatment devices include mainly the following 3 types:
- 📌 Spectra
- 📌 Pico Laser
- 📌 TriBeam
Among these, our clinic offers Spectra.
Spectra is a laser treatment device capable of treatment using two wavelengths: 532 nm and 1064 nm. The main effects that may be expected from Spectra treatment are the following 3:
- ✅ Reduction of age spots, moles, and melasma
- ✅ Improvement of birthmarks and skin blemishes
- ✅ Skin beautification effects such as minimizing the appearance of pores
A notable feature is that skin texture improvement — including minimizing the appearance of pores — may also be expected. Using Spectra to perform a peeling treatment is referred to as “Laser Facial.”
Below, we introduce the details of each of these effects.
🔸 Reduction of Age Spots, Moles, and Melasma
Q-Switched YAG Laser can be used not only for age spots and moles, but also for melasma.
Previously, treating melasma carried a high risk of worsening the condition and was generally considered difficult. However, Q-Switched YAG Laser can deliver high-power irradiation with a uniform pulse width, making it possible to address melasma as well.
When age spots, freckles, and melasma are present together, Q-Switched YAG Laser treatment may be a suitable option.
🔸 Improvement of Birthmarks and Skin Blemishes
Q-Switched YAG Laser may offer improvement for brown, black, and blue birthmarks.
Birthmarks form in the subcutaneous tissue, which lies in the deeper layers of the skin.
With Q-Switched YAG Laser, using the 1064 nm wavelength allows the laser to reach the subcutaneous tissue. The disrupted melanin pigment forms a scab, and the birthmark naturally flakes away from the skin as the scab falls off.
🔸 Skin Beautification Effects Including Pore Tightening (Also Beneficial for Acne)
Spectra, the Q-Switched YAG Laser used at our clinic, may also offer skin beautification effects such as minimizing the appearance of pores and improving acne.
It can also help reduce acne inflammation and balance sebum production, supporting the goal of smoother-looking skin.
📋 What Is the Treatment Process for Q-Switched YAG Laser? Post-Treatment Progress
This section provides a detailed explanation of the actual treatment process and what to expect after treatment.
Q-Switched YAG Laser treatment follows these steps.
- 🔸 Consultation
First, we will listen carefully to your concerns. We will discuss your individual goals — such as the reduction of age spots or freckles — and work with you to determine the treatment plan. - ⚡ Treatment
Please remove your makeup before the procedure. During treatment, you may feel a sensation similar to tiny sparks from a sparkler on your skin. - 💧 Aftercare
After the treatment, the surface of the skin is gently cleaned and protected with gauze or tape. Please keep the tape in place for several days.
After treatment, a scab will form, and within a few weeks the scab will naturally fall off, revealing clearer skin beneath.
🚨 Important!
Forcibly removing the scab can cause pigmentation to remain more easily, so please avoid picking at it.
A thin brownish layer of skin may also form after treatment. Over time, this thin layer will naturally peel away and skin of a normal color will appear, so please take care not to forcibly remove it.
For overall skin beautification and texture improvement, milder treatments such as Laser Facial and Laser Toning are also available.
💊 Q-Switched YAG Laser (Spectra) Pricing
The cost of Q-Switched YAG Laser at our clinic varies depending on the treatment plan and number of sessions.
Please refer to the relevant price list below for details based on your area of concern.
- 📌 Skin Beautification & Radiance Pricing
- 📌 Pigmented Spots & Melasma Pricing
- 📌 Acne Scar Redness Pricing
- 📌 Facial Redness Pricing
- 📌 Body Darkening / Hyperpigmentation Pricing
- 📌 Clogged Pores Pricing
※ Treatment eligibility and pricing for birthmarks require individual consultation.
👨⚕️ Treatment Trends at Our Clinic [Physician’s Comment]
From Dr. Kota Takakuwa (Clinical Director)
At our clinic, we provide Q-Switched YAG Laser treatment to a wide range of patients, from those in their 20s and 30s to those in their 50s and beyond. In recent years, the growing use of smartphones has led more patients to examine their skin in greater detail, and we have seen an approximately 30% increase in patients seeking early treatment. For melasma in particular, we have been able to achieve favorable outcomes in cases that were previously considered challenging, contributing to greater patient satisfaction.
📝 Frequently Asked Questions About Q-Switched YAG Laser
Below, we address frequently asked questions about Q-Switched YAG Laser.
In most cases, pigmentation concerns such as age spots and freckles show improvement after a single session.
However, deeper pigmentation such as melasma may require more sessions.
Depending on individual skin type and the condition being treated, some pigmentation may remain after one session. When multiple sessions are needed, the recommended interval is once every 3 to 6 months.
The time it takes for a scab to form varies from person to person. In most cases, a scab will develop over the treated area with time, so please wait and observe how your skin responds.
If no scab has appeared after several days, please feel free to contact us.
Yes, Spectra can also be used for tattoo removal.
However, because tattoo pigment is located in the deeper layers of the skin, multiple sessions may be required.
In general, Spectra treatment rarely causes melasma to become darker.
However, depending on the condition and severity of the melasma, there is a possibility that the risk of darkening may increase in some cases.
We assess each patient’s individual condition before proceeding with treatment, so if you are considering treatment for melasma, please consult us first.
🏥 For Spectra Treatment of Age Spots and Melasma — Visit IC Clinic Shibuya
Q-Switched YAG Laser is a medical laser device for addressing skin pigmentation concerns. Its ability to deliver two different wavelengths of laser light means it can be used to address age spots, moles, freckles, and more.
In addition, it may also be used for deeper concerns such as melasma and tattoo removal.
Our clinic offers Spectra as our Q-Switched YAG Laser system. Laser Facial treatment using Spectra may also support skin texture improvement.
If you have concerns about age spots, melasma, or other pigmentation issues, please feel free to consult IC Clinic.
📌 Case Studies at Our Clinic
🔍 [Case Study] Female Patient in Her 50s — Q-Switched YAG Laser Treatment for Age Spots on the Back (Updated August 3, 2025)
This patient is a woman in her 50s who visited IC Clinic Shibuya with concerns about age spots (solar lentigines) and pigmentation that had spread across her back — something that had been bothering her for many years. After examination, the spots were identified as benign pigmented lesions caused by sun exposure, and Q-Switched YAG Laser treatment was performed. Each session was completed in a short time, and over the course of multiple treatments, the pigmentation gradually faded. Today, the overall skin tone appears more even and the back looks noticeably clearer. The patient shared that she now feels comfortable showing her back.
