Technology
Q-Switch Nd:YAG Laser
QNL
Nanosecond-pulsed 1064 nm and 532 nm energy — the photoacoustic precision that shatters ink particles for tattoo removal and selectively targets melanin for pigmentation correction across all skin types.
In the ecosystem — 1 MANA device
Skin Rejuvenation · Tattoo & Pigmented Lesions · Acne · Scars · Hair Removal
01
What it is
The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser emits energy in extremely short pulses — nanoseconds — at two wavelengths: 1064 nm for deep pigment and dark ink, 532 nm for superficial or red pigment. The physics is photoacoustic: pulse duration is shorter than the thermal relaxation time of the pigment particles, so energy is absorbed faster than it can dissipate as heat. The result is a mechanical shockwave that shatters the particle without burning surrounding tissue.
This selectivity is what makes Q-switched lasers the clinical reference standard for tattoo removal and for a range of pigmented conditions — the surrounding dermis receives little to no collateral thermal damage.
02
How it works in tissue
For tattoo removal: fragmented ink particles, now small enough for macrophage uptake, are progressively cleared by the lymphatic system over weeks following each session. Multiple sessions are required because ink is distributed across tissue depths and macrophage clearance is gradual — the interval between sessions allows clearance to proceed before the next treatment adds more fragmented particles.
For pigmentation: melanin granules in the epidermis and upper dermis absorb the 532 nm wavelength preferentially, fracturing the concentrated pigment deposits responsible for solar lentigos, melasma components, and post-inflammatory discoloration, while surrounding keratinocytes and fibroblasts remain intact.
03
Where it earns its place
Tattoo removal is a growing patient category with no seasonal dependency and a long series commitment (average 5–10 sessions) — high lifetime patient value from a single consultation. Pigmentation correction, sold as a skin-clarity program, adds a second revenue lane: a higher proportion of aesthetic-medicine clientele, shorter series, and natural cross-sell to rejuvenation and LED treatments. Both programs benefit from the same device.
Independent clinical literature
The science, in the journals
Peer-reviewed research on Q-switched Nd:YAG laser for tattoo removal and pigmentation in aesthetic practice.
- 01The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser effectively treats tattoos: a controlled, dose-response studyKilmer SL, Lee MS, Grevelink JM, Flotte TJ, Anderson RR. Arch Dermatol. 1993;129(8):971–978. PMID 8352621 Prospective controlled study, n=25Excellent response (>75% ink removal) in 77% of blue-black tattoos after four sessions; no significant scarring or pigmentary changes observed.View →
- 02Tattoo removal by Q-switched Nd:YAG laser: an objective evaluation using histometryAl-Himdani S, et al. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2020;22(2):78–83. PMID 3100628566.7% of patients showed excellent histologically confirmed response; histometric analysis confirmed significant reduction in ink particle surface area, with no textural change or scarring.View →
- 03Retrospective clinical evaluation of Q-switched Nd:YAG laser safety and efficacy in tattoo removal: a new perspective on the Kirby-Desai scaleNegosanti L, et al. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024;23(4):1234–1240. PMID 38308455. Long-term retrospective, n=126Long-term follow-up revealed significantly higher tattoo clearance efficiency than short-term assessment, with fewer treatments required than predicted by the Kirby-Desai scale.View →
Independent publications on this technology class. Findings relate to the studied protocols and devices, not to any specific MANA device.
