Perigee QS for Pigment Removal

When patients visit Chernoff Cosmetic Surgery to address dark spots, birthmarks, hyperpigmentation and tattoo removal, our expert providers may recommend the use of our Perigee Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser. This powerful laser was designed to target various colors of pigment, acne scars, and can achieve significant lightening of tattoos.

Our staff will work with you on a treatment plan to meet your individual needs based on a number of factors, including the specific issue being treated and your medical history. To see if the Perigee Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser is the right treatment for your skin concern, please call our office to schedule your consultation.

On This Page

Procedure Description Conditions Treated What to Expect How Long do Results Last? Potential Side Effects Contact

How the Perigee Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser Works

The Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser works by targeting specific pigment in the skin, which only targets the damaged skin cells in a particular area. This laser utilizes two energy frequencies; 1064 nanometers, target darker pigment, and 532 nanometers, to address lighter pigment and more superficial skin layers.

Q-Switched lasers create laser beam pulses that last mere billionths of a second. Because the energy from the laser is emitted in such a brief period of time, the energy is concentrated into very powerful pulses.

These powerful, brief pulses have two key benefits in comparison to other kinds of lasers:

  1. These pulses are powerful enough to shatter tiny fragments of ink or pigmentation, stimulate collagen production, or kill fungus. Not all aesthetic lasers have sufficient power for these uses, which is why Q-Switched lasers are known for the efficacy.
  2. Because the energy is in the skin for mere nanoseconds, the surrounding tissue is not harmed. Only the ink is heated up and shattered and then absorbed into the bloodstream and eventually expelled from the body. The briefness of the pulse is what allows our laser to remove tattoos, excess melanin, or kill fungus, without unwanted side effects.

Conditions Treated using Perigee QS

  • Flat moles, pigment, sunspots, age spots, birthmarks
  • Traumatic tattooing, tattoo removal, or tattoo lightening or modification
  • Pigmented scars from injury, acne, or medically related
  • Skin discoloration caused by stretch marks

What to Expect

When you visit Chernoff Cosmetic Surgery for your consultation you’ll meet with your Patient Coordinator and your provider. Your provider will do a detailed assessment of your skin concerns, listen to your personal treatment goals and then create a personalized care plan.
If your providers determines that the Perigee Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser is a good treatment option, they will numb the area with a topical cream and provide you with protective eyewear.

Your provider will guide the laser across the treatment area, delivering those powerful bursts of energy to address your skin concerns. Mild discomfort is common during treatment. However, most patients handle this procedure well, and our expert providers will continue to ensure patient comfort.

How Long do Results Last?

A typical case will need several treatments to achieve optimal outcomes. The number of treatments will depend on the specific skin issue you are wanting to address and the size of the treatment area. Once completed, results will last indefinitely.

Potential Side Effects

Immediately after your procedure you may notice redness, swelling or mild bleeding at the treatment site. After a few days you might notice some crusting as the skin starts to heal. To reduce chances of scarring, it is important to keep the treated area clean with a thin layer of antibiotic ointment applied in between cleanings.

When considering non-surgical skin improvement, finding the right surgeon can mean the difference between great results and less than ideal results. Board certification, advanced training and skills, along with years of experience are important factors to consider when selecting your provider.

Over the last 30-years, Dr. Chernoff has been a keystone to the advancements in Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine. He is a pioneer in both surgical and non-surgical laser therapy, writing one of the first papers on CO2 Laser Resurfacing. His laser is extensive and has been instrumental in developing and refining laser techniques utilized by physicians worldwide.

You can trust your cosmetic laser treatments to Dr. Chernoff, a triple board certified facial and reconstructive plastic surgeon. Dr. Chernoff is certified by The American Board of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The American Board of Facial, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. To find out if the Perigee QS laser might be a good treatment option for you, call our Indianapolis office at 317-573-8899 to speak with one of our Patient Coordinators.